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| Innovative Co-op Projects |
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Program information
 The goal of this CDI program component is to support projects in areas of public policy priority that test innovative applications of the co-operative model. Within this goal, broad activities to be supported should contribute to: testing the co-op model in new and innovative ways; strengthening co-operatives and co-operative sectors; and generating information on best practices and lessons learned, or other information that adds to the body of co-op development knowledge.
Building on the recognized strengths of co-operatives, the Government of Canada is interested in learning more about how co-operatives can contribute to meeting the economic and social needs of Canadians. Within this context, the following are current priority areas, which may evolve over the course of the program:
- agriculture, including farmer-driven projects for value-added agriculture and bio-fuels;
- rural/northern community development;
- innovative goods and services, including innovative uses of technology; and
- projects that contribute to capacity building and sustainability of the co-operative sector as a whole in Canada.
 For the "capacity-building and sustainability" priority, we are considering a wide range of projects aimed at improving how co-operatives function by addressing key areas, such as: governance structure, management practices, financial self-sufficiency, issues of scale and productivity. We are interested in projects that address these issues at a system level (group of co-ops that are similar in size or in the same sector, for example) and which can be replicated.
Examples of activities that could be funded under Innovative Co-operative Projects, include, but are not limited to:
- Business development plans
- Feasibility plans
- Management development (education, advice, support)
- Membership structure
- Member education
- Governance & board training
- Development of by-laws
- Development of policies
- Legal structure (e.g. exploration of suitable co-operative models)
For more information, please consult the program guide and application form.
For further information on the selection process, you can download the following document which highlights the various steps involved in the processing of ICP applications:
ICP Review Process
Selection Committee
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