Author: Simon Charlebois

Continue reading “2024–2025 Report | Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Engagement: A Year of Impact from SADC Shawinigan and Fonds LaPrade St-Maurice”

Shawinigan, April 9, 2025 – The SADC unveiled today the results of the AccèsTI-Seniors program, which was carried out over the past two years and concluded on March 31. The program aimed to improve digital literacy among individuals aged 55 and over in Shawinigan. More specifically, it sought to build seniors’ confidence and skills in using the Internet, as well as their cybersecurity awareness, in order to encourage greater use of this essential tool in daily life.

As of March 31, 2025, after two years of activities, 185 participants had completed their journey in the program (132 women | 53 men). The average age of participants was 73.4 years. The program was highly popular and ended with 42 people still on the waiting list.

Participants received training using the following operating systems:

• 91 participants used Apple devices
• 70 participants used Android devices
• 24 participants used Windows devices

The two most popular training sessions were:

• Getting to Know My Device (108 participants)
• Becoming Functional with My Device (113 participants)

A total of 180 participants reported being satisfied with the services and felt that the training met their needs and expectations.

“In an era where the Internet and technology are omnipresent in our lives, we are proud to have supported seniors in navigating the digital world with confidence. We will continue seeking solutions to relaunch this project, which has clearly demonstrated its relevance and importance for our community.”
— Nathalie Boisvert, President of SADC Shawinigan

This project was made possible through funding from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, as part of the Digital Literacy Exchange Program.

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Shawinigan, March 20, 2025 – SADC Shawinigan celebrated its 40th anniversary today under the theme “40 Years of Impact – Propel, Inspire, Transform.” To mark this significant milestone, the organization invited its partners, clients, and members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to a festive cocktail reception, bringing together nearly 150 guests, to highlight the impact of the actions and commitment of its teams and directors to local economic development over the past 40 years.

Since it began operations in September 1984, SADC Shawinigan has played a key role in the growth and transformation of the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. With more than $45 million invested in local businesses, contributing to the creation and maintenance of 8,500 jobs, it has established itself as a key player in economic development.

Notable Achievements

Over the years, the SADC Shawinigan has initiated and coordinated nearly a hundred key projects, including:

✅Its investment funds:

Its regular fund, for which the SADC successfully doubled the Government of Canada’s $3 million contribution, with assets currently standing at $6 million;

The Youth Strategy Fund, launched in 1998 with an initial investment of $340,000. This fund has invested over $5.2 million to support young entrepreneurs;

The investments of the two SADC funds have generated $214.8 million in additional investments;

✅On March 29, 2012, the Découvre ta place project was officially launched. Since then, this interactive conference, whose objective is to introduce teenagers to the local economy and employment opportunities, has been presented to over 5,000 young people;

✅ The SADC has created 11 community internet access centres and carried out several digital literacy projects since the late 1990s, including the Accès TI Aînés project, which now allows them to use technology with confidence;

✅ The establishment of the Newcomer Reception Service in 2005, which is now a high-impact organization in Shawinigan;

✅ The spotlight on part-time women entrepreneurs, which led to the SADC coining the term “flexipreneur,” now used provincially;

✅The SADC supported more than 500 young people in their employment integration between 1997 and 2010 through the Déclic, Jeunes stagiaires Canada, and Connexion Compétences projects;

✅The organization of key events such as Savoir Affaires Mauricie, Contact Affaires, and the SADC and CAE Network Congress;

✅Its involvement in several local and regional projects and organizations such as the Gala Distinction Desjardins, TGV Net Mauricie (which it supported in its launch), the Centre of Excellence in Energy Efficiency (C3E), Développement Mauricie, Économie du Savoir Mauricie, the Diversification and Economic Development Committee, and the Shawinigan Entrepreneurial Community, of which it has been a member since its inception.

 

An event under the banner of inspiration

During the festive 4 to 6, the Shawinigan SADC exclusively unveiled five video clips, highlighting testimonials from people who have worked with the SADC over the years. These authentic stories illustrate the organization’s lasting impact on the lives of many businesses, citizens, and local stakeholders.

 

About the history of SADC

The SADC was born from the creation and consolidation of several organizations. Its roots date back to the creation, in 1984, of SOFICAR (Société de financement à capital de risque) du Centre-de-la-Mauricie. At that time, the company had a fund of approximately $220,000 and targeted small and medium-sized businesses working in the manufacturing industry.

Thanks to these funds from the Government of Canada, under the CLE (Local Employment Growth) program, SOFICAR was able to ensure its financial participation in various investment projects. A maximum of $25,000 per project could be granted. Its role was also to provide SMEs with all the technical support necessary to carry out their investment projects.

On October 31, 1987, SOFICAR ceased to be a CLE. It was then designated a “Business Assistance Centre.” Its leaders planned to apply for funding under the federal Department of Employment and Immigration’s future Community Futures Program (CFP).

In the fall of 1991, SOFICAR formed a partnership with the Comité d’aide au développement des communautés (CADC) and the LaPrade St-Maurice Fund. These three organizations were then grouped under one roof. Shortly thereafter, SOFICAR and the CADC merged under the name SADC SOFICAR Centre-de-la-Mauricie.

The Shawinigan SADC is still under the auspices of the Community Futures Program, now administered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. This program is considered one of the best in the world by member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

 

A Forward-Looking Mission

While the past 40 years have been synonymous with growth and innovation, the future looks just as promising. The SADC Shawinigan reaffirms its commitment to propelling, inspiring, and transforming the local economy by continuing to support entrepreneurs and the community toward sustainable and prosperous development.

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INFORMATION
Sylvie Lavergne, Director of Development and Communications
Office: 819 537-5107 ext. 215 | Cell: 819 247-2816
[email protected]