Co-operatives and Social Finance Workshop on Earth Day!

"What are they and how do they work?" Learn from the experts!

Join us for a "Co-operatives and Social Finance" workshop in Owen Sound to be held on Sunday, April 22nd (Earth Day) 1-4pm, downtown Owen Sound at the Harmony Centre, 890, 4th Ave E.

The event is a joint venture between the Grey Bruce Sustainability Network and Glassworks Cooperative and is open to both Glassworks members as we refine the nature of our cooperative and figure out appropriate financing models, and to the general public, aimed at people interested in using the cooperative model or social financing to support a project or business idea. So far, confirmed speakers include:

* Peter Cameron, Ontario Coop

* Morag Budgeon, manager of the 25 year running Owen Sound Artists' Coop

* Candice Newmaster, manager of The Barn Coop Network and owner of Ironwood Coffee

* Stephanie Pinnington and Ryan Ryan-Collins Swartz (Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative)

* Brenda Dolling (Whole Village Farm/Housing Co-operative)

The format of the day will include an introduction to both coops and social financing, then brief presentations from each of the speakers, then a moderated panel discussion with questions from the audience. After a break the second half of the workshop will allow the opportunity for focused and direct feedback from the presenters on specific projects. One group will focus on the Glassworks project specifically, the other group will be made up of entrepreneurs and individuals wanting to bounce their ideas off each other and an expert or two.

A suggested registration fee of $10 (Pay What You Can) at the door. Please email [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Sustainability Network