Élise Hébert, co-owner, and Anicka Filiatrault, founder and co-owner

L’Ébauchoir: When Passion Leads to Expansion

In Saint-Jérôme, Anicka Filiatrault and Élise Hébert have created much more than a pottery studio. With L’Ébauchoir, they have built a vibrant community around ceramics. Today, their business is entering an exciting new stage of growth.

From Passion to Entrepreneurship

Ceramics have been part of Anicka and Élise’s lives since their student days. Although their professional paths took them in very different directions, their passion for the craft never left them.

As her interest in ceramics continued to grow, Anicka returned to school to complete a technical program in fine crafts. In 2022, she decided to take the leap and opened L’Ébauchoir, espace céramique, with the goal of sharing her knowledge and making ceramics more accessible in the region.

A Place to Connect… and Grow

Since then, L’Ébauchoir has become a true gathering place for ceramics enthusiasts. People come to discover the craft, refine their techniques or simply enjoy a welcoming space where they can work independently on their own creations.

With few spaces dedicated to ceramics in the region, the studio draws people from surrounding communities and continues to attract a growing number of enthusiasts.

The business has since incorporated, and Élise, who was already teaching at the studio, became a co-owner. With demand steadily increasing, the two entrepreneurs began to dream bigger.

From Tenants to Owners

Then came an opportunity: the chance to purchase a building in Saint-Jérôme that met many of their needs.

Anicka and Élise approached the MRC de La Rivière-du-Nord, which quickly brought CAE Rive-Nord into the project.

The project also represented new territory for the CAE, as it was the organization’s first time participating in a real estate acquisition of this nature. The team chose to adapt its support and financing solution to the specific needs of the project.

The collaboration paid off: Anicka and Élise became the owners of their new building on Saint-Georges Street in Saint-Jérôme.

The Confidence to Move Forward

Beyond the financing itself, the confidence shown in their project made a lasting impression on the two entrepreneurs.

“The CAE’s openness and the confidence they showed in our project, even though it was a first for the organization, were very reassuring. We are extremely grateful for the support of both the CAE and the MRC,” said the two entrepreneurs.

This achievement is a great example of what can happen when entrepreneurs and economic development partners work together and are willing to explore new approaches to bring a project to life.

And This Is Just the Beginning

With a move planned for this fall and significantly more space, L’Ébauchoir expects to double its activities.

Anicka and Élise are already looking ahead. Their upcoming projects include a crowdfunding campaign with La Ruche to improve the recovery and reuse of clay, a collaboration with the City of Saint-Jérôme to offer classes as part of its municipal recreation program and, eventually, master classes and activities designed for businesses.

There is certainly no shortage of ideas for continuing to grow this creative community.

A passion that became a business, a business that became a gathering place… and now, a new space to take it even further.

👉 Discover L’Ébauchoir’s courses and workshops on their website.

👉 Would you like to support their clay recovery and reuse project? Their crowdfunding campaign runs until the end of August.

Anicka making a bowl on the pottery wheel at L’Ébauchoir’s current studio.

A selection of pieces for sale at the studio

Coming soon: the new L’Ébauchoir

We invite you to become an official member of CAE Rive-Nord.

By becoming a member, you join a community that believes in entrepreneurship, collaboration, and the economic development of our region.

It’s simple and free!

✔ Contribute to local economic development

✔ Expand your business network

✔ Make your voice heard

✔ Be part of an engaged and people-focused community

 

Join Our Community

 

A New Medical Clinic Improving Access to Care in Lachute

On November 3, a new medical clinic opened in Lachute. Founded by clinical nurse Caroline Jetté-Riendeau, the second À vos soins partez! clinic reflects a strong commitment to improving access to primary healthcare services in the Argenteuil region.

Addressing a Gap in Local Healthcare Services

During the first year of operations at her Mirabel clinic, Caroline identified that many patients were travelling from the Argenteuil RCM. This highlighted a clear gap in local healthcare services and confirmed the need for a medical clinic in Lachute. The decision to expand into the community was both timely and strategic.

Support from CAE Rive-Nord to Launch the Project

Opening the new clinic required significant leasehold improvements. With the support of CAE Rive-Nord, Caroline secured financing through a Youth Strategy Loan and a loan from the regular fund, enabling her to move forward with confidence.

“The application process with CAE was straightforward, and the collaboration with the RCM was excellent. Everything moved quickly, which was very reassuring,” says the clinic owner.

Although recently opened, the clinic is already having a positive impact. Patient feedback confirms the relevance of this initiative and the importance of local medical services for the community.

Operating two clinics within one year represents a significant entrepreneurial challenge. With a team of 12 employees, maintaining a steady patient volume is essential to support growth and ensure team well-being. A strong community response has helped reduce uncertainty and strengthen the clinic’s long-term outlook.

Caroline’s next goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), a key step toward greater clinical autonomy and long-term sustainability. Despite the challenges and significant investment of time and resources, she remains committed to entrepreneurship and community-focused care.

For minor emergencies, STBBI testing, Pap tests, pediatric follow-ups, blood tests, prescription renewals, and other medical services, visit the À vos soins partez! clinic website to book an appointment.

 

 

A Driver of Local Vitality: The Brownsburg Curling Club

The CAE Rive-Nord is proud to highlight the remarkable contribution of the Brownsburg Curling Club, a non-profit organization incorporated in 2019 but active in the community since 1959.

Beyond the sport itself, the club has become a true gathering place that energizes community life and enhances the region’s appeal. Supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, including its president, Nathalie Rochette (a member for more than 25 years), the club continues to grow and modernize its offerings to better meet the needs of families, youth, local workers, and retirees.

An Investment That Strengthens the Community

In 2025, the club turned to the CAE for support to modernize its equipment and improve its facilities; an essential step to ensure its long-term sustainability and to develop new local activities.

“This $45,000 loan allowed us to act more quickly while waiting for our grants and other funding. The application process with the CAE was easy, and everything moved fast” says Nathalie Rochette.

 

With nearly 100 members, the club plays an important role in local community life. It brings together residents of all ages, supports physical activity, and creates meaningful connections between generations.

A Place That Brings the Community Together and Gets the Region Moving

The club is multiplying its efforts to make curling more accessible and to strengthen the region’s recreational and sports offerings:

• Making it easier for young people to join and become the next generation of curlers
• Opening its doors to non-members to encourage discovery of the sport
• Continuing to develop its competitive league
• Hosting Friday Socials — a beloved local tradition
• Offering facility rentals for private events

 Curious to Try It Out?

If you’ve never tried curling, Friday Socials are the perfect introduction ; everyone is welcome: friends, families, coworkers, and the simply curious.

And if you feel like taking it a step further, the Learn-to-Curl program will help you discover a sport that’s accessible, welcoming… and surprisingly addictive.

The Brownsburg Curling Club isn’t just a place to play. It’s a place to connect.

And thanks to the support of the CAE, numerous partners, and passionate volunteers, its story continues to unfold, with and for the entire community.

 

To explore the full activity schedule, visit their website and dive into a sport that truly brings the community together.