2026 CO-OP APPLICATIONS

WINTER AND SUMMER 2026

Solid State’s first intake for 2026 ended on February 17th, 2026. Our next intake is scheduled for June/July 2026.

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.

We accept up to 4-8 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 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.

Winter 2026 Application Timeline

Applications Open: Nov 17th, 2025

  • Program Info Session #1 (Online): 

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

    • Date: Dec 15th, 2025

    • Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM

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

    • Registration link

  • Applications Close: Jan 17th, 2026

  • Interview Period for shortlisted applicants (Online): Jan 17th - Jan 23rd, 2026

  • Accepted Co-ops onboarding: Feb 2nd - Feb 13th, 2026

  • Welcome Day for New Co-ops: Feb 16th - Feb 20th, 2026

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.