By Kenzie Love An environmental consultancy based in Sackville, New Brunswick, Aster Group launched in 2013, the brainchild of a small group whose members all had a history of working for either government or nonprofit organizations. The members wanted an entity that would bring together their expertise in various areas and offer them autonomy while … Aster Group’s Members Have Diverse Skills But Common Values
By Kenzie Love For Vancouver Island-based worker co-op Weaver Digital Design & Storytelling, the year since its launch has been one to remember, with the impact of the pandemic offering both challenges and opportunities. Initial concerns about whether there would be enough work to go around were soon replaced by the realization that there might … Creating Websites Just the Starting Point for Weaver Digital Design & Storytelling
It’s sometimes said that “if you love what you do, you’ll never ‘work’ again.” It might seem like a cliche. But for the members of Toronto’s Urbane Cyclist, it’s not very far from the truth. Urbane’s founding in 1997 was led by the late Eugene Yao, who wanted to establish a repair shop specifically for … Urbane Cyclist Places Passion Over Profits – Kenzie Love
When it comes to building houses, Winnipeg’s Sun Certified Builders Co-operative firmly believes that less is more. By building “passive houses”, well-insulated buildings that require little energy for heating or cooling, Sun Certified’s builders are able to deliver houses that have a lower carbon footprint than ones heated or cooled with conventional technology. “If you … Sun Certified Proves That Less Can Be More – Kenzie Love
By Kenzie Love With its physical demands, always-present risk of injury, and sometimes unpleasant weather, bicycle courier work might not seem like a dream job. And for an employee of a traditional business, it probably isn’t. But when it comes to working for Toronto’s SendIt Courier worker co-op, Kat Exner couldn’t be happier. “I just … SendIt Courier Offers Deliveries with a Difference
From its modest origins as a bike repair shop in founder Jawn Lafratta’s basement to the multifaceted operations it now carries out in Nanaimo’s downtown core, Hub City Cycles has come a long way. Established as a multi-stakeholder co-op in 2012, Hub City grew out of the desire of Lafratta and his two cofounders to … Hub City Cycles is “the Little Co-op That Could” – Kenzie Love
By Kenzie Love Newly incorporated as a co-operative and looking forward to a busy spring and summer, Island Flower Growers Co-operative (IFGC) had its first market of the season scheduled for April 1, 2020. It wasn’t intended as an April Fool’s joke — although by the time that date rolled around, it was clear that … Island Flower Growers Succeeds Amidst Difficult Times
BeetBox Farm is a worker co-op that places community at the heart of its operations. Established in 2017 near Nepean, Ontario, its founders were driven by a desire to grow healthy food they could share with people in the surrounding area, primarily through their Community Supported Agriculture program. The BeetBox program allows participants to receive … BeetBox Farm Cultivates Community – Kenzie Love
When Andrew Loveland started working for Planet Bean in Guelph, Ontario, three years ago, he didn’t know much about worker co-ops. But he had a passion for coffee and an interest in ensuring it was Fairtrade Certified. If those were the things that got him to join Planet Bean, however, it was the worker … Planet Bean Finds Success With New Model
In the almost 20 years since it set up shop in Nelson, BC, the Kootenay Bakery Cafe’ Cooperative has developed a reputation for nourishing food and a welcoming environment. The Cafe’ has always emphasized customer service — with the understanding that what’s good for its customers is good for its employees too. The business that … Kootenay Bakery Cafe’ Co-operative Has Found a Recipe for Success – Kenzie Love