Barriers to Participation: A Research Report

Abstract

To initiate the Unleashing Local Capital program, the Alberta Community and Cooperative Association, along with its project partners held a series of information sessions introducing the concept of local investment co-ops to communities throughout the province. Community members were then invited to apply to the program and develop an "Opportunity Development Co-op" within their own communities. The ULC project team provided a $60,000 grant and mentoring to communities. This research piece spoke to members of the communities who attended the information sessions and then chose NOT to apply. The purpose was to identify the barriers to participation with the goal of removing these for future communities.