Helping build an economy that works for all people and our planet
CECNB helps strengthen local economies and build healthy, sustainable communities through co-op and social enterprise development.
The Co-operative Enterprise Council of New Brunswick (CECNB) is a community economic development organization with a mission to support co-ops, credit unions, mutuals, and other enterprises that operate on democratic principles, address social, environmental or cultural goals, and put people and planet before profit.
Our vision is for a future where co-operatives and social enterprises are the major drivers in a solutions-based sustainable economy that values equity, diversity, and self-reliance.
To these ends, CECNB provides a wide range of services to co-ops and social enterprises and works closely with government and partners on special projects and to bring about new programs, resources, and policies.
For immediate release:
The Co-operative Enterprise Council of New Brunswick, in partnership with the Canadian CED Network, is pleased to announce the release of three unique community economic development investment start-up guides. Each guide covers the process and necessary steps for those considering developing community economic development funds in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. These guides are now available for download at the top of our Resources page. Special thanks to the BC Community Impact Investment Coalition, hosted by Kootenay Employment Services, for publishing the original guide this handbook was built on. We also acknowledge the funding for this work came from Employment and Social Development Canada’s Investment Readiness program.
CED funds are powerful tools that can help catalyze financial, social, and environmental change across New Brunswick by redirecting capital into our communities. These guides will assist in the developing, launching and running of community economic development funds. The goal of these documents is to provide communities with recommendations, options, and tools to catalyze discussions, and to expedite the development process in local communities.
"If you decide you would like professional support to navigate the guide and launch your own fund, a member of the CECNB team would be delighted to discuss this option with you. CED funds are a tremendous vehicle to bring wealth and revitalization to a community and these guides will be invaluable as they lead you step by step through the process."
- Laurie Parris, Executive Director
Boosting the Co-operative Identity Online
Are you part of a co-op looking to increase their online presence? Have you ever considered registering for a .coop domain name extension?
We have the expertise and connections to help you do that!
There are 700+ co-ops and social enterprises in New Brunswick
They operate in almost every sector; agriculture, forestry, health, construction, energy, housing, transportation, finance, arts and culture, technology, retail, and more.
They generate nearly $2 billion in annual revenues and create approximately 16,000 full time jobs.
Co-ops in Canada demonstrate growth 3x that of the economy in general, job creation nearly 5x higher, and have a lifespan nearly 2x that of conventional companies.
Co-operatives
are enterprises owned by a group of people who come together to pool their resources and meet common economic, environmental, social, or cultural needs in their community.
Social Enterprises
are businesses that sell goods or services in the market and invest the majority of their profits into social, cultural or environmental goals.
Co-ops and Social Enterprises
Are vital to rural communities and build local economies.
Provide opportunities to immigrants, First Nations communities, and vulnerable populations.
Are a proven model for business succession.
Are perfect vehicles for raising local investment and creating local prosperity.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
With growth 3x that of the economy in general, job creation nearly 5x higher, and a lifespan 2x that of conventional companies, co-ops have repeatedly shown they are more sustainable than any other form of business.
Rural Communities
Co-ops and social enterprises operate in every sector of the economy from forestry and fisheries to health care, construction, transportation, retail, processing, housing, finance, tourism, and much more. They are strongest in rural communities and often the only providers of critical services and products.
Proven Model for
Business Succession
The co-op business model is a tried and tested means of business succession and is becoming an increasingly popular way for small businesses to transition ownership.
Immigrants, First Nations, and Vulnerable Populations
The co-op business model is used worldwide and provides an opportunity for immigrants, First Nations, and others who face barriers to employment to build sustainable livelihoods. Studies show that nearly half of the co-ops and social enterprises in New Brunswick employ marginalized populations.
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