Our Events
break the mold
Across Canada, young adults are discovering a proven model that’s values-led, community-owned, and built for lasting impact. In a world where the future feels increasingly out of reach, this national conversation is about taking it back—redefining ownership, breaking down barriers, and equipping you with the power to shape what comes next.
Past Events…
Co-ops 101
a 3-part series
Business Not as Usual, partnered with Co-operatives First, is excited to host Co-ops 101 - a 3-part virtual series created to help young adults explore the world of co-operatives. These short, interactive sessions will give you the knowledge, tools, and real-world examples you need to get started.
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January 27, 2026 | 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.
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February 3, 2026 | 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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February 10, 2026 | 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.
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
Did you miss our last few virtual events? Check out the recordings here. These sessions are designed to educate and build excitement and awareness about the Co-op business model.
Own Your Future
Own Your Future Event - October 16, 2025
This event is a national movement reimagining what work, business, and community can look like for a new generation. In this virtual conversation, you’ll hear from change-makers across Canada who are challenging “business as usual” and showing how co-operatives offer real, tangible solutions to today’s biggest challenges - from unstable work and housing to climate change and community resilience.
The Co-ops 101 Series
Session 1: What is a Co-op? January 27, 2026
In this first session of Co-ops 101, Business NOT As Usual teams up with Co-operatives First to introduce the co-operative model and explore how co-ops work in practice. Designed for students, young professionals, and anyone co-op curious, this session breaks down the basics in a clear, approachable way.
Session 2: Getting Involved in a Co-op. February 3, 2026
In this second session of Co-ops 101, we’re back with Co-operatives First to explore what it actually means to get involved in a co-operative. This session highlights the different ways people can participate — from membership and employment to leadership and directing — and the skills gained along the way.
Session 3: How to Start a Co-op. February 10, 2026
In this third and final session of Co-ops 101 with Co-operatives First, we walk through what it takes to start a co-operative. This session focuses on the early-stage steps — from identifying a shared need and gathering a founding group to understanding feasibility, governance, and available supports — offering a practical roadmap for turning an idea into a member-owned enterprise.
Own Your Future event —keynote speaker
david coletto
David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, will share research-driven insights about what Gen Z and Millennials are feeling—about trust, power, and work—and why co-operative models are so well aligned with their values. He’ll help ground the event in data and imagination.