A co-operative is an organization owned by the members who use its services (a consumer co-operative or credit union), or by people who work there (a worker co-op), or by those who live there (a housing co-operative).

Co-operatives can provide virtually any product or service and are different from other businesses in that they use profits for purposes that are directed by the board and membership. Co-operatives exist in every sector of the economy and can touch every aspect of our lives. -https://canada.coop/

Co-ops like Wayfinders are able to provide the advantages of volume purchases for their members and to offer services that individuals would not likely own by themselves, such as online collaborative project management tools or maker-spaces.  As a member-shareholder, you have the same vote as any other member when it comes to electing directors to the board, or setting corporate policies.

Co-ops provide consumers with a distinct values-based and community-owned and controlled alternative. Unlike the private, public, or voluntary sectors, all co-operatives around the world are guided by the same seven principles:

1. Voluntary and open membership 
2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training, and information
6. Co-operation among co-operatives
7.  Concern for Community

Wayfinders helps to raise your performance and level the business playing field with your lead competitors.
Larger companies often have a competitive advantage over smaller companies when it comes to adoption of automation and hiring business expertise. There is an advantageous economy of scale as the companies get bigger. Wayfinders is able to offer these advantages of size to its small business Members.  We can purchase and offer services that small businesses would not be able to access or afford on their own.
We focus particular attention to helping Members select, adopt and use appropriate software for their businesses.
Also, by building a community of trust and respect, our members can create long lasting business relationships and reduce the cost of chasing new suppliers and customers. We have a variety of businesses among our members.

Over the past decade, many business software publishers have stopped offering their programs on discs or for download. More publishers are offering their software programs on line. You don’t get a copy of the program on your computer. This is software as a service in cloud computing. With a paid subscription you can access the online software and your data from a mobile device anywhere anytime. You don’t have to worry about downloading upgrades.
At Wayfinders we are building a full office suite integrated with other software that enable an online community and various forms of collaboration for an affordable user fee.

Members are expected to be engaged, reliable, trustworthy, respectful and helpful contributors to our business community.

From time to time we may call on you to provide input, feedback or advice into our planning and development processes.
Members are also encouraged to provide discounts on products and services they offer to other Members.

Wayfinders typically call themselves entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, professionals, contractors, consultants or gig workers. They range from 20 to 70 years of age and may be in any industry. Businesses may range from sole proprietor to 20 employees or more. They may register their employees as users. Many Members have home-based operations. They may be located anywhere, but most are located in Alberta at this time.