Shawinigan, June 18, 2025 – At their Annual General Meeting, SADC Shawinigan and the Fonds LaPrade St-Maurice presented their 2024–2025 annual report. Drawing on their deep local expertise and strong community roots, the SADC and the Fonds LaPrade pursued their mission of fostering Shawinigan’s and the region’s socioeconomic development through enhanced support services, financing, and local economic development initiatives.
Strategic Investments at the Heart of Priorities
Over the past year, the SADC’s investment fund injected more than $2.7 million into local businesses, generating nearly $6 million in additional investments. The Youth Strategy Fund stood out once again, supporting 17 projects led by young entrepreneurs through loans totaling $265,837 — a clear sign of the region’s vibrant entrepreneurial succession.
For its part, the Fonds LaPrade St-Maurice supported three business projects with over $827,000 in funding.
The second full year of the FlexiLoan Program for Women provided tailored support to flexipreneurs, while funding nine women-led projects in Shawinigan with loans totaling $165,000.
This pilot project, carried out in partnership with the SADC and CAE Network of Quebec and involving several organizations across the province, was supported by a rigorous evaluation conducted by the Institute for SME Research at UQTR. A social media ambassador campaign was also launched to promote and raise awareness of this unique form of entrepreneurship. The campaign was a great success, reaching nearly 500,000 women.
A Human-Centered Approach Rooted in Local Reality
The year was also marked by regional coordination of the Tête Première program, focused on entrepreneurs’ psychological well-being. This innovative initiative offered individual sessions, support groups, training, and conferences — highlighting growing awareness of the human side of entrepreneurship.
Strengthening Digital Literacy
The SADC and Fonds LaPrade continued their efforts to improve digital literacy among both businesses and citizens, with targeted initiatives for seniors and digitally underserved populations.
The AccèsTI–SME initiative, supported by the City of Shawinigan, helped around fifty businesses develop and implement their digital strategies.
The AccèsTI–Citizens program, also supported by the City, aims to enhance digital literacy among residents aged 18 and older. A total of 324 individuals received support through the Espace AccèsTI, a walk-in center where people can get tips and advice on using digital devices.
The year also marked the end of the AccèsTI–Seniors program — a two-year initiative designed to improve digital literacy among individuals aged 55 and over. Nearly 200 participants received mainly one-on-one training to help build confidence and autonomy in using the Internet and digital tools. Supported by the Government of Canada, this initiative helped break digital isolation for many, while fostering greater social and economic inclusion.
The 2024–2025 report also highlights the renewal of SADC Shawinigan’s five-year agreement with Canada Economic Development and the adoption of a new 2024–2029 strategic plan. This plan will guide the organization’s actions through four key priorities: entrepreneurship, workforce, digital innovation, and community engagement.
“In today’s complex economic environment, our mission is more relevant than ever: to provide structured, tailored, and human-centered support to businesses and the community. Thanks to a committed team, strong partners, and sound governance, we continue to make a real difference,”
– Simon Charlebois, Executive Director.
To learn more about this year’s achievements, read the 2024–2025 SADC + FLP Annual Report.
