How an inclusive employment cooperative developed their operational capacity and increased revenue
Founded in 2005 as a for-profit cooperative, Penticton and Area Cooperative Enterprises (PACE) creates employment opportunities for people living with barriers. Providing recycling services, they generate revenue through long-term municipal contracts, e-waste collection and sales, and sales of refurbished electronics. PACE provides ethical wages and a work environment that is inclusive, flexible and understanding; they accommodate disability-related limitations and value individuals from marginalized communities.
Prior to working with Purppl, PACE faced several challenges. They aimed to be recognized as the leading social enterprise in the region, yet their online presence was limited so few knew about all their amazing, impactful work. They also lacked critical structures such as handbooks, policies and contracts.
Over the last year, with support from Purppl, PACE’s vision and direction became more clear. They developed a Theory of Change to facilitate strategic planning and goal setting, established structures and systems, increased organizational efficiency through updated (and digitized) operational practices and new policies and procedures. This streamlining made it easier for community members to access employment opportunities and simplified the job application process. They also grew more confident in financial planning and management.
PACE have since increased revenue coming from municipal contracts by understanding full costs and adjusting prices, improved their board composition and engagement, and increased wages for their teams of workers with barriers.
“I can’t imagine where PACE would be without Purppl’s guidance and support. Their expertise has helped us create a more sustainable operation, explore new revenue streams, and maintain our commitment to creating employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers.”
– Stacey Rexin, Operations Manager
Read more stories of impact in our 2023 Impact Report.
This report is not simply a summary of what we’ve done, but a celebration of the collective journey of the many social entrepreneurs and impact leaders with whom we’ve had the privilege to collaborate.
It is a mosaic of shared efforts, underscoring the belief that real change is a collaborative endeavour. It is the story of how, together, we’re making meaningful changes in community.
