March 2007

Cooperative Development Services

Money Matters – Co-op Funding Options

• Funding for Co-op Start Up / Expansion
• Financial Programs within the Government of Manitoba
• Other financial programs available

Funding for Co-op Start Up / Expansion

There are a number financial programs directed at co-op development. These include:

• The Cooperative Promotion Board

This Board has funds available to make grants, generally less than $5,000, to develop and promote the study of, or research into co-ops, to promote education with respect of co-ops, to develop and promote co-ops and to promote the general welfare of rural Manitobans.

• The Cooperative Loans and Loans Guarantee Board

This Board has the ability to provide loans guarantees to co-ops in Manitoba to enable them to secure the financial services necessary to develop or expand a viable co-op enterprise.

• The Farm Improvement And Marketing Cooperatives Loans Act

This is a Federal Government Program that provides loan guarantees to farmer owned marketing co-op to a maximum of $3,000,000 to improve farm assets, strengthen production and improve financial viability.

Financial Programs within the Government of Manitoba

The Government of Manitoba has a number of programs that would be applicable to co-op development. These include:

• Neighbourhoods Alive!

Neighbourhoods Alive! provides financial support to encourage revitalization in designated neighbourhoods for housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and training and safety and crime prevention. Co-ops are eligible to seek funding.

• Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI)

Rural Economic Development Initiative provides up to 50% cost shared funding to hire an independent consultant to assist a new or expanding rural Manitoba enterprise do financial analysis, market analysis, engineering studies, business plan preparation and ISO certification.

• Community Enterprise Development (CED) Tax Credit Program