Co-operative development, as an activity, has multiple players and pieces. Co-operative developers are people who provide expertise to groups looking to form a co-operative. There can be several cooperative developers, all with different capabilities and training, working at different times with a growing, developing, or operating co-op.

Robust co-operative development in rural and Aboriginal communities requires strong support from the community in which the co-op is being developed. There has to be a reason to develop a co-operative enterprise; there also must be initiative, leadership, drive, and community support.

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The goal of co-operative development is to build co-operatives that start strong and become resilient, functioning enterprises that work to solve members' needs. This chapter provides some insight into what it takes to build and grow strong co-operatives. It is not comprehensive; cooperative development is a broad term that encompasses a multitude of activities. The text below offers, instead, a close-up view of what is required for successful co-operative development, from the perspective of co-op developers who have wide backgrounds and varied experience working with groups to develop and grow co-ops in western Canada.

Executive Summary
1. Co-operative Development
2. Co-operative Development with Aboriginal Communities
3. Co-operative Development in Western Canada
4. Co-operative Development Building Strong Co-operatives
5. Model of a Robust Co-operative Development Environment

Table of Contents

Introduction and Aims
Methodology
What Is Co-operative Development?
Conversation
   Starts with Existing Co-ops
   Process  
   Government Support
   Education  
   Attitude  
   Environment
Community Characteristics  
   Community Catalyst
   Need
   Commitment to Community-led Solutions
   Strong Social Capacity
   Vision and Identity  
   Politics  
   Other Factors  
Co-operative Leadership
   Commitment to Community
   Shared Leadership
   Working Together
   Business Acumen
   Shared Vision
   Quiet Leadership
   Project over Politics
   Social Awareness
   Controlled Energy
Co-operatives That Thrive
   Member Engagement
   Community Connection
   Governance
   Sector Connection
   Balance
   Resilience, Proximity, and Energy
Co-operative Development Culture
   Co-operative Culture
   Community Culture
   Political Culture
   Business Culture
   Summary
Co-op Development Activities
   Passive Co-operative Development
   Active Co-operative Development
Conclusion