Highland Island Co-operatives Learning Journey

Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise is hosting a free, two-day learning event. Attendees will visit and hear from co-operatives in the Highland and Islands region.

This event will be particularly beneficial to those who want to:

• Increase their knowledge and awareness of what co-ops are and the potential they have to create successful, fair and inclusive businesses.
• Share knowledge and ideas to benefit their business, or clients they may be advising.
• Build relationships with others in the co-op sector.
• Find out more about the support available to start or grow co-ops.

The event will include a workshop on how the co-operative model can create and sustain a successful, values-based business, the steps needed to start one and the support available to do so.

This will be followed by presentations and visits to successful growing co-operative businesses who will share their learning and experience, giving helpful pointers of what has worked for them as well as exploring the challenges they have faced along the way.

On the evening of 12th November, CDS will host a dinner with a guest speaker from the co-operative sector.

Who should attend

This event is open to:

• Anyone considering a new business who want to do things differently and adopt a fair, inclusive and democratic business model.
• Existing businesses who are looking for an alternative approach and are considering adopting a different business model.
• Community groups with an idea for a community owned business venture.
• Business advisors who would like to know more about co-ops to help support their client base.
• Please note this event is aimed at those working or living in the Highland and Island region.

Event programme:

Day 1: Tuesday 12th November 2024, 12 noon

• Networking lunch and introductions at Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness
• Introductory Workshop on co-ops and support available from CDS and Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Presentation from Argyll and Isles Tourism Co-operative, the strategic destination management organisation for Argyll & the Isles on the West Coast of Scotland
• Presentation from Highland Wholefoods an Inverness workers co-operative situated in the city of Inverness supplying vegetarian, vegan, organic, ethical and environmentally friendly food, drinks and household products
• Coach travel* to Highland Wholefood premises for visit
• Return travel to Hotel for Day 1 reflections and discussion
• Private dinner in Hotel with guest speaker
• Overnight stay at Hotel, if required. **

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Host or Publisher Scottish Enterprise