In the era of the membership economy, people are increasingly pursuing experiences, connections, and ongoing value over traditional business models. This shift has created a wave of enthusiasm for membership-based platforms, and leading the charge is Wayfinders Business Co-operative. Wayfinders is not just riding the wave but actively steering it, aligning its initiatives with the jewels (rules) of engagement for community development to provide a unique and rewarding membership experience. With its Mastermind Community of Management Practice, networking events and online resource centre, Wayfinders is growing its membership community.
Inclusivity at the Core
Nature has given us a diversity of strengths so we are stronger in collaboration. Wayfinders embraces inclusivity as a cornerstone of its membership platform. Recognizing the diversity within the business community, both online and in-person engagements are crafted to involve all members. By fostering an inclusive environment, Wayfinders ensures that every small business, non-profit, and co-operative organization feels welcomed and valued within the cooperative’s ecosystem.
Empowering Small Businesses
Empowerment is more than a buzzword for Wayfinders; it’s a guiding principle. Wayfinders is democratically governed, as each member owns one voting share. This taps our collective intelligence. Through its democratic platform, Wayfinders empowers small businesses with access to resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities, and skill development programs. By sharing the tools, information, and knowledge necessary for success, we actively contribute to our members’ growth and self-actualization.
Sustainability in Business Practices
Wayfinders recognizes the importance of sustainability not only in community development but also in the businesses it supports. The membership platform encourages sustainable practices, fostering long-term growth for small businesses while aligning with the cooperative’s commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Building Collaborative Partnerships
The cooperative understands the strength in collaboration. Wayfinders actively builds partnerships with local organizations, government entities, and businesses to amplify the impact of its membership initiatives. This collaborative approach extends the reach of the cooperative and enhances the benefits available to its members. Synergy results – “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Asset-Based Development in Action
Wayfinders takes an asset-based approach to community development, focusing on leveraging the unique strengths and resources present within the community — and our members are our greatest assets. The membership platform is designed to harness these local assets, creating a vibrant ecosystem where businesses can thrive based on their inherent strengths. Wayfinders is working at getting its first physical space in central Edmonton.
Participatory Planning for Community Success
Wayfinders believes in the power of community input. The cooperative actively involves its members in the planning and decision-making processes, ensuring that the membership platform evolves in harmony with the genuine needs and aspirations of the community it serves. Our resource centre has opportunities for direct input by members.
Adapting to Changing Dynamics
In a dynamic business landscape, Wayfinders remains adaptable and flexible. Our cooperative understands that community needs to evolve, and the membership platform is designed to respond effectively to these changes. This adaptability ensures that Wayfinders continues to be relevant and a supportive force for its members as our world continues to shift and evolve.
As people increasingly embrace the membership economy, Wayfinders Business Co-operative stands out as a beacon of community-centric engagement. By aligning its membership platform with the jewels of community development, Wayfinders is not just providing a service; it is fostering a community where businesses can flourish, collaborate, and navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.