2026 CO-OP APPLICATIONS
Our next intake for new cooperative projects takes place from November 1st, 2026 to January 15, 2027
What kind of groups are we looking for at Solid State?
Solid State prioritizes racialized and migrant led projects, with a focus on refugees, asylum seekers, and first and second-generation migrants. Our mission is to build enterprises that create sustainable jobs, working past extractivism and exploitation.
We use the cooperative model in keeping with these principles. If you are not familiar with co-ops, please check out this resource to get a basic introduction: Intro to Co-ops.
We 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.
Lastly, we recognize that many owners are nearing retirement or considering stepping away from their business, but still care deeply about the people, culture, and relationships they’ve built over the years. Cooperative conversion, the process of an owner selling their business to their employees, offers another pathway that can support future planning while creating opportunities for workers and communities to build shared ownership and long-term stability. As part of our intake and relationship-building process, we are looking to connect with businesses interested in exploring what these models could look like in practice.
We accept up to 4-5 groups per intake and anticipate competitive application processes. Groups that are not selected in a given intake are encouraged to apply again or to explore becoming a partner organization to Solid State.
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 40+ co-operatives.
Funding
Upon successful completion of our 16-week program, co-ops are eligible for seed funding to support initial development costs as well as grant writing services offered by our finance team.
Commitment
Co-ops are expected to commit 5 to 10 hours a week to developing your co-op.
Eligibility
We are accepting applications that meet the following criteria:
Minimum of 3 team members (all members must be 16+)
Based within British Columbia
A business idea with interests in adopting a co-op model
Application Timeline
Applications Open: November 1st, 2026
Co-op Development Program Info Session:
Date: November 12th, 2026
Facilitated by: Cassandra Natura and Avleen Sahota
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Online and Solid State Community Industries (10326 Whalley Blvd, Surrey, BC, V3T 4H4)
Application Support Workshop (hybrid)
Date: December 4th, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Online and Solid State Community Industries (10326 Whalley Blvd, Surrey, BC, V3T 4H4)
Applications Close: January 15th, 2027
Interview Period for shortlisted applicants (Online): Week of January 20-31st, 2027
Accepted Co-ops onboarding: February 2027
Welcome Day for New Co-ops: March 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
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In B.C., you need a minimum of 3 people to incorporate as a cooperative.
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Our program is offered as an in-person and we are only accepting B.C. based applicants and co-ops at this time.
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Each member of your team needs to be at least 16 years old.
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Accepted applicants will be assigned a business developer who will act as a mentor and consultant to guide and support alongside the Solid State team during the 16 weeks of developing your co-operative.
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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 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.
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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.
Application Form
Gentle Reminder: We are not looking for perfect answers, but we do encourage you to think about these questions and answer them to the best of your ability. We hope to work with you in further developing these ideas and goals, in a cooperative spirit. “I don’t know but…” is the start of a valid answer.
If you prefer to do an oral application, please book an office hour with us below.
Application Support
Book an office hour with us
What you can book office hours for (please specify what type of support you’re booking for in the booking link)
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.
Contact us.
For any questions or further information please contact the business development circle: