Impatient Readiness: The State of Social Finance in Canada 2021

This report is a testament to the depth and breadth of impact investing in Canada over the past decade. Social impact fund assets under management have increased substantially in recent years, nearing an estimated $1 billion1. The proliferation of funds has fostered a vibrant diversity of impact and increased investment choices. A rich landscape of investment opportunities is generating positive triple bottom line impact in communities across Canada. Co authored by our CEO Dianne Kelderman.

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Canada’s Credit Unions Continue To Standout Amongst All Financial Institutions With Seven 2020 Ipsos Financial Service Excellence Awards Wins

“Canada’s credit unions have always prioritized their members and their communities. This is especially true this year, as many Canadians were faced with uncertainties from the pandemic” notes Martha Durdin, President & CEO, Canadian Credit Union Association. “Credit unions responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing financial relief efforts that allowed their members to focus on their health above all, and I believe the Customer Service Excellence Award is a reflection of that” adds Durdin.

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A movement ahead of its time

The nearly instantaneous economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 shutdown has wreaked havoc on businesses large and small. Our very way of life was suddenly shaken at its core. On the basis of sweeping proclamations about “the end of commuting,” “the demise of retail,” and “the collapse of globalization,” many have come to assume that everything will change. Change, at its core, is impartial. It is simply the act of becoming different. It is also always triggered by something powerful enough to shift our vision of reality. If the challenges and hurdles of the year have brought anything to the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, it is a strong desire to
change for the better, to embrace the communities we live and work in, and to focus on what matters the most: how we
can be of service to others. Choosing to unite in the face of adversity and find ways to help and work with one another, the co-operative model in Nova Scotia shone brightly during an otherwise very dark spring.

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Social Enterprise Impact Investment Fund

The Social Enterprise Network of Nova Scotia (SENNS) is thrilled to announce the launch of Nova Scotia’s first Impact Investment Fund, in partnership with the national Social Enterprise Ecosystem Project (S4ES), managed by SENNS partner, the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. Financing is available for social enterprises who meet the eligibility criteria as outlined on the Fund application form.  The maximum amount of financing available is up to $15,000 per applicant.  Please note that this a lending and/or equity program. It is not a grant or donation program. Questions and/or completed applications  should be submitted to diannefk@eastlink.ca or fax 902-895-0109.

Click HERE for the application.

WFM2GO WORKPLACE HUB

WFM2Go is a great option for workplaces that want to promote healthy eating, support local producers, and want the convenienceof having their groceries delivered!

Information Package

Registration Open and Bursaries Available:  

Master’s, Graduate Diploma and Certificate in Co-operative and Credit Union Management 

Planning your career, organizational succession or leadership development? The International Centre for Co-operative Management in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University offers Master’s level business programs designed to meet the growing demands of co-operative and credit union managers (and those aspiring to these roles).

Your opportunity is here!  Each year the Centre opens up to 25 seats for co-operative professionals to join the ranks of some of the most innovative and creative leaders in the co-operative system. Join new, stimulating conversations. Build your business skills. Meet other keen co-operators from around the world. Get exposed to new solutions to current issues.

Online, part-time education for working co-operative professionals:

Master of Management, Co-operatives and Credit Unions (3 years, includes 10-day co-operative study tour to Italy or Spain)

Learn more about these courses as well as our Executive Education offerings

Graduate Diploma in Co-operative Management (20 months)

Certificate in Co-operative Management (10 months)

FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions FarmWorks

FarmWorks: Field to Fork to Future FarmWorks’ Eighth Offer of Shares raised $488,300 for a total of $2,716,900 that’s providing capital and support for food related businesses generating economic and social impacts across Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) program enables investors in FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited to promote, and provide, strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution to increase access to a sustainable local food supply for all Nova Scotians.

FarmWorks News Release – Field to Fork to Future

As a local, community-based organization, CUA is committed to improving the quality of life of our members and the communities in which they live and work.

The Community Investment Grant Program is designed to provide funding support to a variety of community groups and individuals that will directly benefit the community. Events, programs, activities and projects are all eligible for funding. This program is an expression of CUA’s vision that our members and communities are better off, and provides broad support to projects with an aim to effect positive economic, social and environmental change.  Visit the website for more information

Invest In Your Co-operative Business.  Invest In A Graduate

Would you like some financial help with the next person you hire?

The province’s Graduate to Opportunity program helps small businesses hire recent university and college graduates by providing salary support for the first two years of employment – 25% the first year, 12.5% the second year, for new jobs paying at least $30,000.

The process is quick and easy:  complete applications are normally approved within days.

It’s available to companies of 100 employees or less, start-ups, non-profits and social enterprises.

Employers say the financial incentive is making a real difference and their recent grads are bringing enthusiasm, creativity and skill to the workplace.

Find out more at http://novascotia.ca/gto, or call 902.424.6000.