News

Katrina Marshall, co-owner of Rise and Shine Island Flavour in Guelph, and Danny Golnik, Vice President of Direct Global and Direct Co-ops, talk about the benefits of a cooperative model in food delivery for local restaurants, drivers and restaurant goers.

There’s a new food delivery app in town, Direct Local Eats, and it’s promising more money for its drivers and less fees for restaurants.

Sid Seixeiro talks with Local Driver Co-op co-founder Ahmed Attia on the equitable driving and delivery service.

Direct Local Eats is expected to launch in Guelph next month, offering a lower service fee to restaurants and allowing drivers to keep 90 per cent of the delivery charge

By: Kenneth Armstrong

United Nations commends Direct Global for meeting three of its sustainable development goals

US apex body NCBA CLUSA has partnered with Direct Global on the venture to help co-ops achieve scale and leverage

A new partnership between Direct Global/Direct Co-ops and the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) will enable co-ops and other small businesses worldwide to jointly purchase products, communicate, sell (retail and wholesale) and vote on co-op products and issues using an inter-cooperative platform that includes full ecommerce functionalities.

Local Driver Co-op is excited to announce the appointment of Torsten Kunert as CEO of the global federation that will seed and deploy locally-owned driver cooperatives in each city. Local Driver Co-op (www.LocalDriver.Coop) is a cooperative that has been established to address the massive disruptions...

Direct Global has plans to launch an app to help mom-and-pop shops compete against Amazon and other online retailers. The company’s CEO, Ahmed Attia, joined BNN Bloomberg to share his thoughts on Direct Global’s future within ecommerce....

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is the apex trade organization of Bangladesh playing a pivotal role in consultative and advisory capacity, safeguarding the interests of the private sector in the country. FBCCI serves as the hub of all the chambers of commerce in Bangladesh and is the umbrella trade organization...

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Cortell on board, having someone with his experience in the US market will be integral to our US operations. Gary Cortell has over twenty-five years experience in the film, video and television industry with a proficiency in TV production, distribution, digital marketing, and media services. He currently is and...

The Gig Is Up Act is a historic moment in requiring large corporations, that gross at least $100 million and employ at least 10,000 independent contractors, to recognize the gig workers as employees and provide them with the full benefits they have earned. Companies will be required to pay employer and employee portions of the...

The Epic China consortium includes Golden Concord Group (GCL), China Communication Technology (CCT), Unilumen Group, Born Holding Group and AIECOMS and is lead by Mr. Simon Guo. Mr. Guo is the principal owner of Five Lakes Global Group headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Guo started his career as an interpreter and business strategist with CITIC...

(Source: https://www.cweic.org/news/direct-global-direct-co-ops-to-launch-direct-local-app-enabling-29-million-smes-and-125-million-co-op-members-to-come-together/) (Toronto, Canada) Direct Global / Direct Co-ops announces the launch of its Direct Local mobile app, giving every small and medium-sized business and co-operative in N. America and The UK a free ecommerce website and app...

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops partnered with Finetrade Ltd. And OWS to set up two offices in the Free Zones. Finetrade Ltd. is a company based in the United Arab Emirates, focused on trading of raw materials and particularly timber from all over the world. During Dubai’s construction market boom in 2007, the company was...

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops attends its first Commonwealth Global Advisory Council meeting Direct Global / Direct Co-ops was welcomed as one of the eight new Strategic Partners at the October Advisory Council, the first held in the City of London at the Painters Hall, which also included: Bassadone Automotive Group, Bestway Group,

On October 10, 2019, Local Driver Co-op in cooperation with Pro Driver and groups representing 200,000 rideshare drivers from New York City, took to the streets demanding Uber, Lyft, TLC and other organizations restore fairness to the industry. Direct Global / Direct Co-ops was there in solidarity and support of the drivers and their families. Watch the earlier rally...

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops is excited to announce that Local Driver Co-op, a powerful cooperative owned and operated by its own members, the drivers, is in its third phase of testing in the USA and Canada. (Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4459635) Toronto, Canada – September 30, 2019 – Direct Global / Direct Co-ops is excited to announce...

(Source: https://classifieds.usatoday.com/press/prince-lorenzo-borghese-joins-direct-global-direct-co-ops-to-lead-all-us-initiatives) Prince Lorenzo Borghese will be seeding all Direct Global / Direct Co-ops initiatives, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to come together, in order to compete and not just survive but to thrive in the new economy. Prince Lorenzo Borghese will also be seeding the rideshare cooperative (http://localdriver.co), that will boast 90% of the...

Representing over 200,000 small and medium size businesses in 46 countries, Pacific Rim Business Council’s new partnership with Direct Global/Direct Co-ops and their exclusive e-commerce “group” buying platform will enable their hundreds of thousands of members to survive, thrive and compete with mega retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and the like. Direct Global/Direct Co-ops’ (DG) platform

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.

(Published on NBC) TORONTO/BOSTON—Small Business activists in Canada and the U.S. are joining forces to fight for a level playing field for local merchants under attack from huge retail companies like Amazon, Walmart, Facebook and Google. Direct Co-ops, Al Norman and Canada’s top broadcaster Steve Anthony announced today the creation of the Direct Local Business

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops is delighted to announce that it has joined the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) as a Strategic Partner.

(Published on Business Insider) TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2018 — What do Serena Ryder, Tom Cochrane, Barenaked Ladies, Russell Peters, Fito Blanko, Tom Wilson of Junkhouse, The Trews, Karl Wolf, Mark Holmes from Platinum Blonde, Alan Frew from Glass Tiger, Dr. Draw & Lynn Moffatt have in common? Aside from being some of the biggest names in Canadian entertainment – this week, they’ve gathered together with the team behind a Toronto based organization

Direct Global / Direct Co-ops chose Kensington Market for the launch party for their gamechanging new app – and for their brand new office to pay homage to the place where it all began. It was in the locals fight to save the unique spirit of Kensington Market from an invasion of big box stores that Direct Global

What do Serena Ryder, Tom Cochrane, Barenaked Ladies, Russell Peters, Fito Blanko, Tom Wilson of Junkhouse, The Trews, Karl Wolf, Mark Holmes from Platinum Blonde, Alan Frew from Glass Tiger, Dr. Draw & Lynn Moffatt have in common? Aside from being some of the biggest names in Canadian entertainment – this week, they’ve gathered together with the team behind a Toronto based organization

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.

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.

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

(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

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

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

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

The 416 Direct local app allows small businesses in local communities to interact with each other on important community topics, vote on policies and products, as well as purchase products through the app among many other features. The 416 Direct app is available for both Android and iPhone and can be downloaded from the following

Direct Co-ops concluded a deal with St. John’s Ambulance to provide First-Aid & CPR training to small businesses. As Canada’s leading authority in First Aid, St. John’s Ambulance expertise leads the way in offering the most comprehensive and innovative First Aid training programs for business. Choose from a wide variety of courses and options to

Direct Hydro, in partnership with ORHMA and ECNG Energy L.P. has created Ontario’s largest energy program for all businesses, allowing for 15-40% savings on hydro and energy expenses. This comes at a time, when Ontario residents are struggling with their hydro bills due to recent hikes. We are proud to bring the small businesses in

Direct Co-ops and the Ontario Natural Food Co-op have established a partnership that will see over 5,000 organic food products made available to the members of Direct Co-ops at lower than wholesale prices. Products will become available for voting, allowing members to form buying groups with volume discounts as low as 50% off the regular

Direct Co-ops establishes a partnership with the Ontario Natural Food Co-op, the leader in organic food distribution in North America with over 5,000 products to be made available to our members! Ontario Natural Food Co-op is a co-operative headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. ONFC has led the distribution of natural and organic food in the region

Monica Szenteszky the team leader of OMDC Grants, expresses willingness and access to grant funding with SMEONE.

Direct Co-ops at the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA) event, with our newest partner and trade commissioner for the Russian Federation, Mr. Constantine Trafimov, who expressed full support for The Direct Initiative.

Finding solutions to end chronic poverty in Toronto by mentoring challenged street youth. Thank you Yonge Street Mission for the opportunity to help! Founded in 1896, through multiple programs, Yonge Street Mission (YSM) aims to make a positive difference in the lives of families, seniors, socially-isolated adults, homeless street youth, and children, focusing on building

Direct Co-ops establishes a partnership with Nourish Marketing, one of the leading food distribution and marketing companies in North America.

Direct Co-ops at the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Toronto.

Direct Co-ops with the Minister of Research & Innovation, Reza Moridi, at the Diversity Leaders Alliance event held at Toronto City Hall.

Direct Co-ops at the International Economic Forum of the Americas 2016 in Toronto. We are proud to have the voice of Small Businesses and the middle class heard – thank you to the Business Development Bank of Canada for all your support! Direct Co-ops – “Building the Economy of the Future”!

Announcing 613 Direct – Ottawa! Helping mom and pops in the capital of Canada survive and thrive.

Tony Elenis, head of the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA) delivers a webinar for the mom and pop independent restaurant owners and members of Direct Co-ops/416Direct.

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

A major agricultural cooperative from Central Asia joins Direct Co-ops, bringing more than 50,000 farmers to offer their produce to small business owners including grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, hotels and motels in USA/Canada and globally. Sabz Coop has more than 50,000 organic farmers and over 40 local co-ops under its umbrella in several countries

Direct Co-ops proud to be part of the launch of Bloomberg TV in Canada, at the official event hosted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Jie Matar, the stylist to the stars, showing his support of the Direct Initiative!

Direct Co-ops shoots the music video for Fito Blanko’s song “Come Alive”, which has become the Direct Initiative’s theme song featuring Fito Blanko and Karl Wolf. The shooting took place on several locations in Kensington Market in Toronto, as well as in Mississauga and Markham, featuring over 80-persons’ flash mob volunteers from local schools and

George Stroumboulopoulos, host of CBC show Hockey Night in Canada, expresses his support of the Direct Initiative!

Direct Co-ops establishes a partnership with The 8th Generation Infinity Network to help all First Nations through the Direct Initiative for all global indigenous peoples… Special thanks to Kevin Nadjiwon, president of The 8th Generation Infinity Network linking all indigenous communities of the Americas.

The Honorable Bob Rae, former head of the federal Liberal Party of Canada, speaks at the Yorkville-Forest Hill Rotary Club and expresses his support of the Direct Initiative during the official induction of Ahmed Attia into Rotary International.

Canada’s greatest author Margaret Atwood expresses her support of Direct Co-ops’ work for the mom and pop independent businesses in Toronto.

Direct Pension is born! A pension for small and medium sized businesses has been approved for the Direct Initiative to white label the purchasing power parity.

Direct initiative has been sponsored with 300 of Jean Michel Basquiat’s prints. Basquiat is one of America’s most influential Artists of this century. Johnny Browers felt compelled by the initiative’s mission and wanted to provide support with the art. In addition one original Basquiat painting (Apx. $30,000.00 US value) will be donated to one lucky

Direct Co-ops establishes a partnership with Gordon Weiskie of CanWood Entertainment. CanWood who has produced many features films, such as X-Men 1, X- Men 2, and Goodwill Hunting, will be producing all SMEONE shows.

Direct Initiative was invited as Guests of Honor to the CHIN RADIO Christmas party with Fito Blanko and The Mayor of Toronto, John Tory.

As a celebrity guest, Fito Blanko shoots the first episode, supporting small businesses, in a series of cooking shows dedicated to supporting Mom and Pop shops. The series will help restaurant owners learn how to update their menu and stay on the cutting edge.

Starting January 25th, 2016, new Crowdfunding rules will go into affect for companies seeking to raise capital. The new rules along with other exemptions means that Canadian companies will have several different capital raising options available to them. Depending on the stage of your company, what province you are in and the amount of capital

Fito Blanko’s “Come Alive”, written for Toronto’s PanAm Games, featuring Liz Rodriguez & Karl Wolf becomes the Direct Initiative’s theme song. Compelled by the mission, Fito Blanko believed the Initiative was the true embodiment of the song, thus giving its rights to the Initiative. Listen to the song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfQGVVUNup8

Minister Michael Coteau personally introduces 416Direct CEO, Ahmed Attia, to The Minister of Municipal Affairs, Linda Jeffrey. Minister Jeffery’s portfolio includes municipal regulations across Ontario.

At the ENTER.Sake event, Richie Hawtin, the godfather of electronic music, expresses his dedication and excitement to be involved in the Direct Co-ops launch.

Direct Initiative supports and sponsors the Forest Hill Rotary Club in its War Veterans Remembrance meeting.

Ryan Guzman, Star actor of “Heroes Reborn” and Star of “Boy Next Door” featuring Jennifer Lopez, commits to announcing the monthly Local Heroes & aiding in 310 direct, the Los Angeles Initiative.

Brian Crombie and Michael Williams, respectively, Strategic Corporate Finance Executive & Much Music’s TV Personality, both affirm support with the Direct Initiative.

The Haitian, Jimmy Jean-Louis – Star of “Hero Reborn”, met with and expressed support of the Direct Initiative.

The Canadian Latin Chamber of Commerce expressed willingness and enthusiasm to participate in the cooperative, upon the launch. Its association will further help all Latin small businesses and the community.

The French Trade Commission expressed its readiness to cooperate with the hard launch and allow members access to all of their manufacturers and producers.

Main Stream Media Unplugged (MSMU) and Direct Coops initiate a joint venture with the formation of two new channels, SMEONE & SMETWO. The two channels will be dedicated to programs beneficial to small and medium sized businesses.

The Vietnam Trade Commission expressed readiness to cooperate with the hard launch and give all members access to its manufacturers and producers. All products will be available through the Co-op.

CC Liquidators, the largest liquidator of products in North America and Direct Co-ops formed a deal allowing member’s access to one million products at extremely discounted rates.

Jerry Sokoloski, Goliath in the upcoming Hollywood feature film, David and Goliath, has been a supporter of 416Direct since virtually its beginning. Mr. Sokoloski has agreed to star in a promotional, social media short film titled “BIGBOX”. Having the tallest man in North America as an official spokesperson for 416Direct is a BIG deal.

Mike Kasij, CFIB Senior District Manager has stepped on with The Direct Initiative, as the Head of Sales. Mr. Kasij will be focusing on the migration of key members to Directcoops.com and all our key association partners.

416Direct was originally created to develop a buying co-operative that would lower costs of wholesale products for small business retailers. The mission, being to help combat the erosion of the middle class caused by globalization. After a year of surveying the model with over 3,000 businesses on a wide variety of services, we have now

416Direct concludes a joint venture with Advantag, an innovative social networking and affinity software development company to bundle its offerings under a 416Direct white label.

The Honorable Michael Coteau wins re-election in the Provincial elections and is awarded the new portfolio of Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports (including the Pan Am Games). His first official visit was to the 416Direct Offices.

416Direct and The CFIB hold MOTM Professional Discussion Session at Fasken Martineau with Edyath Pacuk of March 15th, during which they Consulted on the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ generations; their habits and how to reach that market.

416Direct concludes its first licensing deal for 519Direct (Kitchener, Ontario) with NPlus Networks. The deal is an equity swap exchanging 50% of the 519Direct license for 50% ownership in a joint venture, utilizing NPlus Networks 80,000 sq.ft Data Centre, offering Colocation Services as DirectColo.

SwitchRay (formerly MERA) partners with DirectTel (a 416Direct company) to offer their flagship commercial telecommunication switch (discounted to DirectTel referrals) specifically on DirectTel’s Facebook VOIP telecommunications forum, currently the most trafficked VOIP wholesale forum on Facebook.

Direct Coops soft launch takes place on Earth Day. In Attendance included; Brad Duguid our Minister of Trade, Michael Coteau the Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, and Reza Moridi, the Minister of Research and Innovation, as well as the Saudi Canadian Business Council.

416Direct and The CFIB hold MOTM Professional Discussion Session at the Toronto offices of Bloomberg Media. In an effort to support small businesses (as well as big ones), Bloomberg is motivated to assist 416Direct member businesses. With their top notch analysis in an open forum with small business to better equip them for survival in

At an event hosted by Fasken Martineau, 416Direct and The CFIB held a MOTM Professional Discussion Session focusing on Retirement Planning with SunLife expert Lawrence Forester.

416Direct hosts strategy luncheon with Dan Kelly, newly appointed CFIB CEO and Michael Kasij, Sr. District Manager Toronto, to discuss integrated marketing initiatives.

The CFIB introduces 416Direct to its key strategic partner, Bloomberg Media. Bloomberg went on to become one of 416Direct’s most substantial partners providing advice, information and use of their facilities for 416Direct initiatives.

The CFIB launches their “Shop Small Biz” campaign supported by a small business directory Web site and coordinated by annual small business shopping day. 416Direct is invited to participate and assist in recruiting new member businesses and to consult on the campaign. In addition, Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, was

416Direct and The CFIB hold MOTM Professional Discussion Session featuring Bill Stark, founder of ResDev Tax Consultants Inc. to speak about SR&ED tax credits, the government’s largest single support program for R&D. The event was hosted in the boardrooms of Fasken Martineau, a leading international business law and litigation firm.

“Proud to be with 416Direct, CFIB’s newest members ” – Tweet by Dan Kelly

416Direct was asked to attend the CFIB Annual General Meeting where the CFIB Board presented their 5 year vision. 416Direct was fully in alignment with the CFIB stated direction. Subsequently the CFIB agreed to co-host the Meeting of the Minds (MOTM) program of regularly scheduled small business workshops and events.

The CFIB held a joint press event with The Minister of State for Finance, Ted Menzies to announce major legislative changes reflected in the 2013 Federal Budget due to CFIB lobbying on behalf of Canadian small businesses. The CFIB asked 416Direct to attend the press event as an example of a positive force for small

416Direct donates $100,000 worth of children’s books from Pdoink Publishing to The Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain annual charity drive and the Children’s Aid Society on behalf of Toronto Small Businesses.