2026 CO-OP APPLICATIONS

Summer applications closed.

Next intake: November, 2026, dates TBA

What kind of groups are we looking for at Solid State?

Solid State prioritizes racialized migrant communities, with a focus on refugees, asylum seekers, and first and second-generation migrants. Our mission is to help people in these communities build enterprises that create sustainable jobs, working past extractivism and exploitation. Ideally, these will take the form of worker co-ops. If you are not familiar with co-ops, please check out this resource to get a basic introduction: Intro to Co-ops.

We will also consider non-profits that intend to be grant-supported if they make a valuable community impact and incorporate cooperative principles into their organizational structure and governance. Cooperative principles include values like democratic decision-making, member ownership, and shared responsibility, which ensure that the organization operates in a fair and inclusive manner. You can find more info about the principles at Cooperative identity, values & principles | ICA.

We will be accepting up to five groups and anticipate a competitive application process. Groups that are not selected in the upcoming intake are encouraged to apply again during the next intake period and to explore becoming a partner organization to Solid State. External partners can still use Solid State’s space and be part of the community, and access support in less formal ways, depending on staff capacity.

What do groups that are selected for development support at Solid State get?

Co-ops at Solid State are given comprehensive support for establishing their enterprise. We support co-ops from ideation and planning all the way to becoming a successful and sustainable organization, depending on your organization’s needs.

Over 16-weeks the Development Team will work with your co-op 1-on-1 to:

  • Articulate your purpose, mission, vision, and values.

  • Develop your brand identity and marketing strategy.

  • Design your organization's management, governance, legal and decision-making structure and incorporation.

  • Plan, budget, and forecast for financial success

  • Access fundraising and financing through grants and loans

At the end of the 16-week development support, you will receive ongoing support on a need basis, including access to space and food, office hours, professional development and networking opportunities, community events, and being part of our co-operative network of over 30+ co-operatives.

Funding

Upon successful completion of our 16-week program, co-ops are eligible for seed funding to support initial development costs.

Commitment

Co-ops are expected to commit 5 to 10 hours a week to developing your co-op.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: November, 2026

  • Program Info Session #1 (Online): 

    • Date: TBA

    • Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM

  • Program Info Session #2 (In-person):

    • Date: TBA

    • Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM

    • Location: Solid State Community Industries (10326 Whalley Blvd, Surrey, BC, V3T 4H4)

    • Registration link

  • Applications Close: January, 2026

  • Interview Period for shortlisted applicants (Online): TBA

  • Accepted Co-ops onboarding: TBA

  • Welcome Day for New Co-ops: TBA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In B.C., you need a minimum of 3 people to incorporate as a cooperative.

  • Our program is offered as hybrid and we are only accepting B.C. based applicants and co-ops at this time.

  • Each member of your team needs to be at least 16 years old.

  • Accepted applicants will be assigned a cooperative developer who will act as a mentor and consultant to guide and support you in your 16 weeks of developing your co-operative.

  • There is no program fee for the services we’re providing. However, there are associated startup business costs that range from incorporation fees, equipment and supplies, website, software subscription, insurance, and bookkeeping. Our team can support with financing options and guide you through determining the cost. You can use this business startup calculator to give you an idea of the estimated cost.

  • Oral Application: We will go through the application questions with you in a meeting and write down your answers for you as you answer them. 

    General information: Our team is able to provide clarifying information regarding the application questions, such as what we’re looking for in your answers and what details you should include, but due to the volume of applications and to maintain fairness to all applicants, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on your application during the application period. Please consider attending one of our program info sessions. However, you can receive feedback from us after the application period if you are looking to improve your application for the next intake.

    To book an office hour with us or to complete our application support form, please refer to the Application Support section below.

Contact us.

For any questions or further information please contact:

Syed Khawar - Coop Developer

syed@solidstate.coop