Bianca FCOTE, auteur/autrice sur SADC-CAE

Reaching further: A new $100M boost for the 520,000 entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities

Posted on October 15, 2025October 15, 2025 by Bianca FCOTE

BDC and Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC join forces to expand access to financing and advice, unlocking growth where it’s often overlooked

Prince George, Québec and Montréal – October 15, 2025 – Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) today announced a $100M initiative to reach more business owners living in rural and remote areas. Leaders in their communities, rural entrepreneurs are an exceptionally active demographic, with an entrepreneurship rate standing at 17% in 2024, compared to 12% in urban areas. The financing envelope created by this new initiative is expected to generate up to $250 million in GDP over five years.

With their respective business centres and offices throughout the country, Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC and BDC have a complimentary footprint. A federal program administered by regional development agencies and Canada Economic Development, Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC operates 267 non-profit offices across Canada delivering small business loans, tools, training and events. BDC supports entrepreneurs with financing, advisory services and capital from 109 business centres across Canada and online at bdc.ca.

“At BDC, we believe that every entrepreneur, no matter where they live, deserves a fair chance to grow their business. Rural and remote communities are full of bold, resilient business owners who often face more barriers and fewer resources”, said Isabelle Hudon, President and Chief Executive Officer of BDC. “This initiative with Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC allows us to do what a development bank should: go where others don’t, and build bridges where gaps exist. We’re unlocking potential that’s been overlooked for too long. We believe that’s what our economy needs right now.”

“Joining forces with BDC to supercharge the opportunities and resources available to rural and remote entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast-to-coast is a powerful combination that will result in significant impact throughout the country for decades to come,” said Troy Dungate, President of Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC. “BDC is committing to investing $100M to bolster businesses that often face strong headwinds simply due to geography and the vast nature of our country. This commitment, combined with our boots-on-the-ground, grassroots knowledge is an intelligent way to ensure that this capital infusion is dispersed through loans to new and existing entrepreneurs that are ready to bring their business to the next level. Additionally, we know that many entrepreneurs in rural Canada are attracted to the work because of the desirable lifestyle it creates for their families. Working together, we expect this to make positive, meaningful change in the lives of individual Canadians and our country as a whole.”

This initiative with Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC builds on BDC’s broader commitment to develop entrepreneurial potential in all its forms and to help grow the Canadian economy. By joining this network of trusted partners, Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC should help us reach even more business owners in rural and remote areas. It’s about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and helping them grow.

This announcement comes just before Small Business Week, a national celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship that BDC has organized for more than 45 years. This year’s theme is The economic revolution is here – get your business ready.

BDC and Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC are stepping up to help entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities—who are vital contributors to Canada’s economy—have the resources they need to thrive.

About BDC: 80 years as Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs

BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. BDC’s development role means we are in a state of perpetual evolution – wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs – we will be there to help them defy the odds. 80 years later, that commitment remains very much alive. Our financing and investments in fiscal 2025 are expected to add an estimated $25 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next five years. We are one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.

About Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC

The Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC (CFNC) represents 267 Community Futures Organizations (CFO) – non-profit community economic development offices in rural and remote communities from coast to coast to coast. A true grassroots organization, CFNC is bolstered by passionate people: 2,951 board volunteers and 1,230 staff. Together, they cleverly and compassionately apply their local knowledge and experience to make local decisions to support their communities and entrepreneurs. Each CFO provides business development services, loans, and financing to small and medium-sized businesses as a developmental lender. CFOs play a pivotal role in rural and remote communities by providing access to financing and tailored supports that start, grow, and sustain businesses where no other supports exist. Together, we strengthen local economies, create jobs, enhance community cohesion, nurture local economies and contribute to the country’s global competitiveness.

Since 2000, the Community Futures Program has loaned more than $6.3 billion to 135,000 businesses, leveraged $11.3 billion and influenced 779,856 employment opportunities.

Media Contacts:

BDC
[email protected]
1-844-625-8321

Réseau des SADC et CAE
Christine Pilote, Directrice des communications
581 999-6363 | [email protected]

2024-2025 Annual Report of the Réseau des SADC et CAE: $108 million invested to support SMEs and boost regional economies

Posted on July 3, 2025July 2, 2025 by Bianca FCOTE

Québec, le 27 juin 2025 – Le Réseau des SADC et CAE dresse un bilan remarquable de son exercice 2024-2025, avec des investissements totalisant 108 M$ dans les collectivités du Québec. De ce montant, 80,7 M$ ont été injectés directement dans des entreprises sous forme de prêts, et 5 M$ ont servi à soutenir des projets collectifs dans les différentes régions. D’autres investissements ont été consacrés à de l’aide technique, notamment pour accompagner les entreprises dans leurs démarches de transfert, de transition verte et de transformation numérique.

« Ces résultats témoignent de la pertinence et de la force du Réseau des SADC et CAE, une organisation stable reposant sur l’engagement d’équipes de terrain expérimentées et de bénévoles passionnés, dotés d’une fine connaissance des enjeux propres à leur milieu », souligne Pascal Harvey, président-directeur général du Réseau.

Chaque année, environ 10 000 entrepreneurs bénéficient d’un accompagnement de proximité, et plus de 1 500 projets de développement économique local sont appuyés. Cette année, 788 nouveaux projets collectifs ont vu le jour dans les régions grâce à l’implication des SADC et CAE. Plusieurs de ces initiatives ont contribué à mobiliser les forces vives autour des grands enjeux économiques et au renforcement des compétences locales. Le Réseau continue également d’enrichir ses outils d’accompagnement pour répondre aux besoins évolutifs des milieux.

Une année marquée par des investissements en transfert, transition verte et transformation numérique

En juin 2024, dans le cadre d’une nouvelle entente quinquennale avec Développement économique Canada (DEC), le Réseau a renforcé ses capacités d’intervention en lançant trois fonds spécifiques : Stratégie transfert, Stratégie verte et Stratégie numérique. En seulement quatre mois, ces fonds ont permis d’investir 3,1 M$ dans des projets structurants pour les PME.

Par ailleurs, le Réseau poursuit l’administration du Fonds Stratégie jeunesse, qui connaît un succès soutenu auprès des jeunes de 18 à 39 ans. Cette année, 11,4 M$ ont été investis pour soutenir 546 jeunes entrepreneurs, démontrant ainsi l’impact du Réseau dans le soutien à la relève entrepreneuriale.

À propos du Réseau des SADC et CAE

Le Réseau regroupe 67 SADC et CAE présents dans toutes les régions du Québec. Organismes à but non lucratif, ils travaillent depuis plus de 40 ans au développement économique local, en misant sur l’expertise locale, la finance responsable et l’innovation.

Le rapport annuel 2024‑2025 est disponible ici : Consulter le rapport

RENSEIGNEMENTS :
Christine Pilote, Directrice des communications | Réseau des SADC et CAE | Tél. : 581 999-6363 | [email protected]

Digital transformation: 6 out of 10 Quebec SMEs see their sales increase thanks to CDAP

Posted on April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 by Bianca FCOTE

The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec and the Réseau des SADC+CAE

unveil the program’s 2022-2025 report

Montreal, April 22, 2025 – Three years after the launch of the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), the results speak for themselves: 61% of participating Quebec companies recorded a significant increase in their sales, according to the initiative’s 2022-2025 report. Of these, 44% grew by 10 to 25% and 10% exceeded 25%. This digital transformation has also resulted in the creation of jobs in 32% of the participating companies.

Promoted in Quebec by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des Sociétés d’aide au développement des communautés et des Centres d’aide aux entreprises (SADC+CAE), the program aimed to help Canadian businesses make the digital shift in order to improve their productivity and competitiveness. Since its launch by the Government of Canada in March 2022, more than 11,500 applications have been processed by the FCCQ and the Réseau des SADC+CAE in Quebec. The program offered grants, loans and coaching to support businesses in their digital transformation.

Micro-enterprises leading the digital shift

CDAP-Quebec has generated great interest, particularly among micro-enterprises with 1 to 9 employees, which represent 82% of the 11,500 applications processed between 2022 and 2025. Small businesses with 10 to 99 employees generated 17% of requests.

“Digital needs affect both niche sectors and broader industries,” says Alexandre Gagnon, Vice-President, Labour and Human Capital at the FCCQ. The program has taken thousands of Quebec businesses to another level. »

Expanding digital skills

CDAP-Quebec has enabled a majority of companies to accelerate their digital transformation. 84% of respondents say they have acquired new skills and expertise in digital technologies, and 78% say they are ready to undertake other projects to implement technological tools. Areas of focus include (respondents could select multiple choices):

71 %      Digital Marketing
61 %      Content Creation
51 %      Management
<50 %   Data management, analytics, communication and training
<30 %   IT security, development and programming

“This initiative has been transformative for a large number of SMEs in terms of digital transformation, skills acquisition, business development and recruitment,” adds Pascal Harvey, CEO of the Réseau des SADC+CAE. That’s a lot of critical things that have been achieved through this program alone. »

Growing interest in the integration of artificial intelligence

While only 36% of respondents said they have already integrated artificial intelligence into their operations, 67% say they are interested in exploring its potential for their operations. This is a sign that AI is increasingly becoming a strategic lever for Quebec SMEs.

Industries: Retail tops the list of requests

Of the 19 sectors of activity identified by the CDAP, retail trade generated the most applications in Quebec, accounting for 21% of the total.

INDUSTRY
Retail	21 %
Construction	12 %
Professional, scientific and technical services; accommodation, food service, healthcare and manufacturing sectors; Arts, entertainment and recreation	5-10 %
Other services	17 %

Regional distribution: from large to growing centres

Unsurprisingly, Greater Montréal is in the lead with 23% of applications, reflecting its economic density. Montérégie (17%) and Capitale-Nationale (12%) follow closely, showing strong support outside the greater centre.

ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
Montreal	23 %
Montérégie	17 %
Capitale-Nationale	12 %
Eastern Townships	8 %
Laurentian Mountains	8 %
Chaudière-Appalaches	6 %
Lanaudière	5 %
Other	<5 %

Maintaining the momentum of a successful program

CDAP ended on March 31, 2025 after supporting 71,000 businesses across Canada over the three years of the program, thanks to a federal government investment of $1.2 billion in loans and grants.

In Quebec, the FCCQ and the Réseau des SADC+CAE piloted the “Grow your business activities online” component, which offered a subsidy covering a portion of the costs related to the adoption of digital technologies dedicated to this objective. More than 11,500 grants have been awarded under this component.

“In an economic context where the competitiveness of businesses is more crucial than ever, it would be highly relevant to consider the revival of CDAP,” says Alexandre Gagnon. This program has proven that it can really equip SMEs to modernize their operations and better position themselves in the face of market challenges. We applaud the commitment of the Canadian government, whose support has had a concrete impact on the ground. »

“We are fully in favour of seeing this government program , or any similar public initiative, take up the torch,” concludes Pascal Harvey. Given these very positive results and the interest generated, it would be a huge asset for the competitiveness of our businesses, job creation and society in general. »

About the FCCQ

Through its group of 120 chambers of commerce and nearly 1,000 member businesses, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 45,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy and throughout Quebec. The FCCQ is the largest network of business people and companies in Quebec, and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment. www.fccq.ca/

About CDIC+CAE

The Réseau des SADC (Community Futures Development Corporations) and CAE (Business Development Centres) brings together 57 CFDCs and 10 BDCs that have been working for more than 40 years to develop the economic development of their communities. More than 1,000 professionals and volunteers support and finance more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 local economic development projects each year. www.sadc-cae.ca/

*The data in this report are taken from an analysis by CDAP-Quebec as well as a survey conducted by the FFCQ and the Réseau des SADC+CAE, during February 2025, among 318 Quebec companies that participated in the program.

Media contact

Simone Bellay

[email protected]

+1 514 951-3789

Faced with economic challenges, the Réseau des SADC+CAE reaffirms its commitment to entrepreneurs

Posted on April 14, 2025April 15, 2025 by Bianca FCOTE

Quebec, April 14, 2025 – At a time when several organizations supporting entrepreneurs are facing budget cuts, leaving many businesses without essential support, the Réseau des SADC et
CAE wants to reaffirm its presence, strategic role, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurs across Quebec.

For over 40 years, we have been actively contributing to the economic vitality of regions by providing funding, guidance, and strategic support to businesses. The dramatic impacts of budget cuts to the organization Espace-inc directly concern us: it highlights the current fragility of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the vital importance of stable and accessible assistance.

“In this rather bleak period for some of our strategic partners, I want to reiterate my support and solidarity so they can continue to be part of the solution for thousands of businesses in Quebec. Entrepreneurs are the real wealth creators, and we must support them,” affirms Pascal Harvey, President and CEO of the Réseau des SADC et
CAE.

An essential complementarity among economic actors

Each support organization plays a unique and complementary role. The Réseau des SADC et
CAE firmly believes in the importance of a diverse and solid entrepreneurial ecosystem, where the strengths of each combine to better support the growth of businesses. Our organizations, with their regional roots, local expertise, and ability to offer personalized and tailored support, form an essential link in this chain.

Entrepreneurs must be able to rely on a varied range of services: incubators, accelerators, funding organizations, and mentoring, each providing invaluable value. The current budget cuts jeopardize this balance and increase the risk of isolation for entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in remote areas far from major centers.

Now more than ever, entrepreneurs can count on us

In this uncertain context, the Réseau des SADC et
CAE wishes to reassure entrepreneurs: we remain true to our mission of supporting entrepreneurship and local economic development. Our 57 SADC and 10 CAE, present throughout Quebec, continue to:

Provide flexible funding tailored to the real needs of SMEs.
Personally guide entrepreneurs through all stages of their journey.
Encourage innovation, digital transformation, green initiatives, and the transfer of local businesses.

Our commitment is more firm and renewed than ever. We will continue to collaborate with all partners in the ecosystem to ensure that entrepreneurs have crucial service continuity essential for their success. To all entrepreneurs: we are here, and we will remain here.

About the Réseau des SADC et CAE

The 57 SADC (Community Development Assistance Societies) and 10 CAE (Business Assistance Centers) have been working for over 40 years on the economic development of their communities. The Réseau des SADC et CAE boasts over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and finance more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 local economic development projects each year. The SADC and CAE provide personalized and sustained assistance to entrepreneurs, along with flexible funding products tailored to their needs.

Economic Development Canada for the Quebec Regions financially supports the SADC and CAE.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Christine Pilote, Communications Director | Réseau des SADC et CAE | Tel: 581 999-6363 | [email protected]

La Halte 266: An inspiring entrepreneurial transfer under the sign of inclusion and innovation

Posted on April 9, 2025April 9, 2025 by Bianca FCOTE

During National Entrepreneurship Week, La Halte 266, in Saint-Janvier-de-Joly, showcased a fine example of a successful business transfer. It is with enthusiasm that an inspiring meeting took place at “La Halte 266” in Saint-Janvier-de-Joly, Quebec, between Mr. Éric Lafontaine, the new sole owner, Ms. Élisabeth Després, business advisor at the SADC de Lotbinière, and Mr. Pascal Harvey, general director of the Réseau des SADC et CAE. This recently completed transfer exemplifies the success of a transfer and entrepreneurship project supported by well-planned, humane, and caring assistance.

The support from the SADC de Lotbinière was crucial at every stage of this entrepreneurial journey. Thanks to structured support, including access to the Transfer Strategy Fund, funding for professional fees, and tailored financing solutions, Mr. Lafontaine was able to realize his project in a climate of trust. The SADC de Lotbinière team was able to accurately meet his financial and technical needs, facilitating the smooth exit of the initial partners and supporting a well-planned takeover.

La Halte 266 stands out for its unique positioning: a charming site, known for the quality of its facilities, its openness to diversity, and its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. A true model of successful transfer, this business combines vision, leadership, and inclusion. New development spaces are being contemplated, always linked to Mr. Lafontaine’s mission and vision, focused on originality, community engagement, and vibrant partnerships.

“La Halte 266 has been constantly evolving since I arrived. It’s a place where people love to gather. Through every improvement to the site, it’s also a way to demystify, open the dialogue, and create a space where everyone can feel free to be themselves.”

— Éric Lafontaine