Financing the start up or expansion of a co-operative can be a challenge.
You'll need to create your co-op's Financial and Business plans, and determine how much financing and capital the co-op will need for start up.
To help you build your understanding of the options, SCA created a webinar that gives a brief overview of co-operative financing. We’ve also linked to some other resources and helpful videos.
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- Webinar on co-operative financing
- Videos on co-operative financing and securities
- Co-opZone
- Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund
- SquareOne
- Canada Small Business Finance Corporation
- Western Economic Diversification and Small Business BC
Webinar
SCA's Introduction to Co-operative Financing webinar provides a working definition of financing; and helps you determine financing needs; understand types of capital used for financing; and approaches to obtaining financing.
Videos on Co-operative Financing and Securities
Additional Resources
Co-opZone
Main sources of financing that co-operatives may be able to access for start-up (note: some of the information is outdated): http://www.coopzone.coop/en/financing.
Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund
CCIF provides capital and alternative financing for co-operatives
SquareOne
Fact sheets that may be helpful in understanding financing and lending options for businesses.
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
Western Economic Diversification and Small Business BC
Guide to Financing Your Social Enterprise - explains the different approaches to funding and financing enterprises, which may be helpful for co-operatives seeking an understanding of financing options.