Co-operative Alternatives

19/06/2026

An insightful research into the co-op sector in NI is about to be launched. Researched by our partners Trademark Belfast and commissioned by the Department for the Economy NI, it is a relevant report for the growth of the co-op sector in NI. Join us on the 1st July 2026 at 11.00 in Boundary Brewing .

Please register here: https://shorturl.at/Nz5XS

https://www.coopalternatives.coop/events/23/democratic-alternative-unlocking-the-potential-of-ni-co-op-sector

The co-operative sector in one of Northern Ireland's most overlooked a... Join this co-operative event in Northern Ireland.

21/05/2026

Great launch of the new Regional Co‑operative Support Programme, a new initiative designed to help emerging and growing co-operatives in Northern Ireland. The programme is officially live and applications are OPEN NOW!
If you are exploring the co‑operative model and want to build something that lasts, this is the moment to step forward. The programme offers tailored mentoring, action planning, and a bit of seed funding to help you turn a good idea into a working co‑op.
To get an application form, email [email protected] or [email protected].
The deadline for the Spring recruitment round is 1st June, so get your name in early. Trademark Belfast Department for the Economy NI Housing Executive

14/05/2026

We are excited to launch the refreshed Co-op Alternatives website with a great additions: the Co‑op Knowledge Hub, a practical, user‑centred space for anyone who wants to understand co‑ops, start one, or grow the one they have.

The Hub is built around real questions people ask every day:
What actually is a co‑op? What do I need to do first? How do we make this sustainable?
You will find clear, accessible guidance, step‑by‑step tools, and examples from co‑ops across NI and beyond showing what is possible in practice.

We have designed it with the hope of being genuinely useful: no jargon, no gatekeeping, just grounded support for people building fairer, co-operative‑owned solutions.

Now we would love your help.
Take a look, explore the new resources, and tell us what you think. Your feedback will help shape the next phase of the Hub and keep it responsive to the movement it serves.

Visit the Co‑op Knowledge Hub here https://lnkd.in/eJVZNY_R
have a browse, and share your thoughts with us.

If you want to chat with us in person, come and visit our stand at the Green Party NI conference on the 16th May and at the Blackmountain Shared Centre on the 20th May for the launch of the Regional Co-op Support programme for NI Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/NqlD9

01/05/2026

Launching the Regional Co operative Support Programme
Northern Ireland’s co‑operative movement is growing — not through big announcements, but through people organising around what matters in their communities. This year, with support from the Department for the Economy NI and the Housing Executive, and delivered by Co‑operative Alternatives and Trademark Belfast, we are launching the Regional Co‑operative Support Programme to help that work take its next steps.

The programme offers tailored mentoring, action planning, seed funding, and peer learning for groups exploring co‑operative ideas or strengthening early‑stage co‑ops. It’s practical, flexible support designed around what groups actually need, not a one‑size‑fits‑all model.

To kick things off, we’re hosting a launch gathering, a chance for co‑ops, community groups, and anyone curious about co‑operative models to connect, hear honest stories from local co‑ops, and help shape how the programme evolves. No long speeches, no jargon. Just people doing the work, learning from each other.

This launch is on Wed the 20th May from 10.00 to 12.00 at the Blackmountain Shared Space. To register, please sign up here: Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/NqlD9

If your group is exploring a co‑op idea or ready to grow one, this programme is for you. The future of co‑operative economy is taking place here, and there’s room for many more voices to join in.

A new chapter for emerging and growing co operatives in Northern Ireland is opening!

23/04/2026

Get ready! Carrick Greengrocers is about to show you what real community power looks like.
In this short video, meet the people, the purpose, and the passion driving fresh, local food with heart: //fb.watch/GFyXXQMW_d/