Woman turns dial on a piece of equipment at an agricultural co-operative

At the corner of Main Street and Purpose: Rethinking small businesses by rethinking who owns them

Is alternative ownership the future of business in Canada? Shane Gibson from Future of Good reports on how converting to a non-profit, establishing an Employee Ownership Trust, or becoming a co-operative can help a small business become more sustainable, ensure job security and retain wealth within the community.

Man with vest and toque stands in aisle of warehouse shelving

Employee Ownership Trusts make it easier for Canadian businesses to share wealth with employees

When outside interests take over a small or medium business, it's often purchased then closed, leaving holes in the community. Future of Good reports on how new laws could encourage more retiring business owners to sell to their employees through Employee Ownership Trusts. EOTs help businesses stay local and contribute to employee retention and financial wealth.

Consultation on the future of competition policy in Canada

Canada’s existing competition regime is unfair for small business. We surveyed over 1,000 small business owners to understand how competition policy has affected them.

SCP_A-positive-vision-for-the-future-of-Canadian-competition-policy-cover

A positive vision for the future of Canadian competition policy

The concentration of corporate power in Canada can be traced back to the antiquated objectives of our nation’s competition policy. Our submission to the government’s review of the Competition Act provides sharp critiques and recommendations on a path forward.

Business-in-a-box concept paper

Small, independent businesses are the backbone of our economy. Unfortunately, they’ve become harder to start and struggle to compete with large chains. We’ve been inspired by owner-owned cooperatives that help small businesses thrive.

Rate drop rebate: final evaluation report

The story of the Rate Drop Rebate pilot, including key milestones, successes, dilemmas, insights and lessons learned. The Rate Drop Rebate was a unique partnership that brought SCP together with financial institutions, publicly funded employment service providers and the Government to reduce unfair barriers to employment and help grow the province’s small and mid-sized businesses.

Office with staff looking at a computer.

Ontario launches rate drop rebate in London

Ontario is launching an innovative partnership with financial institutions to help businesses in London grow and increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and facing other barriers. Through the new Rate Drop Rebate program, small- and medium-sized businesses that hire eligible people can receive discounted rates on financial products, such as loans. The rebate is made possible through funding from Ontario's two-year, $4-million Community Loans Fund.

Ontario financial institutions and government join forces to boost local businesses and do good in communities

Rate Drop Rebate™ pilot is expected to significantly impact those facing barriers to employment include students with limited work experience, long-term unemployed, older unemployed, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada and unemployed Indigenous persons. The program aims to generate up to 1,100 new employment opportunities.

Employees at a coffee shop

Ontario improving employment opportunities for people facing barriers

Ontario is partnering with leading financial institutions to build on Social Capital Partners existing loan program and create a fund aimed at increasing employment opportunities for people facing employment barriers.

Partnership council on employment oportunities for people with disabilities

The Partnership Council champions the hiring of people with disabilities and provides strategic advice to the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure to enhance employment opportunities for Ontarians with disabilities.