Co-operatives are a different kind of business model that are driven by people, planet and profit. The Ontario Co-operative Association (OCA) is the provincial trade association for Ontario’s 1,500+ English-speaking co-operatives. Our job is to ensure that people across the province understand the benefits and versatility of the co-operative business model, and to promote our member-owned co-operative businesses that contribute $6 billion to the Ontario economy.
OCA wants communities across Ontario to grow and thrive, and we believe that the co-operative model has a significant role to play in capturing opportunities for new business, creating stronger and more vibrant local economies, increasing community engagement and building a more sustainable social economy overall.
OCA is a non-profit co-operative that was originally formed in 1989 as CCA Ontario Region, and officially incorporated in 2002. We are one of nine provincial associations that serve English-speaking co-operatives and co-op member organizations across Canada and that are linked through a national committee – the Council of Regional Executives (CORE).
We support individuals and groups wanting to build new or develop established co-operative businesses. We provide co-operatives with support and services in the areas of business development, advocacy and education, and create opportunities to unite, collaborate and celebrate as ONE voice and movement. By encouraging co-operatives to connect, work and act as a co-ordinated group, we strive to build a higher profile with the public, government and with each other.
By promoting and raising awareness of co-operatives in the province as well as supporting their development, OCA helps to improve the lives of Ontarians. Co-operatives enable people to set up the products and services that they need, provide jobs, and contribute to the social and economic well-being of the communities in which they reside, thereby providing a better standard of living overall. We believe in and exist to help BUILD A BETTER ONTARIO. Our membership is comprised of like-minded organizations whose support provides us with the resources to develop and strengthen the co-operative community.
Check out all the amazing things we were able to accomplish with the support of our membership in 2020!
About Cooperatives and .coop
The global Cooperative community has more than 1 billion members, representing 12% of the world’s employed population. All Cooperatives verify their identity when selecting a .coop web address. Your unique business identity is recognized online with a .coop domain name – your digital brand – a brand known for its economic advantages to its community, consumers, and members.
If you would like your cooperative featured, click on this link to submit your story.
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