A new Co-operative Development Strategy to help communities create and grow co-op businesses was announced by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) Minister Rosann Wowchuk.
Through the Co-operative Development Assistance Program launched in 2007, the province provided $65,000 to fund a process that has resulted in the co-operative community developing a vision statement with strategies for its implementation over the next 10 years.
“This strategy is an effective road map that will help guide co-operatives to their destination of success,” said Wowchuk. “In the past year, the Manitoba Cooperative Association (MCA), the Economic Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM), MAFRI and key stakeholders developed a co-op community strategy. Right now, the partners are working together to design and implement the appropriate resources to help existing and future co-operatives effectively manage their businesses and grow.”
The minister noted the province is working with the co-operative community to create and provide appropriate resources, educational tools and co-ordination to act on co-operative opportunities. The proposed recommendations include:
• provincial funding of up to $80,000 for research to measure the social and economic impact of the co-operative community in Manitoba;
• the creation of an interdepartmental working group to facilitate and support the use of the co‑operative model in delivery of programs and services by all appropriate government departments;
• the development of a strategy steering committee that will include representatives from MCA, CDEM and MAFRI to oversee the continued development and implementation of the co-operative strategy;
• provincial funding totalling $125,000 over two years to develop a curriculum that will support the development of co-operatives in areas such as project planning, management training, board governance, business planning, equity drives, and training and mentorship of boards, committees, management and staff.
“Our partnership with MAFRI and CDEM and our consultations with the public have resulted in an impressive development strategy that will benefit existing, new and future co-operatives and their communities,” said MCA chair Barry Gosnell. “We look forward to implementing the strategy and continuing to build on this progress with our partners.”
“CDEM is very excited and encouraged by the development of this strategy,” said Louis Allain, executive director of the CDEM. “We feel that moving forward with the help of the provincial government will have very positive results for the co-operative community in Manitoba.”
The new Co-operative Development Strategy will soon be available on the MCA website at manitoba.coop.
Through MAFRI GO Offices, the province offers assistance to individuals, groups and communities wishing to develop new co-operatives and to existing co-ops looking to expand their operations. Financial programs such as co-operative loan guarantees and co‑op promotion assistance are also available.
