The Animation Co-op (TACO) joined our network in our most recent intake. Subscribe to their newsletter to keep up to date with achievements and service offers, here’s a sneak peak,

The Animation Co-op has started production on a new demo reel which will be released in October. Sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date.

TACO’s art director Karla Monterossa recently contributed a short piece of animation titled “The Sea” for To Gaza With Love, an international project by Animation Community For Palestine in support of Palestinian animation teacher Haneen Koraz and her classes.

Redefining What's Possible: Why We Built The Cleaning Cooperative as a Worker-Owned Business

Learn more about The Cleaning Co-op’s relationship with Solid State and how we’ve worked together to create good jobs in the cleaning industry.

“…But perhaps most significantly, the relationship between SSCI and TCC sparked bigger changes. When we were denied a business loan from a major credit union, SSCI helped initiate conversations that eventually led to a shift in that institution’s co-op lending policies. We’ve since heard that more than 50 co-ops have received funding as a result.

We are proud to be part of a movement that not only lifts us up, but clears the path for those who come next…”

The Cleaning Co-op is a powerful example of what’s possible when people are put over company profit to create good jobs. Our ongoing work with TCC paves the way for new co-ops seeking to create alternative models to historically exploitative industries! Read the full text below written by Hannah Nielsen, Manager of Growth and Opportunities at The Cleaning Co-op.

Cooperatives and Decolonizing the Economy: Solid State and GIA Consulting Present at ICR CCR Conference in Montreal

In July, Solid State fundraiser Sadie Couture spoke on a panel at the 2025 Global Research Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA CCR Conference) in Montreal. In a panel called "Cooperatives and Decolonizing the Economy", three worker cooperatives were represented including Sustainability Solutions Group, Solid State, and GIA Consulting. Panelists spoke about challenges to participating in the market economy while attempting to decolonize their organizational structures and got into details about worker compensation to battle exploitation and extraction. This was the 5th annual ICA CCR Conference and emphasized the importance of inter-cooperation in creating transformative change for justice, sustainability, and prosperity.

Surrey Rainbow Project Hosts Popular Booth at Vancouver Pride

“The Surrey Rainbow Project is led by and for queer racialized communities. We provide programs, events, and services that focus on creating safe, joyful spaces for connection and celebrating the cultural and social diversity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We incorporated as a community service co-operative in February. Our current initiatives include community gardening and seasonal clothing swaps that promote sustainability and address food insecurity. We recently released the first issue of our zine and are excited to continue amplifying local queer voices. SRP is excited to build community and welcomes connections, collaborations, and conversations! Connect with us at @surreyrainbowproject or surreyrainbowproject@gmail.com. “

BC Co-op Association Co-op Tour at Solid State

This year, the BC Co-op Association (BCCA) launched the Co-operatives Build a Better World: BC Tour 2025 — a province-wide journey to connect communities through workshops, networking events, film screenings, and discussions. The goal of the event series is to strengthen and elevate BC’s cooperative ecosystem at a time when local economies need the co-op model more than ever. On July 23rd, BCCA hosted their third tour event at Solid State. The event boasted a film screening of Power of the Local and a panel with representatives from Vancity, Otter Co-op, and Solid State. RSVP to the next stops on their tour to connect with the growing BC cooperative network.

That’s a Wrap: Symposia’s Elevate! Program Final Showcase

Solid State’s collaboration with PuSh International Performing Arts Festival came to an end last month with a well-attended final showcase at Surrey Civic Theatres. PRISM: Refractions of Life, showcased work created by four emerging artists during their local mentorship program with professional artists in music, performance art, theatre, and dance.

GenConnect’s second annual summer camp was a huge hit! Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with programming.

GenConnect aims to make a positive impact in seniors' lives through youth engagement and collaborative learning opportunities. The youth founders of GenConnect help seniors explore new skills, hobbies, and find meaningful activities to introduce to their schedules. In return, youth learn cultural, traditional, or practical forms of knowledge from seniors.

Salam Central has been hosting summer camps for Muslim youth and families since 2022. This year marked another successful year with an overwhelming amount of applications. Follow Salam Central on Instagram to get updates on yearly programming.

Salam Central is a youth-led organization that builds safe, inclusive spaces for Muslim youth to share their faith and form communities. By hosting activities such as iftars, game nights, sports tournaments, and summer camps, we build connection, confidence, and belonging among Muslim youths.

Venue Co-op YVR Presents: EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL

Join Venue Co-op on Sunday, August 31st at Platform 9 (390 Industrial Ave) for EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL, an all-day celebration and live prototype of Venue Co-op YVR – a new initiative working to build a permanent, community-owned venue for live music and events in Vancouver.

Expect live music, DJs, art, workshops, performances, food, vendors, and more across 3 massive rooms and 21 hours of programming. The event will be all ages from 9am–6pm and 19+ from 6pm-6am

Early bird tickets on sale until August 10:

Use code "COOP2COOP15" at checkout for a special 15% co-op community discount.