Connecting Cooperative Finance Across Continents

The Organização das Cooperativas do Estado de Santa Catarina (OCESC) is the leading representative body for cooperatives in Santa Catarina, Brazil, uniting a robust network of more than 256 cooperatives and over 4 million members. With an estimated annual revenue of approximately US$20 billion across its cooperative system, OCESC plays a strategic role in advancing sustainable growth, strengthening governance, and promoting innovation across the sector. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, OCESC enhances competitiveness and drives significant economic impact, positioning Santa Catarina as a global reference in cooperative development and excellence. 

Cresol is a rapidly growing cooperative financial institution with a strong presence in Santa Catarina’s rural and agricultural communities. Through the Cresol Central Sicoper system, it serves more than 316,000 members and operates 269 branches. The cooperative specializes in supporting family farmers, small businesses, and local economic development initiatives. 

AILOS is one of Brazil’s most successful cooperative financial systems and is headquartered in Santa Catarina. Through its network of 13 credit cooperatives, AILOS serves more than 1.7 million members and operates over 300 service locations. The system manages approximately US$ 6 billion in assets and is widely recognized for innovation, member-centric services, financial education, and its strong contribution to regional economic development. 

Sicredi is a leading financial cooperative network serving more than 710,000 members throughout Santa Catarina. Operating in approximately 179 municipalities, the institution manages around US$5  billion in assets and US 3 billion in loans. Sicredi is recognized for innovation, member engagement, digital banking solutions, and community-focused financial development. 

Unicred in Santa Catarina, part of the Unicred system, brings together tens of thousands of members, mainly healthcare professionals. The Unicred system in Brazil exceeds 300,000 members and manages more than US$ 6 billion in assets, offering credit and financial services focused on cooperative growth and regional development. 

Sicoob is one of the largest cooperative financial systems in Santa Catarina and southern Brazil. Through Sicoob Central SC/RS, it serves approximately 1.7 million members across 709 branches. Managing over US$ 14 billion in assets, Sicoob provides credit, investments, insurance, and financial services that strengthen local economies and communities. 

The Chapecó City Hall is the executive branch of local government in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil, responsible for public administration, infrastructure, health, education, and economic development. The city is a major agricultural and agro-industrial hub, especially in poultry, pork, and food processing industries. The broader municipal economy is closely linked to agribusiness, with estimated annual gross revenue in the billions of dollars, driven by exports and cooperative-based production systems that strengthen regional and international competitiveness. 

The Pollen Parque Científico e Tecnológico Innovation Center is located in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and serves as a hub for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. It connects universities, startups, agribusiness companies, and technology firms to develop solutions in agriculture, food production, and industry. The center fosters collaboration, technology transfer, and business incubation, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem and supporting the growth of competitive, knowledge-based companies in one of Brazil’s most important agro-industrial regions.