Co-operatives and your Community Economic Development Plan
Co-operatives serve an important role in community economic development, often providing important services that help towns stay vibrant. And co-ops are a helpful tool economic developers can draw on to confront challenges like Canada’s housing crisis, accessing local capital, and helping seniors age in place. This session will share insights into how towns across western Canada are building co-ops to address local challenges and how economic developers can support new co-op development.
About the Speaker
Kyle White
Kyle White
Kyle is the Director of Education with Co-operatives First, where he leads the development and delivery of start-up supports and online courses. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Kyle has worked his way across Canada, focusing on community economic development, governance, and co-op development in rural and Indigenous communities. With degrees in Geography and Public Policy, Kyle’s educational background has focused on community development, corporate governance, and public policy. In his work at Co-operatives First, Kyle has helped develop more than 100 co-operative businesses and provided educational support to thousands of co-operators. Aside from his work with Co-operatives First, Kyle stays busy as a volunteer, history enthusiast, and bookworm.
