CO-OPS 101

a 3-part series

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3 Sessions

Business Not as Usual is excited to host Co-ops 101, a three-part virtual series created to help young adults explore the world of co-operatives. Whether you’re curious about how co-ops work, want to join one, or are dreaming up your own, these short, interactive sessions will give you the knowledge, tools, and real-world examples you need to get started.

We’re joined by our partners at Co-operatives First, who bring deep experience supporting co-ops across Western Canada.

Register for each session below - sign up for 1, 2, or all 3 sessions!

  • JAN 27 | WHAT IS A CO-OP? | 12PM MT

    Get a clear, simple introduction to co-operatives: what they are, how they work, and why so many communities and industries rely on them. In this session, we’ll discuss the features that set co-ops apart, and how ordinary people use them to create jobs and accessibility to the goods and services they need.

    Register

  • FEB 3 | GET INVOLVED IN A CO-OP. | 12PM MT

    Learn what membership looks like, how co-ops make decisions, and the different ways you can get involved - as a member, volunteer, contributor, or employee. And, we’ll discuss the skills you can gain by serving on a co-op board or committee that will be valuable in your career.

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  • FEB 10 | HOW TO START A CO-OP. | 12PM MT

    Have an idea for a co-op? This session will break down the first steps, and the resources available to accelerate your development. Whether you’re starting a co-op to provide housing, to grow your business, to create jobs, or to meet some other goal, we’ll provide a roadmap for you and your team.

    Register

Learn More

    • 35–40 minutes of content

    • 15 minutes of live Q&A

    • Fully interactive sessions (cameras + mics welcome!)

    • National audience of young adults, students, and emerging leaders

    • Hosted by BNAU with special guests from Co-operatives First

    • Students & emerging professionals

    • Community builders

    • Entrepreneurs

    • Anyone curious about co-ops and alternative business models

    • Anyone who wants to work in purpose-driven spaces

Meet Our Speakers.

This series is co-hosted in partnership with Co-operatives First, an organization dedicated to strengthening co-operative businesses across Western Canada. Their team provides expert guidance, practical tools, and hands-on support to help communities start, grow, and sustain co-ops. From workshops and feasibility studies to governance resources and real-world case examples, Co-operatives First brings deep experience and on-the-ground knowledge to every session in this series.

Proudly supported by:


Alberta Co-operative Energy (ACE), the Government of Alberta, Co-op (Federated Co-operatives Limited) and the Alberta Community & Co-operatives Association (ACCA).