Carrot Cache Community Resources

As Margaret Mead observed a small group of people can change the world.

A small sign on the cash register asked customers to invest $5000 at 10% for an indeterminate length of time.

Over the next eight months $264,000 in non voting shares was raised from customers. Suppliers forwarded $150,000 of inventory and the Federal Business Development Bank lent $250,000.

Carrot Common, designed by architect Paul Reuber, became a neighbourhood meeting place. A loggia marks the courtyard and benches and plants draw foot traffic from the Danforth. 33 parking spaces ensure customers have easy access. Second floor office space is rented primarily to alternative health practitioners.

The financing for the development came from David Walsh, the banking sector, The Co-operative Resource Pool of Ontario, and from The Big Carrot.
David insisted on the formation of a foundation to receive a percentage of the future profits from the real estate. It was agreed that the recipients of Carrot Cache Community Resource Inc. were to be worker co-operatives and groups who were interested in organic agriculture and community food security.

Now twenty three years later this vision has become a reality. Carrot Cache is investing in small innovative projects across Canada and around the world.

In early 1983 nine unemployed people decided to open a natural food store. They researched locations, products and discussed philosophy. All hoped to earn a living working at the store and decided to incorporate as a workers’ co-operative. This unusual business structure ensures that worker/owners have an equal voice in decision making.

Salaries vary with responsibility but profits are shared equally. Each worker makes an investment in the business. Along with monies from family and friends a $50,000 bank loan was secured. It was a huge leap of faith.

The Big Carrot opened in October 1983 on the Greek retail strip in Toronto. The store designed, built and painted by its owners was an immediate success. Within two years the business outgrew the space. A woman visiting the store stated that her family (the Playters) owned the land that housed the car dealership across the street. She gave us 10 days to find someone to buy the property. By serendipity a customer knew someone who might help.

David Walsh, a developer, challenged The Big Carrot to come up with $100,000 within 6 weeks to secure anchor tenancy in the new development and to ensure our commitment.