Marie-Pier Catellier, auteur/autrice sur SADC-CAE

Business Plan Writing Guide with AI

Posted on March 25, 2025April 2, 2025 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Writing your business plan is both an exciting and complex task. Your business project is taking shape with more precision, but perhaps not all the details are finalized. You may still have questions and information to uncover. The exercise of writing your business plan is precisely the opportunity to enrich all aspects of your project.

The business plan remains a reference document for the company and will evolve with your business project. It is important to think ahead about its writing, to have clear and relevant data. To initiate this in-depth reflection, the advisors from SADC+CAE are here to guide you.

Before you begin writing your project or business plan, take a moment to lay the foundation for your thinking. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of certain key elements—starting with your value proposition: what sets your business apart, what problem are you solving for your customers, and why should they choose you over a competitor?

This clarification step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for guiding your decisions, structuring your offering, and standing out in the market. To help you gain clarity, we recommend completing our free Business Model Matrix. This concise tool will help you organize your ideas, validate the coherence of your business model, and quickly identify the strengths and areas for improvement in your project.

Are you now ready to move on to the step of writing your business plan? Download our Guide and business plan template with artificial intelligence.

Nearly $40M to Drive Business

Posted on November 27, 2024November 29, 2024 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Financial Support for SMEs in Quebec’s Regions: Nearly $40M to Drive Business Transfer and Support Green and Digital Transitions

Quebec, November 27, 2024 – The Réseau des SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités et des CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) is essential to support Quebec’s SMEs. We are pleased to announce the launch of three new funds, totaling nearly $40 million in investments, aimed at addressing urgent needs faced by Quebec entrepreneurs. The SADC and CAE will offer new financial products in the form of loans to support business transfers and accelerate the green and digital transitions of SMEs.

“These new investments provide a concrete response to the major challenges faced by entrepreneurs in our communities. Thanks to their local presence, the SADC and CAE provide close support, enabling our network to react quickly and help SMEs pursue their growth, innovation, and sustainable development ambitions,” said Pascal Harvey, President and CEO of the Réseau des SADC et CAE.

Entrepreneurs will be able to access loans of up to $50,000 on favorable terms, including a two-year interest-free period. In addition to financing, the SADC and CAE will offer personalized support, training, tools, and access to a vast network of expertise and partners. The advisors at the SADC and CAE are familiar with the local economic challenges and benefit from boards of directors made up of local leaders, which are key factors in the success of businesses in regional areas.

Increased Support for the Future of SMEs

It is important to note that these new funds are part of new measures made possible by the recent renewal of agreements with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). In June, CED reaffirmed its commitment to the network as a key partner in regional economic development. The agreement represents an investment of $245 million over five years, providing the SADC and CAE with the resources they need to fulfill their ambitions.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support entrepreneurs across all regions as they grow and transition to a greener, more digital future. Access to new funds will help to not only strengthen the competitiveness of Quebec’s SMEs, but also consolidate the economic vitality of our communities. By working closely with the SADCs and CAEs, we are ensuring businesses receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Strengthening Our Position in Quebec’s Economic Ecosystem

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is also clearly committed to strengthening its presence and positioning within Quebec’s economic development ecosystem by working complementarily with various stakeholders. As part of these new measures, our network will rely on the support of key players, including Centre de transfert d’entreprise du Québec (CTEQ) and Fonds d’action québécois en développement durable (FAQDD).

“The CTEQ welcomes the initiative of the SADC and CAE in establishing new funds. The Stratégie Transfert will directly contribute to the sustainability of our businesses engaged in the transfer process. Now more than ever, we support this strategy and are ready to collaborate with the Réseau des SADC and CAE, an organization that plays a leading role with our entrepreneurs, who in turn contribute to the economic vitality of our regions.”

Alexandre Ollive, President and CEO of CTEQ.

“The announcement of these new funds will allow us to strengthen our complementarity with the SADC and CAE Network, a long-time partner with whom we share a common goal: to support and assist Quebec SMEs in their eco-responsible initiatives.”

Nicolas Girard, General Director of the Fonds d’action québécois en développement durable FAQDD.

The Green Strategy of SADC+CAE is a lever to accelerate the ecological transition of SMEs, which is essential for achieving our environmental goals and the economic development of regions. In addition to the support provided by regional partners and advisors, this fund offers a concrete response to the challenges faced by SMEs eager to engage in this transition. Écotech Québec will continue to support SADC+CAE with initiatives like the GPSclimat platform, which accelerates the ecological transition of businesses.”

Isabelle Dubé-Côté, President and CEO, Écotech Québec

About the New Funds:

The three new funds offer favorable terms, which may vary slightly from one SADC or CAE to another. Overall, the loans available can go up to $50,000. Interest-free for the first two years and three-month capital deferral, with the possibility of extending the deferral for up to two years.

Business Transfer Strategy Financing (web

To facilitate business transfers in the regions, both for internal and family succession, as well as for the acquisition of businesses.

Green Strategy Financing

To accelerate the green transition of small businesses in Quebec’s regions by supporting the adoption of eco-responsible practices or the implementation of clean technologies within businesses, such as optimizing energy efficiency, managing waste materials, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Digital Strategy Financing (web link to come)

To accelerate the digital transition of small businesses, such as the implementation of management systems (CRM, ERP), process automation, robotics, smart technologies, or enhancing cybersecurity.

About the Network of SADC and CAE

The Network of SADC (Community Futures Development Corporations) and CAE (Community Business Development Centers) includes 57 SADC and 10 CAE organizations that have been working for over 40 years to foster economic development in their communities. More than 1,000 professionals and volunteers support and finance over 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 local economic development projects each year. www.sadc-cae.ca

Impact of SADC and CAE on Quebec’s Economy

Investments through the SADC and CAE yield significant returns! According to a study conducted by Aviseo Conseil for the period 2019–2023, the SADC and CAE contributed to a real GDP increase of $458 million in Quebec, of which $85 million resulted from loan investments, and $273 million came from the higher survival rate of businesses assisted by SADC and CAE after five years.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Christine Pilote, Director of Communications | Tel: 581-999-6363 | [email protected]

FCCQ and Réseau des SADC et CAE help 1,040 small tourism businesses seize the opportunities offered by the recovery

Posted on June 29, 2023June 29, 2023 by Marie-Pier Catellier

FCCQ and Réseau des SADC et CAE help 1,040 small tourism businesses seize the opportunities offered by the recovery

La The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des SADC et CAE in the presence of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, accompanied by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, took part in announcements related to the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), including the results of the Tourism Small Business Assistance Project supported by CED under the TRF.

Help that travels!

A total of 1,040 rural and urban tourism businesses in all regions of Quebec benefited from non-repayable contributions to improve their facilities and adapt or develop their products and services to meet customer needs. Support for small businesses was provided in cooperation and synergy with partners in the field. Of the 1,040 businesses assisted under the Project, 279 were small tourism businesses owned or managed by women, and 44 were small tourism businesses owned or managed by First Nations people.

Ready for the touristic season!

All regions and all sectors of the tourism industry received a helping hand to carry out one or more projects before the tourist season: restaurant, accommodation, arts and leisure, tourist transport and other sectors all benefited from a contribution. The projects supported include, for example, installing bike racks in a café along a tourist bike path, increasing seating capacity at a sugar shack, adding identification panels at a brewery farm, improving a religious heritage trail along the river, and more than a thousand other projects that give tourism entrepreneurs even more tools to attract visitors to their region!

Fast, efficient delivery

The assistance project was delivered throughout Quebec thanks to the combined forces of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des SADC et CAE. This was the second major collaboration for the two networks, which have already worked together on the Canadian Digital Adoption Program.

“Our government continues to be there for businesses and organizations in the tourism sector to ensure their recovery. Thanks to CED’s support, a total of $36.5 million has been invested in small businesses across Quebec in the form of non-repayable contributions. The investments were made in a short period of time, during the first quarter of the year, so that entrepreneurs could take full advantage of the upcoming tourism season. Every dollar invested will more than double the benefits,” explains the Honourable Pascale St-Onge.

“Thanks to their agility and in-depth knowledge of the field, SADCs and CAEs, in collaboration with local tourism key players, have been able to quickly identify various types of businesses in the regions of Quebec. The diversity of the 665 tourism businesses assisted by our network reflects the regional tourism ecosystem. We are proud to have played a part in revitalizing this sector, whose vitality is key to the economic development of our regions,” adds Pascal Harvey, General Manager of the Réseau des SADC et CAE.

“The administration of this type of project is fully in line with the economic development mission of the FCCQ and its affiliated chambers of commerce. In addition to the direct and indirect spin-offs that will benefit all regions, several thousand jobs will be preserved, and the projects supported will create several hundred more, ensuring the vitality of the sector for seasons to come. The Chambers have done an extraordinary amount of canvassing to raise awareness of the Project in urban areas and support entrepreneurs. We are honoured to have been able to participate, with CED and the SADC-CAE network, in the delivery of such a promising project,” explains Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the FCCQ.

About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

Thanks to its vast network of nearly 123 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 45,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Quebec. The FCCQ is the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Quebec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether they are chambers or businesses, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment.

About the SADC and CAE Network

SADCs and CAEs are non-profit organizations that have been working for more than 40 years on the economic development of Quebec’s regions. The Network includes 57 SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and 10 CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises). They have over 400 professionals and 600 volunteers who support innovative projects and businesses for prosperous communities. Each year, they help and finance more than 10,000 businesses and over 1,500 local projects.

Media Contacts:

Vicki Ng-Wan
Vice-president, Communication,
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
[email protected]
Bureau : 514 844-9571, poste 3335

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

$70M in a new program to improve the online presence of Quebec’s small and medium-sized businesses

Posted on December 20, 2022December 19, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

$70M IN A NEW PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE ONLINE PRESENCE OF QUEBEC’S SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

FCCQ, SADCs and CAEs join forces to drive the deployment of the Canadian Digital Adoption Program

The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec and the Réseau des SADC et CAE are proud to officially launch the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) in Quebec, in the presence of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the regions of Quebec.

This program, over four years, will support the digital readiness of small and medium-sized businesses, to help them boost their online presence and adopt or upgrade their digital technologies. In Quebec, nearly 6,300 micro-grants of up to $2,400 are made available each year to eligible businesses, as well as a network of 260 e-commerce advisors to assist businesses in their development.

Quotes

“We need to help Canadian businesses stay competitive in a technology-driven business world. The Canadian Digital Adoption Program will give Quebec businesses the tools they need to sell their local products and services online, grow their business and hire workers. This program, delivered by our partners the Réseau des SADC et CAE and the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, will will help enhance Quebec’s regional economic development.” – The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the regions of Quebec

“Canadian small businesses are resilient and innovative, and our government will always support them in their growth. We know the transition to digital is critical in a post-pandemic environment and we that’s why we created the Canada Digital Adoption Program – to help turn those bricks, into clicks. I’m pleased this innovative program is supporting Quebec businesses, as they scale up their services online and deliver on the excellence they’re known for.” – The Honourable Mary Ng, of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

“The Canadian Digital Adoption Program is part of our vision to be a catalyst for change to create a more innovative, competitive and sustainable economy. The shift and digitalization of Quebec SMEs are a fundamental step, in particular for the economic development of the regions. The FCCQ is honoured to drive this project in collaboration with the Réseau des SADC et CAE in Quebec.” – Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

“The digital transformation is at the heart of the Réseau des SADC et CAE’s priorities as it is essential to keep small businesses in rural areas competitive. We are very pleased to launch the Canadian Digital Adoption Program in collaboration with the FCCQ. I am convinced that the CDAP will have a positive impact on the economic development of Quebec’s regions.” – Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE

“Digitizing your business greatly improves sales and customer retention, which is why the Canadian Digital Adoption Program is such an essential help for small businesses like Librairie Le Repère. Small and medium-sized businesses need neutral advice and support to propel their digital shift.” – Virginia Houle, Co-Owner of Librairie Le Repère

About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ)
Thanks to its vast network of 123 chambers of commerce and to 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 45,000 businesses operating in all industries and regions of the Quebec economy. The FCCQ is the largest network of business leaders and companies in Quebec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Whether they are chambers or companies, all members of the FCCQ pursue the same goal to foster an innovative, competitive and sustainable business environment.

About the Réseau des SADC et CAE
Our network of 67 SADCs (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and CAEs (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) has been working in community economic development for over 40 years. The Réseau des SADC et CAE is made up of over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and provide funding to more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,000 local economic development projects every year. SADCs and CAEs offer entrepreneurs dedicated and personalized guidance and flexible financing products tailored to their needs. SADCs and CAEs receive financial support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Facebook, Twitter

For further information

Laurent Corbeil, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec | Office : 514 844-9571, ext. 3206 | Mobile : 514 827-3723 | [email protected]

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

Ariane Joazard-Bélizaire, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec | [email protected]

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)

Posted on November 14, 2022December 18, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) can help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost or help digitalize your business’s operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.

Eligible businesses will receive a microgrant of up to $2,400 to cover the cost of adopting new digital technologies.

Moreover, businesses can count on a network of e-commerce advisors to help assess their needs and discover new opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MICROGRANT BECOME AN E-COMMERCE ADVISOR

www.pcan-quebec.ca

The Réseau des SADC et CAE unveils its results

Posted on June 21, 2022June 30, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

The Réseau des SADC et CAE has released its annual report for April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, which is testament to the major impact that Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) and Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) have had on the economic development of Quebec’s regions.

In addition to investing over $100 million to support more than 13,000 businesses and 1,773 joint projects, SADCs and CAEs reached new heights by delivering the Technical Assistance Component of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to help entrepreneurs adapt their business models and seize opportunities in the recovery period. The year was also marked by the addition of the Virage vert program in March to expand the range of services offered by SADCs and CAEs to assist businesses and communities with sustainable development.

“Thanks to our deep roots in our communities and our quick and effective action, we have been able to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in Quebec’s regions during the pandemic and the recovery period,” said Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau.

“This achievement is dedicated to our hard-working professionals and local leaders who sit on SADC and CAE boards of directors. I would like to thank the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (CED) and Minister Pascale St-Onge for being such great partners in working with us to offer important programs like the new Virage vert program.”

“From the start of my term, it was easy for me to see what a key role the SADCs and CAEs play for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in supporting businesses and rural communities in Quebec as they recover from the pandemic,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “The over 1,000 passionate, dedicated volunteers and professionals who work with you help keep the economy moving in the province’s regions and create and maintain good jobs in our communities.”

Read our annual report

Technical assistance for entrepreneurs

In September 2021, SADCs and CAEs wrapped up the RRRF, a program launched by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in June 2020 to assist businesses affected by COVID-19. Over the course of the program, $123.5 million was invested to provide loans and technical assistance to businesses and to support joint projects.

This year, SADCs and CAEs focused on the Technical Assistance Component (TAC) of the RRRF, investing nearly $9 million in over 500 businesses to provide specialist support to overhaul or strengthen aspects such as operations, management, human resources and technology integration.

New Virage vert program

In March 2022, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions launched the Virage vert program to help SADCs and CAEs accelerate the roll-out of sustainable development in Quebec’s regions. Delivered by SADCs and CAEs, the program will run until March 2024 and provide $9.5 million to enable more businesses and communities to improve their environmental and economic performance. SADCs and CAEs will be able to provide funding for businesses to access the expertise they need to get there.

Economic development projects for Quebec’s regions

It is easier to create jobs in communities that are socially and culturally prosperous. SADCs and CAEs leverage the strengths of the community to take on economic challenges and invest time and money in community-led initiatives and strategies. This year, over $25.5 million was invested to carry out 1,773 promising joint projects. These included feasibility studies, events and symposiums with a focus on socioeconomic mobilization, cohorts for exchanging the expertise and training needed to help businesses tackle current economic issues, initiatives to encourage consumers to buy local and efforts to tackle the labour shortage.

Les Crevettes de Sept-Îles: A company weathers the storm and goes green thanks to the SADC

Les Crevettes de Sept-Îles is a company led by four entrepreneurs who own a seasonal restaurant named Les terrasses du Capitaine, a fish market called Poissonnerie Soucy and a seafood processing plant. In the summer of 2020, the mandatory closure of the restaurant forced them to pivot their focus to the fish market and processing plant. Faced with declining sales, the owners shifted gears and overhauled their production process to develop new markets in Quebec and abroad. With technical assistance from the SADC Côte-Nord, they were able to automate a number of production phases.

The young entrepreneurs’ interest in sustainable development led them to take part in Synergie 138, a circular economy project established by the regional SADCs to make one person’s trash another person’s treasure. In addition to boosting productivity and reducing waste, they hope to develop a computer system to track merchandise, losses and transactions to be integrated into their current systems. This major technological shift should help keep their business afloat for years to come.

Bottom caption: Entrepreneurs: Jean-François Fournier, Gabrielle Néron, Frédérique Néron and Michel Bourque (not pictured)

ABOUT THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE

Our network of 57 SADCs (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and 10 CAEs (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) has been working in community economic development for more than 40 years. The Réseau des SADC et CAE is made up of over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and provide funding to more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 2,000 local economic development projects every year. SADCs and CAEs offer entrepreneurs personalized, sustained support and flexible financing products that are tailored to their needs. SADCs and CAEs receive financial support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

STAY CONNECTED

FOR INFORMATION

Christine Pilote, Director, Communications | Phone: 581-999-6363 | [email protected]

THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE RECEIVES $9.5M IN FUNDING TO BOOST GREEN INITIATIVES

Posted on April 6, 2022April 19, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Pascale St-Onge, the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (CED), announced today a non-repayable contribution of $9.5M to the Réseau des SADC et CAE to help SMEs go green and support sustainable development in Quebec regions.

This financial assistance comes at the perfect time for Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADCs) and Centres d’aides aux entreprises (CAEs), which for 15 years have been integrating sustainable development principles into their local economic development projects and business advisory services. This support from Canada Economic Development will allow them to continue helping businesses improve their environmental and economic performance and assisting communities with local economic development projects that promote sustainable development.

Vallier Daigle, president of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, is understandably very pleased with today’s announcement. “This is excellent news because, in addition to recognizing our members’ expertise helping
small businesses with sustainable development projects, the Government of Canada is taking a concrete step that will ultimately have a positive impact on the environmental and economic performance of our SMEs. The SADCs and CAEs of Quebec are ready to take up the challenge and give businesses the support they need to build a greener future in Quebec regions.”

SADCs and CAEs have completed many sustainable development projects over the past few years in areas ranging from circular economy to carbon credits to renewable energy recovery.

These projects have been carried out across the province and benefit both SMEs and their communities. It’s only natural for the Government of Canada to collaborate with key economic stakeholders, such as SADCs and CAEs, to deliver this program, which is bringing us all one step closer to a greener, more
sustainable economy.

THE ROAD TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A NEW WEBSITE TO GUIDE ENTREPRENEURS IN QUEBEC’S REGIONS

Posted on February 1, 2022April 6, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Québec City, February 3, 2022 – Today, the Réseau des SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) et CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) du Québec is launching The Road to Entrepreneurship (La route de l’entrepreneur), a website designed to guide entrepreneurs through every step of starting and running a business. It will also make it easy for entrepreneurs to reach out to their SADC or CAE’s business advisors, who understand their region’s particular issues and challenges.

“Entrepreneurs often get lost in the maze of consulting services available online,” explains Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE. “With The Road to Entrepreneurship, they will finally have access to dependable, unbiased and, above all, local expertise. This new site will refer entrepreneurs to the directory of SADCs and CAEs and to business advisors in their area. These advisors are professionals who live and work in the communities they serve and can also tap into a vast national network of expertise—that has been growing for 40 years and counting—to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need.”

The Road to Entrepreneurship will offer entrepreneurs practical advice and tools at every step of their business endeavour, whether that’s buying an existing SME, taking over the family business, or growing, financing or selling their business. The new website is chockfull of unrivalled content inspired by a 360degree approach to entrepreneurship. More advice from other entrepreneurs will begin to be added soon.

A one-stop shop for the entrepreneurial know-how of Quebec’s SADCs and CAEs

The Road to Entrepreneurship is also a forum where our network of over 1,000 professionals and volunteers from across the province can share tips and expertise and easily export best practices from one region to another. In this same spirit, the platform makes various userfriendly tools available for entrepreneurs to download, including a business plan template, a selfassessment grid for sustainable development practices, and a grid to calculate working capital that was developed by our members specifically for small businesses. In addition, the website has a blog with posts on a range of topics related to entrepreneurship, based directly on the reallife experience of our professionals.

SADC de Papineau executive director Mélissa Bergeron encourages all local entrepreneurs to visit The Road to Entrepreneurship. “This site is for you, and it really dovetails with our simple and effective approach with our clients, who do not always have the time to search around for the best solutions for their projects. We truly want you to succeed, and we’re here to guide you along the way.”

Visit The Road to Entrepreneurship

SADCs and CAEs BOOST SME PERFORMANCE

Posted on December 9, 2021April 19, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Québec City, December 16, 2021 – A study on the performance of the Community Futures Program (CFP), which is delivered in Quebec by Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADCs) and Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAEs), confirms that Quebec businesses that work with the Réseau perform better.

The results of the Community Futures Program (CFP) performance study, conducted by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in collaboration with Statistics Canada, were published in November. The study compares the performance of businesses with up to 100 employees that received assistance through the CFP with other businesses with similar profiles that did not receive services from SADCs or CAEs over a five-year period.

Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, says he is very proud of these results: “We have been supporting the success of entrepreneurs and the economic vitality of our regions for 40 years. With the financial contribution of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, our professionals deliver our three complementary business lines: local economic development, technical assistance and business financing. How do we do it? With a strong, agile and effective provincial network of expertise that is firmly rooted in our communities and attentive to the needs of entrepreneurs.”

HIGHLIGHTS

The study looked at 4,451 CFP files. Between 2013 and 2018, our network has made a difference for businesses by contributing to the following:

• Improved business survival rate: 77% after five years of existence, compared to 53% for those in the control group

• Creation of over 10 times as many jobs: an average increase of 3.2% per year, compared to 0.3% in the control group

• Creation of nearly 5 times as many jobs for women-owned businesses:

an average increase of 5.0% per year, compared to 1.3% in the control group

•Stronger increase in sales: 5.2% average annual sales increase, compared to 3.14% for the control group

•Faster payroll growth: 7.2% per year on average, compared to 2.9% for businesses in the control group

About the Community Futures Program (CFP)

The CFP is a federal government program that ensures financing for the operations of the 269 CFDCs, SADCs, CBDCs and CAEs in Canada, including 67 in Quebec. The CFP recognizes the expertise of local decision makers and decision-making autonomy, in order to encourage communities to take charge of their futures.

LOCAL SMEs REAP FINANCIAL REWARDS FOR REDUCING THEIR GHG EMISSIONS

Posted on November 9, 2021April 6, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

SADC + CAE CARBON CREDITS

LOCAL SMEs REAP FINANCIAL REWARDS FOR REDUCING THEIR GHG EMISSIONS

We are pleased to announce that the first round of earnings have been distributed to participants of the SADC and CAE Carbon Credit program. A total of $300,000 was paid out to the 74 participating SMEs and organizations, who earned over 2 million carbon credits by cutting their GHG emissions. The credits were put up for sale on the voluntary carbon market.

The voluntary carbon market was formerly out of reach to smaller businesses, but by building a federation of 74 SMEs and organizations and coaching them through the complex process, SADCs and CAEs succeeded in opening access to the market to the little guy. The carbon credits from this project are the only certified carbon credits generated by small businesses in Quebec to date.

According to Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, these financial rewards are a tangible way to encourage businesses to reduce their GHG emissions. “While environmentally responsible business practices are already making a significant social, economic and environmental impact, these incentives are just one more tool in the box,” he said. “I would like to congratulate all the participants on their innovative and impressive projects.”

LOCAL IMPACT

These financial rewards are made possible thanks to corporate, institutional, community and individual buyers. “Thank you to all the buyers who have chosen local carbon credits,” said Daigle. “These purchases benefit our local communities and have a direct impact on small businesses, such as MSL fibre in Louiseville and Lauzon Bois énergétique Recyclé in Papineauville, which each received close to $10,000 from the sale. Currently, over 1.5 million carbon credits from the SADC and CAE Carbon Credit project are still available on the market, and since there is growing demand for certified carbon credits, we hope to make additional disbursements soon.”
Buy carbon credits here.

TESTIMONIALS

MSL fibre

After the SADC + CAE Carbon Credit project was launched at SADC de la MRC de Maskinongé, building soundproofing company MSL fibre responded to the call.

Patricia Batil, Vice-President of Finance and Operations, promptly submitted her proposal. “One of our projects was diverting urban biomass from landfills to use in our fibreboard panels,” said Batil. “That means that 100% of our raw materials come from recycled wood chips. We are so proud of what we’ve done and the fact that we earned money from the sale of our carbon credits.”

Lauzon Bois Énergétique Recyclé

Lauzon Bois Énergétique Recyclé submitted two major GHG reduction projects to SADC de Papineau. The first involved reducing the amount of methane produced from decomposing wood by recycling and transforming waste wood into storable wood fuel pellets. The second aimed to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial and residential oil, propane and natural gas heating systems by converting them to run on the company’s wood fuel pellets.

“Beyond the financial benefits, we are incredibly proud that we have contributed to government GHG emission targets with an 830,000 tonnes CO2 eq reduction over 20 years,” said François Mireault, Director of Operations and Procurement. “That’s like taking 180,400 gas-powered cars off the road.”

SADCS AND CAES: LEADERS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

As front-line players in local economic development, SADCs and CAEs aim to create healthy living environments and help build a more responsible economy. For nearly 15 years, SADCs and CAEs have been helping companies leverage sustainable development approaches to become more competitive.

We have a solid network, and to date nearly 1,000 businesses have benefitted from sustainable development coaching or participated in sustainable community projects through an SADC or CAE.

The numbers speak for themselves: the businesses improve their environmental and social impact and, at the same time, their bottom line.
Learn more about our sustainable development services (French only).

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

The 74 small businesses and organizations, guided by SADCs and CAEs, reduced their emissions using the Sustainable Community pooling approach, developed by Will Solutions, a Certified B Corporation that specializes in managing, creating and selling carbon assets. Will Solutions helps with the technical aspects of the process, such as quantification, and ensures that carbon credits are verified by a third party certified by VCS (Verified Carbon Standard), the world’s largest voluntary program.

ABOUT THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE
The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of 57 Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) and 10 Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAE), not-for-profit organizations that have been working in economic development in the regions of Quebec for 40 years. It has over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support projects and innovative businesses for prosperous communities. They help and finance over 10,000 Quebec businesses and local projects every year.

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INQUIRIES
Christine Pilote, Director, Communications | Phone: : 581 999-6363 | [email protected]