Hamilton's Mustard Seed Co-op wins $25,000

Hamiltons soon-to-come community-owned grocery store is getting a $25,000 boost.

The Mustard Seed Co-op has won $25,000 as one of two Ontario-region winners of the Co-operators National Co-op challenge.

The social media contest showcased 16 emerging co-ops, with four finalists selected in four regions across Canada. Each finalist produced a short video about their co-op, how it benefits their community and the projects that would be supported with the prize money.

"All of the contestants are small and emerging locally owned and controlled co-operatives that respond to needs in their communities," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "They mirror the diversity of the co-op sector in Canada, showing that there are values-based alternatives driven not by profit, but by a desire to serve their members and promote a more fair, equitable and inclusive society.

The Mustard Seed Co-op managed to win the prize before even opening its doors. Organizers say they hope to open by Nov. 29, exactly one year starting their membership drive.

Last month, organizers revealed the co-op will housed in a building at 460 York Blvd.

Mustard Seed now has a total of over 600 members, with aims to tally a total of at least 800.