Co-ops in this sector attempt to meet a wide range of social needs, especially for the more vulnerable members of our society.  Some of them focus on the needs of seniors. Others focus on the needs of marginalized groups - with the aim to provide employment, training and support services for people with disabilities or other social disadvantages. These co-ops are typically not-for-profit, and they may take the form of consumer, worker or multi-stakeholder co-operatives. 

The online tools and guides that appear on this page are the best of what is known to exist in Canada at this time. New materials will be added as they become available or as further research is completed in this area. NOTE: If you are aware of other tools or guides that should be added here, please let us know by sending an

How-To Guides

Match Winners: A guide to commercial collaborations between social enterprise and private sector

This guide from the UK offers detailed examples of how social enterprises have created long-term employment and services for vulnerable social groups by partnering in business ventures. 

Public Procurement: A toolkit for social enterprises (UK)

This detailed guide from the UK offers an excellent starting point for any social enterprise that wishes to sell a product or service to government. Some details are specific to the UK, but at least 90% of the material is relevant to Canada. 

Guide to Finding, Selecting and Using Consultants

This excellent guide was developed in the UK for social enterprises. It is useful for all types of co-operatives.

Social Finance – Funding and Financing Models

This Canadian site leads to a network of organizations that guide social enterprises in financing issues. By following the links you can access documents, videos, blogs and other resources.

Case Studies

Work Opportunities for Disabled Persons - a BC case study

This case study documents a process that was led by a community service agency and resulted in a non-profit co-operative that supports employment and self-employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.

Gallery Cachet - BC artist's co-operative

This is a brief profile of a BC co-op that serves artists affected by mental health issues. They operate a successful gallery in downtown Vancouver.   

Advantage Workers Co-op - BC

This group in northern BC created a worker co-op as a way to overcome their various barriers to employment. By controlling their workplace they could provide the flexibility that members needed to be successful.

Reports and other Resources

Co-op Elder Care in Canada

This 2008 report outlines the state of elder care in Canada and examines a variety of co-op models that respond to the diverse needs of seniors from a wide range of income levels, physical and mental capacities, and social realities.

Co-op Options for Seniors: Addressing Seniors Housing and Health Care Needs - the Co-operative Way

This Powerpoint presentation outlines the variety of models currently being used to meet the needs of Canadian seniors.

Enabling Policy for Health and Social Co-ops in BC

BC has been Canada's leader in the area of social co-operatives. This report examines what is required at the policy level to allow these co-ops to thrive and fulfill their potential as agents of social service and change.

 Growing Pains: Social Enterprise in Saskatoon's Core Neighbourhood

This is an in-depth examination of various CED efforts undertaken in Saskatoon's inner city and the lessons learned in that process.

Revolution within a Revolution: Quebec's experiment with co-operative health and social services

This 4-page report outlines the successes and challenges of Quebec co-operatives as they entered a sector where services had traditionally been delivered through public institutions. 

Financing Social Enterprise - Podcast

In this audio broadcast, the Director of Vancity Community Foundation talks about how to get started with financing and dispels the mystery behind common finance terms.

Financing Social Enterprises - in MB, SK and Northern ON