Maria, June 13th, 2025 – Staying true to its mission of stimulating regional economic development, the SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs presented its 2024–2025 annual report during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Manoir Belle Plage in Carleton-sur-Mer. The event was an opportunity to review a year marked by the tangible impact of the organization’s actions within the business community, in collaboration with its local economic development partners.
More than $885,000 was invested in the Baie-des-Chaleurs region, including $675,000 in loans and $210,000 in non-repayable contributions. This funding supported over 70 local businesses, contributed to the creation and retention of 73 jobs, and generated more than $6 million in economic spinoffs.
New Funds to Support Business Transfers, Green and Digital Transitions
The AGM was also an opportunity to highlight the conclusion of a major agreement between Canada Economic Development and the Réseau des SADC et CAE. Through this collaboration, the SADC now offers new financial products in the form of loans to support business transfers and accelerate green and digital transitions.
Entrepreneurs will have access to loans of up to $50,000 under favorable conditions — including a two-year interest-free period. The SADC is also committed to providing technical support and guidance on these crucial themes.
“These new investments offer a concrete response to the major challenges faced by entrepreneurs in our communities. With these tools, we aim to support SMEs in achieving their goals for growth, innovation, and sustainable development.”— Charles Guérette, President.
Renewed Support to Guide Entrepreneurs in Their Projects
Providing tailored technical support and personalized coaching for entrepreneurs is a key component of SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs’ service offering. It reaffirms the organization’s role as a key partner in regional economic growth.
“For several years, the SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs has supported us in producing our television documentaries. As a committed partner, it has taken the time to understand our business model and support our growth. Thanks to its attentive listening and financial support, it plays a key role in our company’s development. The SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs is a reliable and essential organization for regional development.” — Élaine Poirier, Co-owner, GASPA Vidéo. Carleton-sur-Mer
The organization also took the opportunity to showcase its sustainable development service offer, which provides entrepreneurs with a sustainability pre-diagnostic. This tool helps businesses update their mission, adapt their business model, and reduce their environmental footprint.
Key Highlights from the Past Year:
- $565,000 in Investment Fund loans granted to 10 businesses
- $110,000 in loans from the Youth Strategy, supporting 5 entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39
- 39 technical support interventions, representing over $98,000 in contributions
- Over $112,000 invested in collective projects to support local economic development
- The 13th edition of the HR Conference, which gathered over 100 participants
- A “Sustainable Development” award presented to Entreprises P.E.C. Inc. at the CCIBDC Recognition Gala
The 2024–2025 Annual Report is available online at www.sadcbc.ca, in the “Documents” section.
For information or interview requests:
Charles Guérette, President
418 788-5758
[email protected]
Lyne Lebrasseur, Executive Director
418 759-1555, ext. 222
[email protected]
SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs
612C Perron Blvd., Maria (Quebec) G0C 1Y0
sadcbc.ca
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