Cooperative guide

Desjardins Business Capital régional et coopératif manages the assets of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins - External link. This link will open in a new window., a publicly-traded company that supports cooperatives with acquisition, expansion, modernization, capital improvement plans or that want to strengthen their financial structure.

By adapting financing criteria to better reflect the cooperative way of doing business, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins - External link. This link will open in a new window. aims to become the most important business partner for cooperatives. With in-depth expertise, knowledge of the coop milieu combined with the team spirit of investment directors and managers, it can actively support cooperatives, subsidiaries of cooperatives and federations and cooperative groups in reaching their business goals.

See the list of businesses in which we have invested.

Eligible business sectors

All business sectors are eligible except natural resource exploration and financial services.

Cooperatives active in the tourism and recreation sector are eligible provided they are managed by a seasoned operator, offer products and services other than simply lodging services and have a history of profitability.

The real estate sector is eligible in the context of housing cooperatives.

Financial support solutions

Our solutions are tailored to the context of the cooperatives. Amounts of over $200,000 are invested for periods that vary generally between 3 to 10 years. Rates of interest are determined by risk level, with the option of deferring principal repayment as needed.

To evaluate the possibility of a partnership, contact one of our professionals.

Types of financing

Desjardins Business Capital régional et coopératif offers 3 types of financing to better meet the specific needs of your coop:

This type of financing, in the form of a non-guaranteed loan, provides worker shareholder cooperatives (WSC) with financing to acquire or to grow their equity participation in the company that employs its members.

Eligibility requirements

Cooperatives:

  • with worker-members from the same employer and whose payroll represents over 80% of that of the company
  • operating in a sector of activity compatible with Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins investment policies
  • offering competitive products and services with growth opportunities
  • that are managed by a dedicated management and executive team that is looking for a business partner
  • that are open to adopting sound and prudent management policies

Project goals

  • Acquisition of an initial equity stake in the company
  • Acquisition of an additional equity stake
  • Support during a refinancing of the company in which the WSC holds equity

Did you know?
The establishment of a WSC is an integral part of a partnership strategy allowing employees, by means of their cooperative, to actively participate in the growth and performance of the company for which they work.

Watch the video Une coopérative de travailleurs actionnaires : c'est quoi? (in French only).

Designed to support development and growth plans, this product offers a financial solution for the medium or long term that is complementary to traditional financing. Usually approved in the form of a non-guaranteed loan, participatory or not, it may also take the form of privileged shares, participatory or not.

Eligibility requirements

Cooperatives that:

  • operate in sectors of activity compatible with Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins investment policies
  • offer competitive products and services and operate in a market providing opportunities for growth
  • are managed by a dedicated management and executive team that is looking for a business partner

Network Growth Capital provides cooperative network organizations with financing to support members of their respective networks who require alternate financing to complement traditional financing.

These cooperative leaders may be cooperative federations or cooperatives that exert significant influence on their network. Through a pre-approved financial commitment from Desjardins Business Capital régional et coopératif, these cooperative groups become partners in the growth and development of entities in their networks.

Eligibility requirements

  • Operate in sectors of activity compatible with Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins investment policies
  • Be a coop network organization with a solid financial structure
  • Have an experienced management team
  • Have a mechanism in place to monitor and manage the operations of the organization
  • Be willing to establish a joint credit committee (made up of cooperative leader and Desjardins Business Capital régional et coopératif) to review and authorize requests