Common Thread Cooperative is a social enterprise that sources street banners and other fabric to convert them into colourful and durable products. They coordinate production using their network of producers.  These include women like Halima who are newcomers to Canada or who have employment barriers and thrive in our flexible work environments.

Case Study

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Key takeaways:

  1. To achieve your vision collaborate with organizations and individuals across the private and public sector. An inspiration of light for many Social Enterprises in Canada, Common Thread demonstrates the achievements that can be made through collaboration, partnerships and teamwork. As Melanie Conn puts it: “We can’t do it all by ourselves, we really need the support of other organizations [to succeed].”

  2. Do your research and make sure you pick the form of legal entity that will best fit your organization. Common Thread chose to incorporate as a cooperative. The cooperative model allows them to act as the glue that holds a diverse and unique production system together staying committed to both social and financial bottom lines.

  3. If you collaborate with people in the private sector, be prepared because people in the private sector make decisions very quickly. Treat businesses as allies as they are not all about green-washing or marketing, they also genuinely care to do good.

  4. Do not rely on just one customer or supplier. Make sure you have a Plan B and always keep expanding your cause.