An innovative co-operative that helps people to become smallholders has received a loan from The Co-operative Loan Fund as part of a new support programme. The Ecological Land Co‑operative (ELC) is the first recipient of a package of support, grant and loan via Just Growth, the funding programme for community food and farming projects launched […]
A workers’ co-operative has opened a wholefood store, juice bar and vegan takeaway after receiving a loan from The Co-operative Loan Fund. Wild Thyme in Southsea, Portsmouth, opened on Saturday 9 May 2015; the result of two years’ hard work from the co-op’s eight members. It is the only wholefood shop in the area, but […]
Calon Wen (meaning ‘white heart’ in Welsh) is a farmers’ co-operative with 25 members from all over Wales who produce a total of 19 million litres of organic milk a year. They set up the co-operative in 2000 with the aim of securing a long-term market for organic milk from Wales and they supply some […]
Valley Organics, the specialist grocers in the centre of Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, opened on 4 June as usual but with new owners – the employees. With expert advice from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub and finance from The Co-operative Loan Fund they have set up a co-operative and bought the business from the previous owners […]
The Co-operative Loan Fund assisted The Bakery Dunbar back in 2011, when Dunbar residents formed a community co-operative with the vision of re-opening the only bakery in their village. The venture attracted investment from over 550 local supporters, and the co-op happily opened its doors (and turned on the ovens) in October 2011. We’ve watched […]
A Scottish town can continue its 150 year baking tradition by opening the only bakery in the area, thanks to financial assistance from The Co-operative Loan Fund. The community of Dunbar has a lot to be excited about, thanks to the opening of their new community-owned bakery in October 2011, the only one in town. […]