From Momentum to What Comes Next
Legacy Builders—co-operatives and system-level partners investing in the future of the sector
In 2025, something important began to take shape across Alberta’s co-operative sector.
Not as a single initiative, but as a more coordinated effort to build awareness, strengthen connections, and create clearer pathways into co-operative development.
This work was made possible through Legacy Builders—co-operatives and system-level partners investing in the future of the sector—organizations that play a critical role in strengthening, connecting, and advancing co-operatives across Alberta.
What That Investment Enabled
In a short period, this work reached more than 55,000 people, with strong engagement and growing interest in the co-operative model.
This included:
a coordinated awareness effort across digital and in-person channels
regional engagement through on-the-ground conversations and events
the launch of a dedicated website, creating a central hub for learning, connection, and next steps
These are not just activity metrics.
They are early indicators of something more important:
There is real demand for the co-operative model when people can see it, understand it, and connect to it.
A full summary of 2025 outcomes and engagement is available in the ACCA Outcomes and Impact Summary 2025.
Detailed results from the Business Not As Usual initiative are outlined in the BNAU Impact Report 2025_2026.
What Became Clear
Through this work, one thing stood out.
The challenge is not whether people are interested.
The challenge is what happens next.
Awareness on its own does not move the sector forward unless it connects to:
opportunities to learn
places to engage
pathways into development, leadership, and ownership
Without that connection, momentum fades.
With it, momentum builds.
Why Legacy Builders Matter
Legacy Builders did more than support a set of activities.
They made it possible to:
test a more coordinated, province-wide approach
connect efforts that are often fragmented
begin building the infrastructure needed to support long-term sector growth
This kind of work is not always visible in a single moment.
But it is essential.
Because strong sectors are not built through isolated efforts.
They are built through consistent leadership, coordination, and shared investment over time.
What Comes Next
The opportunity now is to build on what has started.
The next phase is focused on:
strengthening coordination across Alberta
deepening engagement beyond initial awareness
creating clearer, more supported pathways into co-operative development
continuing to connect people, co-operatives, and opportunities across the sector
This is the shift:
From testing what works
to building what lasts
The next phase of this work is outlined in the Legacy Builders Sector Investment 2026-2029.
To carry this work forward, we are seeking to raise $100,000 annually through Legacy Builders—ensuring the coordination, leadership, and consistency required to match public investment and sustain long-term sector growth.
The Opportunity Ahead
What 2025 confirmed is simple, but important:
There is interest.
There is momentum.
There is a foundation to build from.
The work ahead is to carry that forward with intention.
To ensure that growing awareness becomes:
stronger participation
new development
and a more connected, resilient co-operative sector across Alberta
This is the role of Legacy Builders—co-operatives and system-level partners investing in the future of the sector.
And this is just the beginning.
We are currently confirming Legacy Builders for the next phase of this work. If your co-operative or organization is ready to be part of what comes next, we invite you to connect with Corinne Remple, execdir@acca.coop or call 780.652.3137.
