Program Description
The Co-operative Incubator Pilot Program supported 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, Coworking and Peer Support Opportunities, as well as Access to Funding.
Location: For the pilot of this program, municipalities included in the Northeast Avalon Region will be considered to be St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Conception Bay South, Holyrood, Petty Harbour/Maddox Cove, Portugal Cove-St. Philips, Bell Island, Bauline, Pouch Cove, Flatrock, Torbay, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Bay Bulls and Witless Bay.
Program Period: February 2024 – July 2024
Benefits/Services of the Program
Training & Workshops
A schedule of training and workshops to assist groups through the development process, such as co-operative governance, financial management, and conflict resolution.
Mentoring Teams
Each group will be surrounded by a customized group of mentors who will work closely with them to evaluate progress, fill in gaps, and make connections.
Coworking & Peer Support
Opportunities to cowork in person will be made available to those participating in the program, as well as an online community space to interact throughout the program.
Access to Funding
Each group will receive an award of $5000 upon completion of the program, incorporation of the new co-op. Groups will also be assisted in the program with other funding and financing opportunities.
Meet the Graduates
Killick Coast North Seniors Co-operative
"Killick Coast North Seniors Co-operative is a community service co-operative, offering services to the public and to members helping them age well at home and in their communities. The co-op will serve the communities in the Killick Coast North region as prescribed by the board of directors and the membership. We consider memberships open to all pensioners of any age, and all who choose to call themselves senior citizens regardless of age and all others who would like to associate themselves with the co-operative and help them in their purpose: Aging well at home."
Newfoundland & Labrador Composting Co-operative
"The NL Composting Co-operative will facilitate organics stewardship throughout the province through co-operation within and at the community level, prioritizing local economies and needs, and organizing tangible, grassroots solutions delivering measurable results. These improvements will include soil health, creating revenue and jobs, and improving the health of the environment and the community."
New Assurance Co-operative
"New Assurance Co-operative is a community service co-operative aiming to build new pathways to belonging for Newcomers. Our mission is to empower Newcomers to achieve their full potential by promoting access to affordable car insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Additionally, we are dedicated to fostering community sustainability and a deep sense of belonging, contributing to the overall well-being, integration, and thriving of newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador."
Graduation Ceremony
Congrats to the Women's Fishing & Cultural Co-operative!
About a month after the graduation ceremony, the Women’s Fishing and Cultural Co-operative officially incorporated! We are thrilled to consider them the fourth graduate of the Co-operative Incubator Pilot Program!
“Women’s Fishing & Cultural Co-operative (WFCC) will focus a feminist lens on fishing knowledge, and the creative and community use of sustainably caught fish! We strive for 100% use of each fish while providing opportunities for youth, artists, entrepreneurs, tourists, and others who are experiencing barriers to commercial fishery access. The co-operative model provides an equitable way to participate in the blue economy.”
Support the Future
How can you get involved in creating the next generation of co-ops in Newfoundland & Labrador? We are always interested in hearing how you’d like to support this program and project.
- Facilitation of informational and interactive trainings or workshops on a topic relevant to starting new co-ops (for example, governance, strategic planning, social impact, team dynamics, community relations, and so much more)
- Become a mentor to start-up co-op enterprises (for example, you are a co-op leader or developer, have any kind of industry expertise, are a business or economic development officer, are a community leader in any way, have financial or legal expertise, etc.)
- Making suggestions for coworking spaces that we can offer at no or low cost to developing co-op groups.
- Make a financial contribution/sponsorship to this project or offer support for participants to avail of funding or financing you are familiar with
- Share this opportunity with your team, board, members, partners, clients, friends, and community!
Pilot Project Supporters
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Fund
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Regional Development Fund
“Co-operatives and credit unions are democratically controlled organizations focused on achieving common goals and supporting the economic and social well-being of the communities they serve. Deeply connected to their communities, co-operatives understand local economic realities and help create inclusive economies that benefit all. Guided by our values of fairness, honesty, and trust, credit unions share a commitment to helping build strong, vibrant communities. Collaborating on initiatives like the NLFC’s Co-operative Incubator Project strengthens the co-operative movement by fostering the growth, development, and success of new and emerging co-operative enterprises.”
“When confronted by challenges as individuals, we might be tempted to despair. Yet through co-operative business philosophies – and the important lessons we learned during the pandemic about collective adaptability, agility, and resilience – our communities can face uncertainties together with strength. Co-operatives are guided by principles that include ‘co-operation among co-operatives’; meaning we work together to strengthen and grow our business model. Co-operators is proud to support the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives‘ Co-operative Incubator Project to build capacity and tap into the collective strength of our community to meet our own needs though growing the co-operative business model.”
“Co-operatives and credit unions are values-based organizations, uniquely positioned to meet the economic, social, and cultural needs of our communities and stakeholders. This is highlighted throughout our province, as we have seen a diverse range of co-operatives formed to fill gaps that are otherwise unsolved through traditional models. Atlantic Edge Credit Union (AECU) is proud to support the Co-operative Incubator Project through the NLFC, knowing that these newly emerging co-ops will continue to strengthen and empower our province and communities, providing ethical, sustainable value to all.”
Press & Media
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Project Contact:
Kristen Murray, Co-operative Development Officer
Cell: (709) 697 – 5810
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