Alberta Community and Co-operative Association (ACCA)

View Original

Co-operators Community Funds - Co-op Impact Program

As Canada experiences a second COVID-19 wave, small and medium-sized co-operatives are continuing to adapt their operations in order to thrive. To support ongoing innovation, a total of $1 million in loan capital has been made available through the Co-operators Community Funds – Co-op Impact Program. Through this program, eligible co-operatives can apply for low-interest loans (between $40,000-$100,000) to support projects and initiatives that will help them adapt to emerging needs in challenging times.

The Co-op Impact Program is designed to support small and medium co-operatives who are pivoting and innovating to develop new products, services or solutions to support their members and communities during the uncertainty of a pandemic. This program is complementary to existing credit union and other financing sources, such as the Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund.Co-operators Community Funds – Co-op Impact Program.

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Registered co-operatives in Canada

  • Small (1-99 employees) or medium (100-499 employees) sized

  • Adapting an existing project or creating a new project as a result of COVID-19 or changing the co-operative business plan to address the impacts of COVID-19

  • Seeking a repayable loan between $40,000 and $100,000 at 3% interest rate

  • Your co-operative and project are creating positive social, economic, or environmental impacts

We invite you to share this information with your members, colleagues, and peers who may be interested in knowing more or applying for capital as they adapt to emerging needs.

Learn more about Co-operators Community Funds – Co-op Impact Program, including a 5-minute self-assessment to help co-operatives determine whether they should consider applying. 

Should you have any questions about this program, please contact Greg Elliott, Senior Advisor – Sustainability & Citizenship at greg_elliott@cooperators.ca.