cooperative foundations cooperative foundations

For indie studio founders who want to work differently. Over 8 weeks, you'll develop the operating practices, governance structures, and shared agreements your studio needs alongside a cohort of peers figuring out the same things.

What is this program?

It's a eight-week intensive structured around tailored, peer-led support to help you explore worker-led studio models, such as cooperatives, with a community of indie peers. We offer you a private online space, tools, workshops, weekly mentorship, and a $5,000 stipend to help you focus on developing a studio built on a foundation of collective values.

Central Hub Cohort 6 starts spring 2026

Join our mailing list to be notified when applications open.

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With the support of:

Ontario Creates LogoCity of Toronto LogoGamma Space Logo

Eligibility

Your group is:

  • at least 3 people, with majority of members from an
  • based in Canada
  • interested in applying worker-led and cooperative principles

What We Look For

  • Team alignment
  • Co-op interest
  • Studio development intent
  • Community-mindedness
  • capacity

"Baby Ghosts really helps accelerate not just your studio, but you as an individual if you are passionate, willing to learn, and want to create a space for yourself in your career."

- Hedy Fu, Doomscroll Studios

"Whenever we've had a question or problem, we've gotten great advice immediately. We made two games that won global recognition and came out with new collaborations, funders, and a solid financial foundation, despite this being a tough time for the games industry."

- Aric McBay, Polyvale Studios

Program FAQ

Assessing your fit

The Baby Ghosts Cooperative Foundations program offers an opportunity to focus on your studio's foundation and structure before pursuing external funding. Our approach helps you build value from within, so you can be sure that your studio's development aligns with your collective values.

Before applying, consider:

  • Are you prepared to prioritize your studio's development alongside your current project?
  • Can you commit the time and energy required for our program activities?
  • Are you open to candid discussions about goals and values with your team and our Peer Supports?
  • Do you have a support network to help you navigate potential challenges?
  • Are you comfortable communicating your learning preferences and accessibility needs in English?

Note: We focus on pre-formation foundations, not the legal process of incorporation. Already incorporated? You can still apply.

Take the readiness quiz
"It's meant so much to have the care and support of the entire community. It's been so validating to get quick feedback from a community of very smart people."
- Aric McBay, Polyvale Studios

Sessions

  • Coop principles & power
  • Shared purpose / alignment
  • Actionable values & impact
  • Decision-making in practice
  • Coop structures & governance
  • Equitable economics
  • Conflict resolution & collective care
  • Self-evaluation & pathways

Time Commitment

Here's how your weekly time as a Baby Ghost breaks down:

  • Live sessions: 1-1.5 hours
  • Async work (Miro activities, journaling, readings, Slack reflections): 1-2 hours
  • Studio 1:1s (3 rounds during program): occasional 30-60 min

Total estimated time commitment per person:

~3-4 hours/week over 8 weeks

Note: Actual time may vary based on individual circumstances, studio size, and specific project needs. Participants may choose to invest additional time.

Core Themes

  • Anti-capitalist alternatives to growth-at-all-costs models
  • Democratic decision-making (consent, consensus)
  • Financial transparency and equitable compensation
  • Conflict as care rather than failure
  • Patience for the pace of trust1 - moving slowly with intention
  • Horizontal power structures vs hierarchical defaults

Peer Supports

Peer supports are practicing co-op founders trained in governance, IP + platform strategy, and trauma-informed facilitation. Many are regionally based as part of our hub network.

Thank you to our past Peer Supports: Brendan Campbell, Derek Kwan, Donna Knox, eileen mary holowka, Henry Faber, Hedy Fu, Hope Docking, june sea, kaitlyn dougon, Lindsay Rollins, Madeleine Patton, Madeline Zaytsoff, Madison Côté, Reese Valentine, Sloane Smith, Titus McNally, Valerie St Gelais, Yannan Ma; and our inaugural facilitators bryan depuy and datejie cheko green.

  1. Ruth Łchav'aya K'isen Miller, "An Alaska Native mutual aid network tackles the climate crisis," High Country News, 2024. Read article →