History
CoopZone was incorporated in 2009, after the successful completion of a business case, financially supported by The Co-operators. Since then, though autonomous in terms of governance, our administration and management has been supported first by the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF), followed by Conseil de la coopération de l’Ontario (CCO).
Partnerships
We work closely with co-op organizations across Canada, especially the CWCF, as our members are deeply rooted in the Canadian co-operative community. We have been supported by a number of institutional co-operatives and mutuals since our inception, including The Co-operators, VanCity, the Assiniboine Credit Union.
Governance
Our governance structure is made up of 9 seats, including 5 regional directors (BC, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic), one Professional Service Provider and three at-large directors.
Membership
We have approximately 40 members, including co-operative developers, lawyers within the co-op sector, and other professional service providers. The way in which they have invested in the co-op is with annual member dues, and also freely sharing their time and expertise (without charge) by responding to questions and making referrals on the member listserv.
The CoopZone Developers’ Network Co-operative is a bilingual network that brings together, supports, and unifies the voice of professional co-operative developers and professional service providers (e.g., lawyers, accountants) across Canada.
In accordance with our latest strategic plan, our mission is to be a catalyst for co-operative developers and professional service providers to foster the social economy through the development of co-operatives.
Join us at the CoopZone Developers Gathering!
Free event · June 8, 2025 · 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Schedule
The Co-op Development Ecosystem - 9:00 to 10:30am
This first session will focus on mutual familiarization and networking activities, as well as framing the co-op development ecosystem. Featuring a presentation from Denyse Guy with the newly published Co-op Development Landscape Report!
Issues, opportunities and allies - 11:00 to 12:30pm
This session will utilize the experience in those in the room, as well as the ideas of new and aspiring professionals. The intent is to delve into developer-specific issues and opportunities (i.e. conversions), as well as identify potential partners for mutual success.
CoopZone AGM - 1:30 to 3:00pm
Financing Sources and Opportunities - 3:30 to 5:00 pm
CoopZone is looking for sponsors to support our Developers Gathering
at CMC Congress 2026!
Our goal is $2,500 and all contributions go directly to hosting the event. Please contact info[@]coopzone.org to become a sponsor!
Gold $500 · Silver $250 · Bronze $100
Thank you to our Gold sponsors:
The CoopZone Online Training Program
for Co-operative Developers is Ongoing!
Our education philosophy is to share knowledge and experience on a practical level. The skillsets and lessons learned throughout this program will transfer across industries and provinces, just like the co-operative model.
Co-op development is a complex and rewarding activity. Co-operatives are uniquely positioned to help people in communities work together to address the challenges that our society is facing, including economic inequality, the affordability of everyday life, and the growing impacts from the climate emergency.
When can I get started?
That’s up to you: We’re accepting new students ongoingly!
Option A: Take the full two-year program, be matched with a co-op development mentor and join the community of practice at CoopZone!
Option B: Pick and choose which courses interest you, and individually add CoopZone Courses to your professional development plan.
Option C: Reach out to us for customized training courses and webinars!
How much is the tuition?
Courses cost $750 each. We encourage people without the financial means to apply for bursaries to take our co-op developer training courses.
The CoopZone Training Program owes much of its success to the generous support of co-operative organizations from coast to coast who are able to contribute training bursaries to help cover the tuition cost of some trainees, including Co-operators, Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF), Red House Solutions and Iler Campbell.
What should I expect?
Each course involves a time commitment of one to two hours a week, depending on the student’s level of participation working through:
- A rich digital collection of digital articles, tools and case studies
- Two 60 – 90 minute participatory webinars for each course, and access to the recordings
- Two 60 minute mentorship sessions for each course with your co-op developer mentor
- One peer group assignment with other participants and two individual assignments for each course, typically one per month. Assignments are evaluated by the instructors on a pass/fail basis.
Who should learn about developing co-op enterprises?
Everyone! Including, but not limited to:
- Anyone interested in the solidarity economy and/or social enterprises
- Anyone focusing on Indigenous and Inuit economic ownership and control
- Employees and directors of sectoral co-op federations
- Business development advisors and organizations
- Community economic development practitioners
- Equity-deserving groups focusing on shared goals and needs
- Founding employee-owners and directors of new(er) worker co-ops
- Steering group members exploring co-op models for the first time
- Newly incorporated co-ops who are building their foundation and future
- Employees and directors of provincial co-operative associations
What do people say about the program?
“CoopZone instructors are great, and the mentoring system gave me the chance to have hours of one-on-one time with an expert in the field.”
“I was extremely happy with the program overall, between the friends and peers, the training and the facilitators, and the mentoring, this program is second to none. I would highly suggest it to anyone interested or curious about the world of co-operative development.”
Membership Options
Emerging Developers
For new practitioners entering the field
This tier is designed to support the next generation of co-op developers. Individuals who complete a CoopZone training program receive complimentary membership for their first year, helping them integrate into the network and begin building their practice.
First year: Free!
(upon completion of CoopZone training)
Professional Members
For practitioners actively building and supporting co-ops
This tier is for developers, consultants, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who work directly with cooperative entrepreneurs along the development pathway. Professional Members are part of CoopZone’s core practice network and contribute their expertise to strengthening the sector.
Individual: $200/year
Young professional (under 35): $100/year
Association: $200/year + $100/year per registered representative (max. 5)
Allied Members
For organizations that support the movement
This tier is for organizations that want to contribute to the growth of cooperative development in Canada, stay connected to the network, and be recognized as ecosystem supporters. Allied Members do not hold voting rights but are listed on the CoopZone website and receive updates and sector communications.
Organization: $500/year
For CoopZone Membership renewals (due April 1st, 2026), please check your email for the Invoice or reach out to Adele at info[@]coopzone.org
Board of Directors
Daphane Nelson
President, BC
Marc Henrie
Director, New Brunswick
Kristen Murray
Director, Canada
Pascal Billard
Vice-president, Quebec
Daniel Brunette
Director, Ontario
Jill Kelly
Secretary-Treasurer, BC
Bharat Sharman
Director, Ontario
Olivia Champagne
Director, Canada
Staff
Adele Rosanova
Administrator
Developer Members