The Co-op Futures Challenge

Question. Challenge. Change.

The Co-op Futures Challenge invites post-secondary students from across Canada to investigate one of the biggest questions facing the co-operative movement—and develop practical, evidence-informed solutions for the future.

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Alberta Energy Co-operative

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Federated Co-operatives Ltd.

Alberta Co-operative & Community Association

What if business looked different?

Most business competitions ask students to solve a company's problem.

This challenge asks something different.

Why, despite over a century of success, are co-operatives still not considered a mainstream business model in Canada?

Rather than rushing to solutions, students will investigate the systems, structures, and assumptions that shape today's business landscape before proposing meaningful, evidence-informed ideas for change.

Inspired by the internationally recognized Map the System methodology, the Co-op Futures Challenge rewards curiosity, critical thinking, and systems thinking— there is no "right" answer.

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This Year's Challenge Question:

Why aren't co-operatives a mainstream business model in Canada—and how can we change that?

Students will explore the educational, financial, cultural, and structural barriers limiting co-operative adoption before proposing practical interventions that could help strengthen the future of co-operation in Canada.

The challenge question is informed by the 2025 Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives Top Co-op Issues Survey, ensuring participants are exploring an issue identified by the sector itself.

How the Challenge Works

Register Your Team

September

Form a team of 3 students and complete your registration before the deadline. Teams are welcome from any Canadian post-secondary institution and any area of study.

Research & Collaborate

October

Investigate this year's challenge question using a systems-thinking approach. Work together to explore the root causes of the issue, connect with your assigned sector mentor, attend our sessions and develop thoughtful, evidence-informed ideas.

Submit Your Paper

October

Prepare and submit your written report by the competition deadline. Your analysis will be evaluated using the official judging rubric, with the highest-scoring teams advancing to the final round.

Present Your Ideas

November

Finalist teams will travel to Edmonton to present their findings at the 2026 Alberta Co-operative Conference, sharing their ideas with leaders from across Canada's co-operative sector.

Who Should Participate?

This challenge is open to students from every discipline.

You do not need prior knowledge of co-operatives.

Whether you study:

  • Business

  • Agriculture

  • Economics

  • Public Policy

  • Communications

  • Environmental Studies

  • Sociology

  • Engineering

  • Or something completely different...

Fresh perspectives are exactly what we're looking for.

Teams of 3 students

Any Canadian post-secondary institution

Why Participate?

  • Investigate a complex national issue using systems-thinking tools.

  • Connect with sector mentors to ask questions and get clarification. Attend sessions that are designed to make connect you with real-life successful co-opertives.

  • Finalist teams will present live at the Alberta Co-operative Conference in mid-November.

  • Connect with co-operative leaders, organizations, and fellow students from across Canada.

  • $3,000 cash prize pool.

  • Your ideas could help shape future conversations across Canada's co-operative sector.

Key Dates

  • Registration Opens

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    An interactive session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.

  • Registration Deadline

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    An interactive session for makers and thinke

  • Report Submission

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    An interactive session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.

  • Finalist Presentations

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Upcoming Experiences

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How does it work?

5 Page Written Report (Single-spaced)

Investigate the challenge question and develop evidence-informed recommendations.

Stage 1

Live Presentation

Top 3 finalist teams present their findings at the Alberta Co-operative Conference.

Stage 2

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

Big ideas start with big questions.

Whether you're a student, educator, or co-operative leader, we'd love to have you involved.

Register Your Team
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