What We Do
Step 1
Members of the Investment Co-op pool their money together to create a revolving loan fund.
Step 2
Local ventures who demonstrate an ability for community impact and sustainable operations apply to the Investment Co-op for financing.
Step 3
The Investment Co-op assists eligible ventures with business development supports, and if necessary, advocates to other local lenders to collaboratively finance these businesses.
Step 4
The Investment Co-op works closely with loan recipients to provide them with mentorship, promotion, and referrals to other ongoing business development services.
Our
History
The WKB Investment Coop was formed in 2018 as a product of the Mobilizing Local Capital Project, a joint initiative between Kootenay Employment Services, the BC Rural Center, the province of BC, and several local economic development organizations. From the outset, the coop enjoyed widespread support across the region with more 100 founding member/investors.
Communities
We Invest In
Serving communities from Grand Forks to Nelson, Christina Lake, Trail, Rossland, Castlegar, Slocan, the Arrow Lakes, and Kootenay Lake regions.
Community
Vision
We envision the Investment Co-op as a leader in rural British Columbia’s local investment sector. The Investment Co-op will contribute to a supportive, resilient and diversified local economy by redirecting local capital into West Kootenay and Boundary Region businesses.
Our residents will see the full social, environmental and economic impacts of their investments growing at home, businesses will have access to an additional source of capital, and community relationships, civic pride and knowledge will naturally deepen.
WKBCIC Governance
A Board of Directors, elected by the membership, oversees the operation of the Investment Co-op. An Investment Committee consisting of Directors and members oversees the investment applications and due diligence process.
Meet Our Board Of Directors
Eva Hernandez
Eva Hernandez, a business owner from Castlegar, BC, is an active community volunteer, dedicated to supporting local causes. A passionate Rotarian, Eva strives to uplift her town through her efforts. She enjoys time with family and friends and also mentoring women in business.
Jeff Hayward
Jeff Hayward is proud to be a founding member of the WKB Investment Coop. In his day job, he helps professional growers across North America maximize yield and quality with targeted biostimulant products. He also operates a small farming business in sunny Grand Forks, BC.
Paul Butler
Mr. Butler is the Branch Manger of Kootenay Savings Credit Union in Trail and Fruitvale.
He thrives in the credit union environment, where relationships and long-standing partnerships bring value to both the client and the bottom line.
Outside of the credit union, Paul is a Councillor for the City of Trail and Past President & Vice Chair of the West Kootenay Boundary Community Investment Co-op, Board of Director of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital and Health Foundation and City Liaison for the Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation, Trail and District Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Trail Improvement Committee.
Suzanne Paquette
Suzanne is a CPA, CMA who worked most of her career in the Credit Union system, moving to self-employment in 2017 to enjoy more flexibility in life.
She volunteers with a number of community organizations, and feels strongly about giving back to the community. Travel and anything to do with water are her passions – she loves to open water swim, do triathlons, and scuba dive.
Additional Board Members
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Tracey MacGregor
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Collin Ludwar
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Wake Williams
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Keith Page
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Christine Tyers
Volunteer With Us
Be Part of the Investment Co-op
Are you or someone you know passionate about community development and possess a variety of skills that can contribute to the operations of the Investment Co-op? We are always looking to recruit talented individuals who are keen to help out.
Volunteers can serve on the Board of Directors or various committees, where they can help shape the strategic direction of the Co-op.
Volunteers can help organize and run community events, workshops, and investor meetings, providing logistical support and enhancing participant engagement.
Volunteers with skills in marketing, social media, or community outreach can help promote the Co-op’s initiatives and attract more community investment.
This involvement not only helps the Co-op in its operations but also enriches the volunteers’ experiences, allowing them to gain insight into community investment and networking opportunities within their local area.
Volunteers have opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience in community investment, event management, and governance.
Volunteers gain access to a network of local business leaders, investors, and community influencers, which can lead to new personal and professional opportunities.
We are a volunteer-driven organization. Please consider joining our team and helping to support and grow your local economy.