How to start a cooperative

If you want to start a cooperative, it is recommended that you deal with experts who will provide guidance and advice.

In Quebec
Les coopératives de développement régional du Québec are support organizations for starting and running cooperatives. Agents are available to answer your questions. There is a regional development cooperative in the 11 regions in Quebec:

• CDR Abitibi-Témiscamingue
• CDR Bas-Saint-Laurent/Côte-Nord
• CD Centre-du-Québec/Mauricie
• CD de l'Estrie
• CDR Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine
• CDR de Lanaudière
• CDR de Montérégie
• CDR de Montréal-Laval
• CDR de Québec-Appalaches
• CDR Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean/Nord-du-Québec
• CDR Outaouais-Laurentides

These 11 regional development cooperatives operate under the Fédération des coopératives de développement régional du Québec (site available in French only).

In Canada
The Conseil Canadien de la Coopération (CCC), in collaboration with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the federal government's Co-operatives Secretariat, created a national information and support network for people interested in cooperative development: Coopzone.

Useful links to help you start your own co-op

Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (Site in French only)

Conseil canadien de la coopération (Site in French only)

Co-operatives Secretariat

Jeune coop (Site in French only)

Coopératives jeunesse de services (Site in French only)