Direct Global / Direct Co-ops Becomes Canadian Strategic Partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council

Toronto, Canada – Direct Global / Direct Co-ops is excited to have accepted the invitation to join the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) as a Strategic Partner, joining a prestigious group of global business leaders. Corporate Strategic Partners include Rolls Royce, Sandals Resorts, Standard Chartered, De La Rue, just to name a few. The group also includes Institutional Strategic Partners, such as The City of London Corporation, the Governments of Jersey, Cyprus and Gibraltar, among many others, and Government Strategic Partners, such as the governments of Malta, Sri Lanka and Cameroon. This partnership will give Direct Global / Direct Co-ops unfettered access and support in engaging the 53 Commonwealth countries, which represent over 2 Billion people, the majority being from the developing world.

“We are looking forward to fostering Commonwealth-Canada relations and working with all the SMEs in the member countries, bringing them together through The Direct Initiative”, said Ahmed Attia, President CEO of Direct Global / Direct Co-ops, “The future is bright”.

“We are delighted to welcome Direct Global / Direct Co-ops to our Commonwealth business network.” Said Alan Gemmell OBE Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops
Headquartered in Toronto, Direct Global / Direct Co-ops (https://directglobal.world) is an e-commerce company focused on developing and operating platforms that allow purchasers to leverage their collective purchasing power to reduce the cost of procuring raw materials, finished goods and services. The company’s proprietary web-based platform enables medium and large corporations to harness their collective purchasing power to reduce purchasing and shipping costs. The company’s subsidiary, Direct Co-ops, focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses.

Direct Co-ops has developed a web-based platform that works with local business associations and others to connect local small and medium enterprises and enable them to aggregate orders for goods and services from local and national manufacturers, suppliers and service providers. By consolidating shipping, the company helps participating businesses reduce the environmental impact of their supply chains. Direct Global / Direct Co-ops has been featured on Bloomberg-BNN, Yahoo! Finance, Business Insider and received mention in “Everything for Everyone”, Nathan Schneider’s seminal text on the modern business cooperative movement.

Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC)
CWEIC has a mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Commonwealth Government to promote trade and investment across the 53-member nations of the Commonwealth. With over 70 corporate and institutional Strategic Partners and activity in many Commonwealth countries, we are the Commonwealth’s business network and the place for public-private engagement across the Commonwealth.

CWEIC has growing network in 6 Commonwealth countries and is a UK-registered not-for-profit company chaired by Lord Marland of Odstock, Lord Marland was Trade Envoy for British Prime Minister David Cameron

CWEIC is responsible for the Commonwealth Business Forum, which takes place alongside the two-yearly meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government.

Steve Anthony speaks to 680 News about joining Direct Co-ops and the fight to save small businesses

Canada’s top TV broadcaster Steve Anthony speaks to 680 News about joining Direct Co-ops and the fight to save small businesses, bringing the power back to the little guy.

Direct Co-ops Announces Exciting New Partnership with Royal-Backed $575 Million ICO Tatatu

(Published on Yahoo! Finance)

Toronto based Direct Global / Direct Co-ops has a stunning surprise for small and medium sized businesses across North America and they say it’s something businesses around the world will soon be able to take advantage of.

Today, Direct announced an exciting new partnership with Royal-backed Tatatu.

Tatatu’s ICO has been creating a lot of excitement in the crypto world after selling over $575 million dollars worth of its currency, making it the third most funded cryptocurrency in the marketplace with a mindblowing rise of 323% over the past week alone.

“Tatatu will be the exclusive retail cryptocurrency used on our Direct Local App,” said Ahmed Attia, President and CEO of Direct Global / Direct Co-ops, “We’re excited that our small and medium sized business members will enjoy access to premium video content, earning rewards for watching and share advertising revenue in a way that is fair and transparent. Each new Direct member will receive 50 Tatatu coins upon registration, which they will be able to use to purchase products from local businesses through the Direct Local App. Members will earn TTU coins as they enjoy films, TV shows, music and games! We’re really happy to be able to offer this to our members – it’s a gamechanger and because it benefits everyone involved, it fits perfectly with what we do at Direct Co-ops. It really is a natural partnership.”

Founded by award-winning film producer Andrea Iervolino, investors in the Tatatu ICO include such heavyweights as Patricio Slim (the son of Mexican Billionaire Carlos Slim), Lady Monika Bacardi, Prince Felix of Luxembourg, Hollywood icons and many other renowned names from across industries.

Award winning Broadcaster Steve Anthony (who Canadians know from his years on CP24 and MuchMusic) recently announced his involvement with Direct Global / Direct Co-ops. He was motivated to become part of the company because of their passion for saving small and medium sized businesses – the lifeblood of communities – from big box stores, giving them tools to compete with the Walmarts and the Amazons of the world.

More About Direct Global / Direct Co-ops:

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in North America, who number approximately 29 million in all, as well as cooperatives, who number 120 million members, can enjoy free membership with www.directcoops.com, helping them to not just survive in the big box era, but to thrive. A Direct Co-ops membership allows companies to vote to reduce costs on 40+ product categories, ranging from light bulbs and coffee, to auto parts and food products. Once enough votes have been secured on a product line, Direct Co-ops is able to negotiate lower prices on that product or product category.

Direct Co-ops is set to launch its Direct Local App, providing each member with their own free website, storefront and buying platform, empowering local communities and leveling the playing field for all.

Membership information and more details available at https://www.directcoops.com

Direct Co-ops Brings Steve Anthony’s Celebrity Power to Their Fight to “Change The World”

(Published on Business Insider)

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Direct Global / Direct Co-ops is proud to announce that broadcast icon Steve Anthony has agreed to come on board as Head of Media Relations. Anthony will also sit on the Advisory Board.

There aren’t many Canadians who are unfamiliar with Steve’s illustrious career. From the nine years he spent on MuchMusic, helping to put the station on the global map (he’s recognized across the nation to this day for his time there!) to the last nine years he spent on TV with his television mates, making Toronto’s “CP24 Breakfast” the top viewed morning show in Canada.

There’s a reason that, amongst many kudos, Anthony was chosen as Top Choice Awards ‘Top Television Personality in the GTA’ five straight years in a row.

Throughout his 40 plus years as a public figure, Steve’s list of philanthropic efforts read like poetry: Daughters for Life Foundation, Autism Speaks Canada, Walk So Kids Can Talk, Rally for Kids With Cancer Benefitting Toronto’s Sick Kids’ Hospital, and so many others have benefitted from Steve’s time, energy and wisdom. Those who know him, say that when you hear Steve speak, his passion for helping people is striking – and inspiring. He says that “Leave it better than you found it”, is one of his guiding principles.

“It’s often been commented that Steve has always had a unique connection with his viewers and listeners and we expect that he will bring that energy to the equally unique world of “the little guy,” Direct Co-ops said in a statement released to media today.

After learning of the downfall of so many “Mom ‘N Pop” businesses over the years, Steve agreed to join the Direct Global / Direct Co-ops and The Direct Initiative in their efforts to “change the world” and save the backbone of every community: its small businesses.

In his new position with Direct Co-ops, Steve will be guiding all media and promotional endeavors. Additionally, he announced today that he will be developing an all original show to be called “Direct Co-ops Local Hero presented by Steve Anthony“. The show will feature small businesses and their stories from their triumphs to their modern tragedies in the face of the big boxes stores.

More About Direct Global / Direct Co-ops:

Small and medium-sized businesses in North America, who number approximately 29 million in all, can enjoy free membership with www.directcoops.com, helping them to not just survive in the big box era, but to thrive. A Direct Co-ops membership allows companies to vote to reduce costs on 40+ product categories, ranging from light bulbs and coffee, to auto parts and food products. Once enough votes have been secured on a product line (1000 votes), Direct Co-ops is able to negotiate lower prices on that product or product category.

Membership information and more details available at https://www.directcoops.com

Media Contact:Tracy Lamourie, Direct Co-ops, 289-788-5881, tracy@directcoops.ca

“Canada’s Greatest Innovation Since Insulin, Economic Insulin!” – Direct Co-ops

(Published on Business Insider)

Direct Co-ops makes history by uniting over 1,000 American and Canadian businesses to save up to 50% on on their purchases

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Direct Co-ops has made history by concluding a group purchase with over 1,000 independent businesses in the USA and Canada combining their purchasing power to buy brand name LED light bulbs, coffee, and cleaning supplies. The collective buy yielded savings of up to 50%. This is milestone for Direct Co-ops in bringing together small businesses and independent contractors and entrepreneurs in USA and Canada to save on their purchasing costs.

Since their introduction on Business News Network (BNN) with Catherine Murray on September 12, 2017, Direct Co-ops has seen a massive influx of small businesses joining and voting on products, in both the USA and Canada.

View the interview on BNN: http://www.bnn.ca/video/mom-and-pop-shops-unite-to-compete-with-amazon~1207123

“Now more than ever, small businesses are being squeezed out by big box retailers,” says Ahmed Attia, CEO and Founder of Direct Co-ops. “Our goal is to level the playing field by bringing all the mom and pops together to help them cut costs much like big business does.”

About Direct Co-ops: Small and medium-sized businesses in North America, who number approximately 29 million in all, can enjoy free membership with www.directcoops.com, helping them to not just survive in the big box era, but to thrive. A Direct Co-ops membership allows companies to vote to reduce costs on 40+ product categories, ranging from light bulbs and coffee, to auto parts and food products. Once enough votes have been secured on a product line (1000 votes), Direct Co-ops is able to negotiate lower prices on that product or product category.

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops and CCA Global Partners reached a major agreement for USA & Canada

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops is proud to announce we have reached an agreement with CCA Global Partners.

October 3, 2017

Toronto, ON – Canadian company Direct Global / Direct Co-ops and US-based CCA Global Partners reached a major agreement for USA & Canada. Direct Global / Direct Co-ops will be bringing CCA Global Partners’ major services and products to the rest of the USA and Canada. This will enable Direct Co-ops members to enjoy savings in a multitude of products and services, including but not limited to free shipping and 70% off Staples products, 70%+ discount on shipping, savings on fuel, 19% discount on Sprint telecom services and many more.

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops truly appreciates our alliance with CCA Global Partners, a group that truly recognizes and supports entrepreneurs and independent businesses.

About CCA Global Partners

CCA Global Partners‘ cooperative business model has been empowering thousands of entrepreneurs to succeed in a marketplace that is impacted by widespread consolidation. CCA Global Partners empowers entrepreneurs and independent business owners by providing the scale, resources and innovation that create sustainability, growth and effective competition in today’s evolving marketplace. More than 3,500 locations and half a million members in North America and abroad benefit from CCA’s leadership through its 14 different businesses. CCA Global Partners comprises 14 divisional companies with annual sales of $10.8 billion.

About Direct Co-ops

Direct Co-ops has launched an initiative that will see 29 million small and medium enterprises come together to form the world’s largest buying group. Through the buying group, SMEs will have the purchasing power to lower costs on everyday business products and services, making them more competitive with ‘big box’ stores.

BNN: Mom and pop shops unite to compete with Amazon

Direct Co-ops Founder and CEO Ahmed Attia interviewed on Canada’s national Business News Network (BNN):

Mom and pop shops unite to compete with Amazon

Direct Co-ops has launched an initiative that will see 29 million small and medium enterprises come together to form the world’s largest buying group to help businesses stay competitive with big box retailers. BNN speaks with the organization’s founder and CEO, Ahmed Attia.

Direct Co-ops partners with the global co-operative movement at Disrupting the Disruptors

Disrupting the Disruptors conference was held in Toronto between September 9-10, dedicated to understanding and accelerating platform co-operatives in Canada and all around the world. This event offered a practical exploration of a more equitable digital economy by using co-operatively owned digital platforms. Can co-operative ownership solve the challenges we face from platform monopolies, such as Walmart and Amazon? We explored the possibilities of building a sustainable platform economy that benefits entrepreneurs and all people.

The conference was joined by over 300 co-operatives, associations and other groups representing millions of businesses worldwide. Direct Co-ops joined the conference as one of the pillars of the new digital economy, leveling the playing field for all mom and pops. After understanding the sense of urgency, Direct Co-ops has decided to give their experience and technologies, completely for free, to help stop the bleeding for small independent businesses globally.

Article about Direct Co-ops by Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun

Amazing efforts, heroes and artists

BY JOE WARMINGTON, TORONTO SUN

David can sometimes beat Goliath.

When it comes to retail sales it’s such a tough time for small mom and pop operations. Big operations have a price advantage.

Not any more.

“Direct Co-ops has launched an initiative that will see 29 million small and medium enterprises come together to form the world’s largest buying group,” reads a statement from Direct Co-ops. “Through the cooperative, these SMEs will have the purchasing power to lower costs on everyday business products and services, making them more competitive with ‘big box’ stores.”

I got to tell you as much as I find myself in box stores shopping, my favourite experiences are when I am in an urban neighbourhood or a smaller town looking at retail stores, often run by families.

They not only have unique merchandise, food or fashion, they are also the heartbeat of many towns.

However, it’s no easy task taking on the big boys.

“Now more than ever, small businesses are being squeezed out by big box retailers,” says Ahmed Attia, CEO and Founder of Direct Co-ops.

This idea helps with this.

“Our goal is to level the playing field by bringing all the mom and pops together to help them cut costs much like Walmart does,” Attia said. “By purchasing products together with other businesses, we can negotiate lower purchasing prices on the products and services we need to run our businesses and items we retail to our customers.”

If 1,000 small businesses do this, they can cut the cost by 75%.

“The Direct initiative is a great way of supporting independent business,” said Mike Shepard, chair of the Business Improvement Area for Kensington Market and founder of Big Fat Burrito. “Independent businesses are the backbone of our middle class, so it gives people the opportunity to keep our middle class strong.”

People power.

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/09/08/amazing-efforts-heroes-and-artists

Direct Co-ops launches COME ALIVE – “The Direct Initiative” by Fito Blanko ft. Karl Wolf

Greatest Song Ever for the Greatest Cause Ever!
The National Anthem for every community. Written by Fito Blanko and dedicated to communities coming back together through the world’s first online small & medium-sized business buying cooperative.

Direct Co-ops is the world’s first online buying cooperative for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), bringing together businesses in North America and worldwide to joint purchase products and services to save and compete with the Big Box. The Direct Initiative provides equal opportunity to business owners by joining together, local, national and international communities and minimizing the overall operational costs of any business. By enabling SMEs to flourish through collective buying power and consumer engagement, we are the ultimate one-stop, online B2B platform for all your business needs.

Join Now at www.directcoops.com

Produced by Canwood Entertainment
Crown Loyalty Entertainment
Song Production by Sensei Musica & Saltone of Hit Legends
Directed and Filmed by Jeff Ridout
Edited by Matt Hamilton