The project will include strategic discovery, information architecture, user experience, visual design, development, content migration, SEO and search/AI discoverability best practices, accessibility improvements, testing and launch.

BCCA will retain ownership of the website’s content, messaging and brand while working collaboratively with the successful vendor on strategy, UX, design and technical implementation. We intend to use a commercially available, block-based WordPress theme rather than develop a completely custom theme.

BCCA will lead content development internally. The successful vendor will provide strategic guidance and recommendations to help ensure that content is structured effectively for users, search engines and emerging AI-powered information-discovery.

Read our RPF

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The workshop is part of BCCA’s Ecosystem Mapping Project, which aims to better understand the organizations, relationships, strengths, and challenges that shape British Columbia’s co-operative ecosystem. By engaging co-operatives and ecosystem partners from across the province, the project seeks to identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration, improve coordination, and better support the growth and long-term success of the co-operative sector.

Throughout the day, participants worked together to map the ecosystem, explore where it is working well, identify persistent barriers, and discuss where collaboration could have the greatest impact. Conversations highlighted challenges such as access to capital, leadership development, technical assistance, policy support, and coordination across the sector. Just as importantly, they revealed a strong willingness among participants to learn from one another and work together to strengthen the co-operative movement in British Columbia.
The workshop builds on interviews conducted earlier this year with co-operatives and ecosystem partners from across the province. The insights gathered through both the interviews and the workshop will help inform the next phase of the project and continue to shape conversations about how the sector can work together more effectively.

BCCA extends its sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the workshop, to SHIFT Collaborative for their thoughtful facilitation, and to Vancity for funding the project and hosting the event. Their support, along with the contributions of every participant, is helping build a stronger understanding of BC’s co-operative ecosystem and the opportunities to strengthen it.

Join the Conversation

The conversation will continue at Further Together: The Summit for BC Co-ops this September. Conference participants will have the opportunity to review the findings from the Ecosystem Mapping Project, contribute their perspectives, and help identify opportunities for future collaboration across BC’s co-operative sector.

If you are interested in helping shape the future of BC’s co-operative ecosystem, we invite you to join us at the conference and be part of the conversation.

The post Co-operative Leaders Come Together to Map BC’s Co-operative Ecosystem appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to spend time with members and partners across British Columbia, and in June I attended Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada’s annual conference, where I connected with people from co-operatives across the country. Whether the conversation happens between conference sessions, in a boardroom, over coffee, or virtually, I almost always come away with a new perspective.

One thing that stood out to me was how much we have in common. While every co-operative and every community is unique, many of us are asking similar questions. How do we develop the next generation of leaders? How do we build resilient organizations? How do we create stronger communities? Most importantly, how can we learn from one another instead of trying to solve these challenges on our own?

What gives me optimism is the openness I continue to see. People are remarkably generous with their ideas, their experiences, and their willingness to help. Every conversation reminds me that one of the greatest strengths of the co-operative movement is not simply that we work differently. It’s that we genuinely believe we are stronger when we work together.

As we prepare for our conference, Further Together, this September, that spirit has been front of mind. Our goal is to create opportunities for meaningful conversations, practical learning, and new connections that continue long after the conference ends. I hope participants leave not only with new ideas, but with new relationships they can draw on for years to come.

Thank you for being part of BCCA and for the role you play in strengthening co-operation across British Columbia. I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter, and I look forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead.

The post Message from the Executive Director, July 2026 appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

This past year was very intentionally about building a strong foundation. One of the highlights for me was getting out into communities through the Co-op Tour and connecting with many of you – our members – in person. Those conversations were energizing and grounding, and they reinforced something I heard again and again: there’s a real desire across our sector for more connection – for more opportunities to learn from each other, share what’s working (and what’s not), and move forward together. That desire for connection is really at the heart of what membership in BCCA can offer.

At the same time, I know it’s not an easy moment for many co-ops. Economic pressures are real, capacity is stretched, and the pace of change can feel like a lot. If there’s one thing I keep coming back to, it’s that we don’t have to navigate this alone. There is so much strength in this network when we show up for each other.

With April 1 marking the start of Year 2 of our three-year plan, we’re already building on that. This next phase is about deepening those connections and creating more space for collaboration across the sector. You’ll see that come to life through our upcoming provincial conference and our ecosystem mapping work – both focused on bringing co-operators together to better understand where we are, where the gaps are, and what becomes possible when we align our efforts. This is exactly what membership in BCCA is meant to enable: creating the conditions for connection, shared learning, and collective action across our sector.

I want to say a sincere thank you to those of you who have already paid your membership dues. It might seem like a small thing, but it truly makes a difference. Your support is what allows us to do this work, and we don’t take that lightly. Over the past year, we’ve also introduced new ways to be part of BCCA, with different membership levels – including our new Friend and Associate options – so more people and organizations can connect into this work.

If you’re not yet a member, I’d love to invite you to join us. Being part of BCCA is really about being part of something bigger – a network of people and organizations working to strengthen and grow the co-operative sector across BC. I also hope you’ll join us at our upcoming AGM on May 27. It’s a chance to share what we’ve learned from Year 1, where we’re headed next, and to connect with others who care about this work as much as you do.

Thank you, as always, for the work you’re doing in your communities – and for being part of this.

Warmly,
Tara

The post Message from the Executive Director, May 2026 appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

Across British Columbia, co-operatives are doing remarkable work – creating good jobs, strengthening communities, and providing essential services in ways that reflect co-operative values. Yet even as the sector continues to grow and evolve, many of the opportunities before us depend on how effectively we collaborate across sectors, regions, and organizations.

This theme of collaboration feels especially timely right now. The newly released 2025 Top Co-op Issues Survey Report from the Canadian Centre for the Study of Cooperatives identifies collaboration across the sector as one of the top three challenges facing co-operatives today. Many co-ops want to work more closely together – to share knowledge, build partnerships, and tackle common challenges – but creating opportunities to connect across the movement can be difficult.

That’s one of the reasons we created Co-op Connect, BCCA’s virtual tradeshow for the co-operative sector.

Co-op Connect brings co-operatives together online to showcase their work, share ideas, and discover opportunities to collaborate. Through short presentations and interactive sessions, co-ops from across the province and sectors have the chance to learn about one another’s innovations, services, and impact. When we understand what other co-ops are doing and where our work intersects, new possibilities for collaboration emerge.

I hope many of you will be able to join us for Co-op Connect and be part of these conversations.

I would also like to invite members to save the date for BCCA’s Annual General Meeting on May 27, which will be held virtually. The AGM is an important opportunity to reflect on the past year, look ahead to the future, and reconnect with the community of co-operatives that make up BCCA.

And finally, I’m excited to share that BCCA will be hosting a provincial co-operative conference in Abbotsford on September 17 and 18. We are currently building an inspiring lineup of speakers from across the co-operative movement and designing the conference to be highly interactive. In addition to thought-provoking keynote sessions, participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and work together on real challenges and opportunities facing the co-operative sector today.

It promises to be an energizing opportunity to reconnect, learn from one another, and explore what greater collaboration across the sector could make possible.

Thank you for the work you do every day to demonstrate the power of co-operation in your communities. I look forward to continuing this work together.

Questions? Email us at connect@bcca.coop

The post Message from the Executive Director, March 2026 appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

BC’s economy faces mounting pressure from shifting US policy. But British Columbians are resilient, and we have a solution rooted in Canadian values – cooperation. Now, more than ever, we need to support local businesses that keep wealth in our communities, prioritize people over profit, and build an economy that works for everyone. Co-operatives are leading the way.

Co-ops: A Proven Engine for Economic Stability

Co-operatives and mutuals in Canada contribute more than $52.8 billion to Canada’s GDP, underscoring their significant economic impact. But beyond the numbers, co-operatives represent a fundamentally different approach to business—one that has proven more resilient during economic downturns.

British Columbia is home to over 700 co-operatives across sectors, including retail, housing, agriculture, renewable energy, and financial services. These businesses are built to serve their members, not distant shareholders, ensuring that profits stay within local communities rather than being siphoned out of the country.

While multinational corporations are vulnerable to global trade disputes and can make sudden decisions based on shareholder returns, co-ops are rooted in the local economy, making them more resilient to external shocks. Research shows that co-operatives have higher survival rates than conventional businesses, particularly during economic crises. By supporting co-operatives, we strengthen supply chains, preserve jobs, and ensure access to essential goods and services, even when global markets fluctuate.

Democratic Ownership: Your Voice Matters

One of the most distinctive features of co-operatives is their democratic structure. In a co-op, members have a say in how the business operates through the principle of “one member, one vote”, regardless of how much capital they’ve invested. This stands in stark contrast to traditional corporations, where voting power is proportional to share ownership, often concentrating control among a few wealthy investors.

This democratic governance means that co-ops respond to community needs rather than quarterly earnings reports. Whether you’re a customer at a food co-op, a resident in a housing co-op, or a member of a credit union, you have the power to influence decisions that affect your life and your community.

Keeping Wealth Local, Strengthening Communities

Co-operatives are member-owned businesses, meaning profits are reinvested into the community rather than being extracted by external shareholders. Canadian-owned co-ops reinvest a higher percentage of their revenues in the community than chain stores or externally owned businesses.

Unlike corporations that relocate operations at the first sign of financial trouble, co-ops are built to serve their members for the long haul. Nationally, non-financial co-ops employed over 100,000 people in 2021, providing stable, locally based jobs that aren’t subject to offshoring. In BC, co-ops have consistently reduced business costs for their members while maintaining essential services, helping businesses and communities weather economic storms.

Co-ops reinvest in their communities in tangible ways. They fund local initiatives, support grassroots innovation, and provide services where traditional businesses often fail. When you support a co-op, your money stays local, creating a multiplier effect that benefits everyone in the community.

Co-ops Fill Critical Gaps

Co-operatives often emerge in response to market failures – when conventional businesses won’t serve a community because it’s not profitable enough. Rural communities across BC have established food co-ops when the last grocery store closed. Housing co-ops provide affordable, secure housing in cities where rental markets have become unaffordable. Worker co-ops preserve jobs and expertise when businesses face closure.

This adaptability makes co-ops particularly valuable during economic uncertainty. They’re not waiting for someone else to solve community problems – they’re member-driven solutions that put local needs first.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Co-operatives often lead the way in sustainable business practices. Because they’re accountable to their members who live in the community, co-ops have built-in incentives to protect the environment and promote social well-being. Many BC co-ops are pioneers in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ethical business practices.

The co-operative model naturally aligns with long-term thinking. Without the pressure to maximize short-term profits for distant shareholders, co-ops can invest in sustainable practices that benefit future generations.

A Call to Action: Strengthen BC’s Economy Through Co-operation

With trade tensions and economic uncertainty, we must build a stronger, self-reliant economy – one that prioritizes people over profit. Supporting co-operatives is one of the most effective ways to do that. Whether through membership, partnerships, or policy advocacy, your support for co-ops today will shape a more resilient BC for tomorrow.

Actions You Can Take

Supporting co-operatives isn’t just about belief—it’s about action. Here’s how you can get involved:

Join a local co-op: Whether it’s a credit union, grocery store, housing co-op, or another member-driven business, your membership strengthens the co-operative economy. Explore a list of BC co-ops here: BCCA Member Directory.

Shop co-op: Make intentional choices about where you spend your money. Choosing co-ops over chain stores keeps more money circulating in your community.

Advocate for co-ops: Talk to your local representatives about policies that support co-operative growth and resilience in BC. This could include tax incentives, procurement policies that favor co-ops, or funding for co-op development.

Spread the word: Share the co-op model with friends, family, and colleagues – awareness is the first step to change. Many people don’t realize that their credit union, local grocery store, or housing provider might be a co-operative.

Start a co-op: If you see a need in your community that isn’t being met, consider whether a co-operative model could address it. Resources and support are available through organizations like BCCA.

If you’re a co-op: Become a member of BCCA to strengthen our collective voice and access valuable resources.

The Co-operative Advantage: Values That Matter

Ultimately, choosing co-ops is about choosing a different kind of economy – one built on cooperation rather than competition, on community wealth rather than individual accumulation, on democratic participation rather than top-down control. In times of uncertainty, these values aren’t just idealistic – they’re practical strategies for building resilience.

The post Why Choose Co-ops in 2026? appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

Thank you to everyone who completed the 2025 Member Survey — your feedback is helping shape the future of BCCA. This year’s results show strong momentum: member satisfaction has risen to 75%, and your confidence in our work shines through in an excellent Net Promoter Score of 57. You also told us that our newsletter, advocacy, networking events, and workshops continue to be some of the most valuable supports we offer.

You shared significant challenges — rising costs, access to capital, governance needs, and member engagement and identified three clear ways BCCA can increase member value: more financial support, more education and capacity-building, and more opportunities to connect. We’re already taking action. We recently launched the Membership Support Fund with Nelson & District Credit Union and we are exploring provincial expansion in 2026.

Our successful Mentorship Hour pilot will become a regular, bi-monthly offering in 2026. And to strengthen peer connection and community, we’re excited to share that BCCA will host a province-wide conference in fall 2026. This infographic highlights the key themes from your feedback and what matters most to our members.

See full results of 2025 Member Survey

The post Member Survey 2025 appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

As we step into the new year, I am deeply grateful for this incredible co-operative community and the many ways you showed up for one another – and for us – over the past year. Everywhere we went on the Co-op Tour, we were welcomed with warmth, generosity, and openness. Those conversations and shared stories reminded me just how resilient BC’s co-ops are, and how much possibility emerges when we come together.

The tour also sparked new thinking about how we can better support emerging co-ops and those facing financial challenges. From these conversations came the Membership Dues Support Fund – a new pilot in the Kootenay region, championed by Nelson & District Credit Union, that helps co-ops experiencing temporary financial strain remain connected to both provincial and regional networks. This initiative reflects the spirit of mutual aid at the heart of our movement, and we hope to expand it provincially this year so that even more co-ops can stay engaged and supported.

Another highlight of 2025 was the launch of our Mentorship Hours, which have quickly become thoughtful, generous learning spaces where members share expertise, experience, and curiosity with one another. Thank you to everyone who contributed time and wisdom – you are helping build a culture of collaboration and mutual support across our sector.
That same spirit of connection was also present at Co-ops at the Capital, where co-ops from across BC gathered at the Legislature to share their stories, build relationships with MLAs, and strengthen our collective voice. The conversations that took place that day reinforced the importance of making the co-operative sector visible – not only as an economic force, but as a values-driven approach to building resilient communities.

We also hosted our first virtual trade show – a new way to showcase the breadth of co-op products and services across BC. Based on the enthusiastic response and feedback, we’re excited to bring it back on March 12 with new features to deepen engagement and value for presenters and attendees.

Looking ahead, this year our focus is on strengthening our network and expanding our reach. We’re welcoming new Friends and Associate members into BCCA, because the more people and organizations connected to this movement, the stronger and more impactful we become. We’re also developing new member supports and benefits to help co-ops access the tools and guidance they need to thrive. And while last year we travelled across the province, this year we’ll be inviting co-ops to come together – with plans underway for a fall conference where we can reconnect, reflect, and continue building momentum.

We enter this year at a time when many people – here at home and around the world – are living with uncertainty and rapid change. In moments like these, the co-operative model matters more than ever. It reminds us that we are stronger in solidarity, that care and community can guide decision-making, and that shared ownership builds shared resilience. I am proud to walk alongside you in this work.

Thank you for your commitment to co-operation. I’m looking forward to all that this year will bring and to what we will build together.

Sincerely,
Tara Chernoff

The post Message from the Executive Director, January 2026 appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

Nelson, BC — December 3, 2025 — Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU), the BC
Co-operative Association (BCCA), and the Upper Columbia Co-op Council (UCCC), are pleased to announce the launch of the Membership Dues Support Fund, a new initiative designed to help emerging co-operatives and those experiencing financial hardship remain connected to the provincial and regional co-operative network.

Launched in celebration of NDCU’s 75th anniversary, the Fund reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the co-operative ecosystem and supporting the long-term resilience of co-operatives across the Kootenays. By removing financial barriers to BCCA and UCCC membership, the initiative ensures co-ops can access the learning, advocacy, and peer support that are most critical during early-stage development or times of financial strain.

“As we celebrate 75 years of serving our communities, we wanted this milestone to reflect our
deep commitment to co-operative values,” said Tom Atkins, Senior Manager – Member
Experience at NDCU. “Co-operatives play a powerful role in building resilient local economies.
By supporting emerging and financially strained co-ops, we’re strengthening the fabric of our
region and helping ensure these important organizations have the support they need to thrive.”

The idea for the Fund emerged during the 2025 BC Co-op Tour stop in Nelson, where local
co-operatives shared stories of both opportunity and challenge. The resulting collaboration
brings together NDCU’s community leadership, UCCC’s regional knowledge, and BCCA’s
provincial mandate to support the sector.

“This initiative embodies the true spirit of co-operation among co-operatives,” said Tara
Chernoff, Executive Director of BCCA. “NDCU’s leadership sets an inspiring example, and
UCCC’s regional partnership ensures the program is grounded in local needs. We are thrilled to
launch this pilot together and to build a model that can be replicated across British Columbia.”

The Membership Dues Support Fund will be administered by BCCA with support from UCCC
and is intended to serve as a blueprint for similar regional initiatives across the province.

For more information about the Membership Dues Support Fund, including eligibility and application details, visit Membership Dues Support Fund.

About Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU)

Founded in 1950, Nelson & District Credit Union has proudly served the communities of Nelson, Rossland, and the East Shore for 75 years. NDCU is rooted in the values of community resilience and co-operative service and continues to be a trusted financial partner to families, businesses, and co-operatives across the region.

About the BC Co-operative Association (BCCA)

The BC Co-operative Association strengthens BC’s co-operative economy through advocacy,
education, and collaboration. Representing more than 100 co-operatives and credit unions,
BCCA works to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future through co-operative
enterprise.

About the Upper Columbia Co-op Council (UCCC)

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council supports, promotes, and connects co-operatives throughout the Upper Columbia region. Through education, outreach, and sector development, UCCC strengthens local co-op networks and fosters the growth of co-operative enterprises.

The post New Co-op Membership Dues Support Fund Launches in the Kootenays appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.

The event aimed to build awareness of the co-operative model in British Columbia, showcase the diversity of co-op organizations across sectors, and lay the groundwork for continued advocacy on behalf of the co-op movement.

Throughout the day, co-op leaders shared stories of community impact and innovation, reinforcing how co-operatives contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

A sincere thank-you to The Honourable Sheila Malcolmson and Parliamentary Secretary Joan Phillip for making this opportunity possible, and to Coast Capital for providing lunch for our member co-ops and Modo for supporting transportation and helping us share our story.

The post What a Day! Co-ops at the Capital appeared first on BC Co-operative Association.