What’s New With Us

Co-operative Incubator Pilot Project

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Co-operative Incubator Pilot Project! 

Thank you to our supporters: The Government of Canada (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (Department of Industry, Energy and Technology), Co-operators, Atlantic Credit Unions, and Atlantic Edge Credit Union. 

The Pilot of the Co-operative Incubator will run from February – July 2024 and will support five groups in the Northeast Avalon Region of Newfoundland & Labrador interested in starting new co-operative enterprises to go from idea to incorporation in a robust 6-month long program. The primary aspects of the program are a schedule of Trainings and Workshops, Mentoring Teams, Co-working and Peer Support Opportunities, as well as Access to Funding. 

Keep an eye out for updates and reach out to Kristen, Project Specialist, at kristen@nlfc.coop if you’re interested in engaging or supporting the project in any way! 

We’re Moving! 

Exciting news! Our head office is moving in September, and we are exploring locations in the St. John’s Metro Region. 
 
Wouldn’t it be great to have shared and collaborative spaces at our new location where we could come together to learn and share?! Well, that is just what our team is looking for! 
 
Our vision is a space ideal for co-operative groups without their own physical locations to complete project work. And what better place for a group to work on creating a new co-op than a bustling collaborative space of expertise! 
 
Are you or your group interested in access to a shared space for co-ops to work and collaborate? A place for individuals or small teams to come together for project work, or day to day? Maybe you need a board room for full day board meetings? 
 
Let us know your needs now! 

Upcoming Events

Co-op Week 2023

We’ve begun our planning for Co-op Week and are looking forward to celebrating all things co-op and organizing another full week of professional development and opportunities for collaboration! That’s why we want to hear from you. 
 
Let us know your plans so we can promote them on our dedicated Coop Week page! Is there something we can partner on or accomplish together? Reach out and let us know. 

Open Call for Presenters for Co-op Week!

If you or someone you know would like to present to our membership on a topic of interest, please reach out to us with details.

Co-op Resources & Opportunities

(Remote) Executive Assistant Position with the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation

The Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation (CWCF) is a national, bilingual grassroots membership organization of and for worker co-operatives, related types of co-operatives, and organizations that support the growth and development of worker co-operatives. 

CWCF is seeing an ambitious, results-driven Executive Assistant to support the Executive Director and other staff. This role requires a flexible, preferably bilingual individual capable of performing a mix of tasks. This position can be remote. The position will be full-time (35 hours per week) starting in early August, 2023, or as soon as possible. 

Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada VOICE for Women and Girls Volunteering Opportunity

Make a difference in the lives of girls and women while advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. There are many opportunities available in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Malawi. The VOICE for Women and Girls (VOICE) project, a partnership between the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and Global Affairs Canada. VOICE offers opportunities for cooperatives and credit unions professionals like yourself. Commitments range from six months to a year. Here are some mandates available. For a complete list of opportunities, please consult the Volunteer Recruitment webpage. 

Community Grant Program Announced

Atlantic Edge Credit Union has announced an exciting new Community Grant Program!

The program will provide funding to community stakeholders whose values and activities align with their efforts to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits to members and their communities. 

Applications open from Sept 1 to Oct 27!

Co-operative Outreach Fund 

The NLFC wish to promote the Co-op model in Newfoundland & Labrador while supporting the growth and development of the sector. The Co-operative Outreach Fund is to encourage the development of smaller co-operatives by helping them gain co-op knowledge and progress in their development, building the co-operative sector.  
 
The fund is intended for funding travel within Newfoundland & Labrador for the purposes of attending meetings with other co-operatives, communities, or like-minded organizations such as outreach for co-operative development, outreach for co-operative partnerships, outreach for co-operative growth, and/or outreach for co-operative promotion. Some of our members have already taken advantage of the Fund to network at our most recent AGM, thank you! 
 
Potential usage of the funds can include but are not limited to travel costs for gasoline, vehicle rental, community or meeting room rental fees, accommodations, and/or specific meeting supplies. Co-ops can apply multiple times and can receive a maximum of up to $1,000 per fiscal year from the total fund, until the fund is exhausted. Successful applicants will be selected based on level of most need. 
 
The application period will be open from April 1st of 2023 to March 31st, 2024. NLFC Member co-ops can apply at any time. 
 
Email Dave at dave@nlfc.coop if you have any concerns or questions! 

Co-operators COVID-19 Assistance Fund 

Congratulation and thank you to our member co-ops who applied for the second round of the Cooperators Covid-19 Co-operative Assistance Fund. The following members have been awarded $1,000 grants. 

• Co-operative Solutions Group 
• Baie Verte Consumers Co-op 
• St. John’s Farmer’s Market 
• Yoga Kula Co-op 
• Confederation Building Daycare Centre Co-operative Society Ltd 
• Petty Harbour Fishermen’s Producer Co-operative Society 
• Growing Our Future Childcare Co-operative 
• Social Justice Co-op Newfoundland & Labrador 

We have some funds remaining so if you missed the application period please reach out. 

Members Section

Fogo Island Co-operative Society

The proud progenitors of the “Fogo Process”

When the province called to resettle, they stayed and thrived for 50 years thereafter.

Learn more about their wonderful story.

Fort Townshend Childcare Co-operative

Since 2015, Fort Townshend has provided dedicated and passionate childcare services to families of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Their Early Childhood Educators and support staff are also proudly represented by CUPE Local 4554-02!

Thoughts & Ideas

Could Co-operatives Help Rural Communities in Atlantic Canada Be Self-Sufficient?  

Our very own Kristen co-authored an article for Inspiring Communities on their Atlantic Changemakers Council. The article mentions the Fogo Island Co-operative Society, the North Shore Central Ambulance Co-operative, and the St. John’s Farmer’s Market!