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Saskatoon co-operator extraordinaire, Harold Chapman, has been named to the Order of Canada! Harold is being recognized for his seven+ decades of co-operative leadership, which has impacted people in Saskatchewan, Canada, and countries around the world. The Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, a longtime member of the Canadian CED Network, is pleased to have supported his nomination for this prestigious award.

For more news regarding Harold’s being named to the Order of Canada:

99-year-old Saskatoon man named to Order of Canada (Global News)
Sask. Order of Canada recipient says honour recognizes importance of co-operatives movement (CBC)
Three Sask. residents named to Order of Canada (Saskatoon Star Phoenix)
Long-time Saskatonians to receive Order of Canada honours: (650 CKOM)
Making the Links radio interview with Harold Chapman
Ondaatje, Kaspi, Ignatieff among 100 Order of Canada honoreeshe Globe and Mail (The Globe and Mail)

Check out the profile video below from when Harold was recognized with a Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Award in 2014

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Our offices will be closed from December 24th to January 2nd, inclusive.

We look forward to working with you to strengthen community economies in the New Year!

After 2 days on board the train – internet-less (much to the demise of Audrey-Anne who’s just about to breakdown) – we arrive at dawn in the surprising city of Winnipeg.

“The Peg” – as trendy locals call it – resembles a secret garden. Under a somewhat harsh allure lays an effervescent world about to explode. One finds delicious coffee shops (including The Forth and Fools & Horses, our home bases for a few days), delicious breakfasts, innovative start-ups, a social finance network unique in Canada, and dynamic entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their environment. Our stay allows us to meet real change-makers who shape the image of their city.

Social Finance: A Booming Sector

On Tuesday, November 15, we attended the Social Finance Forum in Winnipeg. Organized by the Canadian CED Network (Community Economic Development), the Forum proved to be an excellent platform for understanding the realities of social finance in Manitoba. Good news: the sector is booming!

In recent years, the Manitoba government has turned to social enterprises as a “vehicle to reduce poverty through job creation”. The province “has also been undertaking structural changes to better align training resources with poverty reduction and social inclusion activity.”

Supported by a number of stakeholders such as CED, the growing ecosystem allows private companies, government bodies, NPOs and for-profit businesses to build on common values to promote social entrepreneurship in Manitoba.

The Forum allowed us to fully understand the existing models. But mostly, it has enabled us to validate Canadians and social entrepreneurs’ need for a bank that represents them. One involved in creating value and has a positive impact on people and the environment.

Meeting Entrepreneurs One-On-One

For the remainder of the week, we tried something different. After the Forum, we quickly realized we could not approach Winnipeg like other communities. Rather than engaging in our traditional workshops, we sat down with entrepreneurs, one-on-one. We wanted to understand their challenges and envision the ecosystem within a more global vision.

We met with entrepreneurs from all walks of life: Dan and Suzanne from North Forge, an innovation hub and the biggest FabLab in North America; David from Citi Grow, an urban agriculture endeavour; James and Wadood from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce; Shaun from the Social Enterprise Center. Their thought sharing allowed us to identify important issues. The impak Finance team will consider these issues in the coming months to create an offer in support of young Winnipeg entrepreneurs:

Establish a mentoring program and a project accelerator program for entrepreneurs.
Ensure entrepreneurs’ financial understanding and stay in touch to safeguard their company’s financial health.
Engage with the community at the very base rather than maintain lopsided power relationships between bank and borrowers.
Promote capital for start-ups and young entrepreneurs with access to microcredit to start their business, and multi-source finance solutions between the bank, the entrepreneurs and their community.

We left Winnipeg with a head full of ideas, inspired by its entrepreneurs and by its vibrant, growing ecosystem. It is becoming increasingly clear that each place is different and we must not neglect an environment’s peculiarities if we wish to properly integrate. It’s a challenge! But we are ready to work with the different provinces to make our dream a real success. Now more than ever!

Originally published by impak Finance on November 30, 2016

Laurence Audette-Lagueux is a Community Architect with impak Finance. She is also Connector/Community Manager with OuiShare Montréal and was previously Crowdfunding Campaign Manager with KissKissBankBank in Montréal.

SFU’s Community Economic Development program has officially launched LEAP! (Local Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program) with a new website. LEAP! is an eight week accelerator program for brand new start-up social entrepreneurs in rural B.C.

Using a lean start-up model, LEAP! prepares small groups of entrepreneurs to launch new local businesses in their communities.

What is an accelerator?

An accelerator teaches people how to evaluate their business idea in the most efficient way possible.

What is a social entrepreneur?

Many entrepreneurs are tackling social problems, and define their businesses as social enterprise or social venture. In our view, any person creating a job for themselves and growing their local economy is a social entrepreneur.

How does it work?

The LEAP! program is offered in partnership with community-based organizations. To date, SFU Community Economic Development Program has worked with Community Futures Sunshine Coast and Kootenay Employment Services.

The local partner recruits five to seven participants, provides a classroom and cares about the success of the participants. SFU provides a recruitment kit, the curriculum, and the instructor.

The LEAP! program uses a flipped classroom model, with the cohort gathering together in a classroom to work with our live, online instructor, Eric Alex.

At the end of the eight weeks, the partner hosts a barn-raiser celebration, basically a really friendly dragon’s den, where participants can practice pitching their ideas.

Why is LEAP! Important?

LEAP! helps build a community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, directly driving economic growth and strengthening the local economy. Communities with strong local economies are more resilient, have a lower carbon footprint, and are better insulated against global economic ups and downs.

LEAP! Impacts

In seven LEAP! sessions, 100% of LEAP! participants learned the lean start-up process with 77% of participants deciding to launch a business. To date, 28 businesses are now operating in the market.

Find out more on the LEAP! website.

Last year was a busy one for CCEDNet. Here is an overview of some of our accomplishments.
2016 Highlights • Web traffic continues to grow with 2,000 unique visitors each week on our seven websites. Our online toolbox now has over 1,100 resources and there are nearly 200 posts on our blog. • Our Facebook page now has over 1,800 likes and our Twitter account surpassed 2,800 followers. • Videos on our YouTube channel have been viewed 16,000 times. • In 2016, our websites received more than 150,000 visits for news, events, resources & jobs.	• In June, we held our second fully virtual AGM with online voting & simultaneous translation. • CCEDNet staff and members were active at CommonBound, the New Economy Coalition conference in Buffalo and the Global Social Economy Forum in Montréal. • Our 14th annual Manitoba Gathering brought together nearly 500 people & featured keynotes from Harsha Walia and Karen Joseph
• CCEDNet-Ontario published an updated provincial social enterprise survey and began trusteeing Social Enterprise Toronto, hosting the 2nd biennial conference.		• CCEDNet co-organized the North American Forum on the Social Solidarity Economy in Detroit.
• ECONOUS2016, the national CED conference, returned after 6 years with a fabulous gathering in downtown Montréal, hosted by CEDEC. • Eight national webinars on topics like Ontario’s Social Enterprise Strategy, New Brunswick’s new CED corporations and Environmental Justice for Affordable Housing attracted 256 participants. • Spark, CCEDNet’s pro bono matching service, leveraged almost $140,000 in short term, specific and high impact assistance for non profits working for social change in Winnipeg • CCEDNet-Manitoba began implementing the three-year Manitoba Social Enterprise Strategy, including a new website and the first Winnipeg Social Finance Forum. • SEOntario.org, our virtual showcase of social enterprise in Ontario published a social enterprise holiday gift guide in collaboration with 20 partners that received over 5,000 views.	• CCEDNet hosted a gathering of funders, policy-makers and thought leaders to consider ‘What’s Next for CED‘ in the leadup to ECONOUS2016. • CCEDNet submitted recommendations for the 2016 and 2017 Federal Budgets and were invited to present them twice to the federal Finance Committee. • Policy proposals for Canada’s Innovation Agenda, labour market transfers, and global leadership on the social solidarity economy were provided to key federal officials. • CCEDNet-Manitoba promoted CED during the provincial election and with municipal officials and delivered 10 capacity building workshops.
All this is possible thanks to our members and funders. Join us by becoming a member, or support the movement for inclusive and sustainable economies by making a donation.

Downtown Eastside Market On November 30th, Vancouver city councillors approved phase II of the Community Economic Development Strategy for the Downtown Eastside. Over $350,000 will be allocated to “Quick Start Projects” and “Feasibility Studies and Program Development”.

“Central to the Phase II vision is the creation of a full range of employment and income generation opportunities that are open regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or ability, with a view of the local economy as a continuum of opportunity from survival-work to formal employment.”

“Previous economic revitalization strategies have tended to focus on (more formal types of jobs), largely because senior levels of government were involved in sort of dictating what the priorities were,” said Wes Regan, a planner for community economic development at the city. This new approach “actually reflects more the reality of what the local economy is like in the Downtown Eastside, as opposed to what government partners wish it would look like,” he said.

In mid-2017 the City Council will look at approving the third phase, with additional funding recommendations, that will look at implementing long-term actions.

The CED Strategy was developed by the Community Economic Development Strategic Action Committee (CEDSAC) which is made up of 35 community groups, businesses and other local stakeholders. The strategy contains nine core Ideas and twenty-two actions, and is built on several years of partnerships supporting social innovation, social enterprise and other local economic initiatives in the Downtown Eastside.

More Resources

The Ontario Co-operative Association are still accepting applications for the critically acclaimed Fundamentals of Co-operative Organizations (FCO) certificate program, which begins January 12 and ends March 25, 2017.

The program is results-driven, practical and optimized for working professionals. Designed to equip co-operative businesses with highly skilled leaders, graduates will ultimately strengthen their co-operative organizations with their capacity to respond to the unique challenges they face. Some of the key things program participants will gain are:

LEARNING specialized knowledge in areas such as governance, membership development, legislation, financing and co-op development;
DEVELOPING critical thinking, management and leadership skills;
ADVANCING their career in the co-operative sector; and
STRENGTHENING network connections of colleagues from across the sector.

The curriculum has been developed by leading co-op executives in partnership with York University’s Schulich School of Business. It combines both an integrated online and in-class component, which are optimized to work around participants’ busy schedules. The program emphasizes teamwork and provides students with insights into leadership and organizational dynamics, while creating opportunities to build relationships with peers and professors. Invaluable opportunities to engage with sector executives also takes place during the “Lunch-n-Learn” sessions.

Students are welcome from anywhere in Ontario, Canada or from abroad, but must be able to attend all three seminars in person in Toronto.

They will commit to 10 weeks of part-time study, which includes:

Six evening webinars, scheduled on Tuesdays from 7pm – 8.30pm. (There is generally little pre-work required for these sessions);
Three face-to-face seminars, each running from 9am – 4.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. (They are scheduled 4-6 weeks apart, and require students to be present onsite in Toronto);
A Thursday evening reception and course introduction will precede the first seminar in Toronto;
Two assignments which take about ten hours each to research and complete.

Apply to the Fundamentals of Co-operative Organizations certificate program

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

There are a few different funding options available to assist our applicants with the cost of the course.

Thanks to a grant from the CHS Foundation, funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., a limited number of bursaries are available to representatives of small, as well as new (0 -5 years) and emerging co-operatives wishing to take the FCO program. Successful recipients will receive between $500 – $1,000 pending need and availability of funds. Apply for this funding IN WRITING to Lauren Hillson (lhillson at ontario.coop), FCO Program Administrator with On Co-op, by December 17, 1016. The request letter must include:

The type of financial assistance requested;
The amount of upfront financial contribution that can be made; and
The benefits to the student and/or organization of participating in the FCO Program.

Individuals and organizations can also apply for a job training grant through the Government’s Canada Job Grant Ontario fund…click for more information!

Payment plans are also available to those who require financial assistance, but who are not eligible for a bursary. Contact Lauren (lhillson at ontario.coop) for information, or review the Funding Assistance Guidelines.

For more detailed information on fees, eligibility criteria, the faculty and the application process, visit The Fundamentals of Cooperative webpage.

The deadline is December 31, 2016, so get your application in and take advantage of this great professional development opportunity!

“The learning I did in this course BLEW MY MIND!”
– Crystal McNerney, graduate of the most recent cohort in May 2016

Happy Holidays from CCEDNet!
CED Holiday Buying & Giving Guide 2016

Are you spreading the holiday cheer this year? This guide is designed to help extend the reach of that cheer through encouraging thoughtful buying and giving.

We have compiled some creative gift ideas and shopping guides to provide you with the tools and information you need to have a CED-filled holiday season. See anything missing from this list? We will be adding more tips between now and Christmas so don’t hesitate to send your additions to communications at ccednet-rcdec.ca.

This Holiday, Buy Social

Social Enterprise Gift Giving Guide from SEontario.org
This holiday season why not make a purchase that won’t just make the receiver happy, but will also benefit Ontario, and your local community. Each gift you buy this holiday season can have significant impact on your community. Thanks to the newly launched Social Enterprise Gift Guide, extending the impact of your gift giving is now easier than ever. The Guide features a wide variety of products created by Canada’s diverse social enterprise sector, representing for-profit and non-profit organizations, cooperatives and B Corps. [more]

Use the Social Enterprise Marketplace to Find Gifts from Social Enteprises
Interested in buying from social enterprises this holiday season? Check out this online marketplace from the Social Enterprise Canada to research social enterprises by name, industry, location and/or the social purpose they achieve. [more]

Join the Social Purchasing Portal’s Holiday Shopping Bus Tour in Winnipeg
Find unique gifts for the holidays and make a difference with your dollar! Join this shopping tour of Winnipeg on Saturday, December 10th and be part of the movement to support the local economy [more]

Co-operative Gift Bundle
Buying gifts for the holidays can be an ethical statement that helps build a new economy. The Toolbox for Education and Social Action put together their most popular items with the best—and most delicious—gifts produced by the co-op movement. [more]

#BuyGoodFeelGood Gift Guide from thefairtradeshow.com
Businesses that exhibit at The Fair Trade Show are committed to social justice, the environment and poverty reduction through fair trade practices and innovative business solutions. Browse a wide selection of ethically sourced products that will make the perfect holiday gift. Buy Good. Feel Good. [more]

My New Neighbour Holiday Shopping Guide
Join two young women on an ethical shopping journey. These two want to break free of the mindless materialism we have grown up in and start to meet their ‘new’ global neighbours. In this guide, find gifts “For Her”, “For Him”, “For Kids” and “For Home”. [more]

This Holiday, Buy Local

Saul Good Gift Co
Saul Good Gift Co. is a Vancouver gift basket business featuring the best tasting local artisan treats in BC. All items are selected because they’re delicious, small-batch, and exclusive. Their work with social enterprise ensures that each and every gift basket gives back to the community. [more]

The #yegSanta Project
The Local Good is Edmonton‘s online hub for local and green living. Keep tabs on the

CCEDNet members and partners interested in hosting the 2018 National CED Conference are invited to submit an expression of interest.

The national conference is a vital part of a dynamic pan-Canadian movement for community economic development. The annual event:

creates new and strengthens existing relationships among community leaders who share similar challenges, concerns, goals and values;
promotes new ideas, resources and strategies to strengthen CED efforts
contributes to skills development, capacity building, networking and information sharing among CED practitioners and stakeholders;
attracts new people to the movement and reinforces the commitment of existing members to the approaches and values promoted by CED
provides inclusive opportunities for learning and dialogue on the diversity of approaches and models led by urban, rural, aboriginal, linguistic and cultural minorities, and northern communities to meet their needs;

Hosting the national conference provides a unique opportunity to:

increase the profile of community economic development among key regional partners, decision makers and the public as a powerful force for inclusive innovation and community well-being;
position the host as collaborative leader and convenor;
strengthen local and regional relationships and supports for CED that will remain as an ongoing legacy of the event;
contribute to advancing a pan-Canadian policy agenda for support to and investment in CED; and
celebrate the unique strengths and character of your region.

Host partners are responsible for local and regional mobilization, including fundraising and promotion. In order to help keep registration fees low and the conference accessible, the host should be able to secure approximately $100,000 in local, provincial or regional cash funding or sponsorships for the conference. A supplementary document with background information on previous conferences and typical responsibilities of CCEDNet and host partners is available upon request by emailing mthompson at ccednet-rcdec.ca

Information required in the expression of interest

The expression of interest is intended to be a simple, preliminary step to identify potential hosts. In 1-page (maximum), indicate:

Reasons for interest
Experience and capacity to organize a large event
Potential local, provincial or regional partners
Potential sponsorship or funding sources and amounts, both cash and in-kind.

Expressions of interest must be sent by January 20, 2017 to mthompson at ccednet-rcdec.ca

Download the ECONOUS2016 report

The successful host for the 2018 event will be announced at EconoUs2017 in Calgary, September 13-15, 2017.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Matthew at the email above.

Wanted: Business success stories of entrepreneurs with disabilities or health conditions, Contest Opens December 2, 2016

The Just Watch ME! video contest, 2016-2017 edition, is now open!

The Just Watch ME! video contest was launched in 2011 with a mission of helping to tell the stories of entrepreneurs with disabilities in rural Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The Just Watch ME! video contest has grown steadily since its inception, helping to promote dozens of entrepreneurs with disabilities and gaining thousands of impressions of media exposure for contestants.

Would you like more exposure for your business?
Are you a person who has a disability who lives in rural Manitoba?
Do you have access to a smartphone or camera to create a short video?
Are you a creative person that is ready to be an ambassador for your company?

Enter your business story for a chance to win up to $1,000 cash and over $5,000 worth of prizes.

Enter the Just Watch ME! video contest

Contest Time Line

Video entries open: December 2, 2016
Video entries close: January 25, 2017 (no more submissions accepted after 10:00 AM)
Public voting begins: February 1, 2017 (10:00 AM)
Winners Announced: February 17, 2017

For more information please visit justwatchmecontest.ca.

Further inquiries can be directed to Susan Bather (204) 943-2905 ext 4.