MY COMPETITORS AREN’T MAJOR RETAILERS, THEY ARE OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO OFFER THE SAME SERVICES AS ME. IF THEY JOIN, HOW IS THIS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE?

Yes if they are also independently-owned, they can join but they may not. If they do, that doesn’t mean it can’t give you an advantage over them. Just like a type of media you might use to promote a business, e.g. newspaper or magazine, you both can use them but it’s how you use it that will give you a further advantage. Make better use of the co-operative services; partner with better stores and advertise in them (competitors can’t advertise in the same store), apply what you learn in the business resource, etc. This is a tool for you to use, like anything, how you use it vs your competitor is what will set you apart. How you can ensure you’ll be at a competitive disadvantage is to not join.