Québec SMEs Keep the Economy Moving: $90.6M Invested by SADC and CAE to Fuel Their Ambitions

SMEs continue to drive the economy of Quebec:
$90.6 million invested by SADC and CAE to support their ambitions

Quebec, October 28, 2026 – As Quebec SMEs navigate a challenging economic environment, and entrepreneurial succession poses a significant challenge for the future of our economy, the SADC and CAE network presents an encouraging report. In 2025-2026, its members invested $90.6 million in the regions of Quebec to support businesses and stimulate local economic development.

These results reflect the entrepreneurs’ determination to move forward despite uncertainties, highlighting the importance of localized support to turn their projects into reality. They become even more significant in light of a recent national evaluation of the Community Futures Program (CFP), which confirms the lasting impact of the financing and support provided by SADC and CAE.

Concrete investments to advance the regions

In 2025-2026, SADC and CAE notably:

• Invested $84.8 million in the form of loans to support business projects, including $11.3 million for young entrepreneurs.




• Supported 1,664 businesses, through our internal advisors and notably via $607,332 in external technical assistance.




• Backed 809 new collective projects, representing $5.2 million in investments for local economic development.

Beyond investments, SADC and CAE have provided concrete responses to the economic challenges faced by SMEs. Their interventions have enabled entrepreneurs to better manage their cash flow, improve their marketing strategies, and develop new markets. Additionally, collective projects in artificial intelligence and digital transformation have contributed to enhancing business productivity and addressing labor-related issues.

 

“In an economic context that puts entrepreneurs to the test, it is essential to remind ourselves that SMEs remain at the heart of the vitality and prosperity of our regions. Despite the challenges, our report shows that they continue to invest, innovate, and prepare for their future. This year, we notably supported 594 young entrepreneurs thanks to $11.3 million invested under the Youth Strategy. We also invested $7.9 million in 228 businesses to facilitate their transfer and ensure their sustainability. But our contribution goes far beyond funding: we also help entrepreneurs improve their financial position, develop their markets, and increase their productivity. These results are encouraging and demonstrate the importance of being present on the ground with solutions tailored to their realities.”

 

 

A national evaluation confirms sustainable impacts

Beyond annual investments, a recent national evaluation of the Community Futures Program, conducted by the Government of Canada, confirms the relevance of the SADC and CAE model.

The study reveals that supported businesses achieve better long-term outcomes than comparable firms that did not benefit from the program.

Two particularly revealing results:

• Up to 26 percentage points difference in the survival rate of businesses after nine years.




• An average annual revenue growth that is 3.3% higher among supported businesses.

Additional analyses from Statistics Canada, covering the period from 2014 to 2021, which includes the COVID-19 pandemic, also highlight higher survival rates among businesses that received funding under the CFP compared to similar firms.

“These results demonstrate that our contribution goes well beyond funding. By combining tailored financial solutions, personalized support, and a deep understanding of regional realities, we help businesses navigate periods of uncertainty and build their growth on solid foundations. This is the true value of our localized economic development model,” adds Pascal Harvey.

 

Adaptive levers for significant SME challenges

The annual report also reflects the ability of SADC and CAE to evolve their interventions to meet economic transformations.

Launched in December 2024, the three funds dedicated to business transfer, digital transformation, and green transition have allowed for $13.4 million to be invested in approximately 400 SMEs in just 17 months. These investments have helped mobilize $218.9 million in additional capital, representing a leverage effect of 14.8 times.

At the same time, SADC and CAE have continued to support structural projects in their communities, including in circular economy, innovation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurial succession, and sustainable development.

These initiatives illustrate the network’s capacity to assist SMEs in their transformations while contributing to building stronger and more resilient regional economies.

 

Entrepreneurs who demonstrate the difference

Behind the data, the impacts are also reflected in concrete entrepreneurial stories. This is especially true for SETA Organic, a company supported by the SADC des Laurentides.

“For Seta Organic, the support from SADC des Laurentides was a true ‘game changer.’ Thanks to their funding and support, we were able to launch our first production of matcha lemonade and give a real boost to our business.”

Isabelle Jolette and Nicolas St-Pierre, SETA organic

 

Check out the annual report 2025-2026: Documentation – SADC and CAE Network

About the Réseau des SADC et CAE 

The Réseau des SADC et CAE  comprises 57 SADC and 10 CAE across Quebec, working for 45 years towards economic development in their communities. Each year, 340 professionals and 600 volunteers support and finance over 10,000 entrepreneurs as well as 1,500 local economic development projects.

Economic Development Canada for the Regions of Quebec supports SADC and CAE