40 years of building tomorrow, together! The SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs has injected more than $33 million into the local economy

Maria, June 12, 2024. — The SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs celebrated the organization’s 40th anniversary at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 5, 2024 at the Microbrasserie Bistro La belle aventure de Bonaventure. Since 1984, it has injected more than $33 million into businesses and projects in the region, for $233 million in spinoffs in the community.

 

As part of the festivities surrounding the 40th anniversary, the president of the SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs, Charles Guérette, highlighted the implementation of a fruit tree planting project in collaboration with two community organizations in the region: the Source Alimentaire Bonavignon, in Maria, and the Collectif Aliment-Terre, in Paspébiac. Steps are also being taken for the Avignon West sector to carry out a similar project. This initiative will make it possible to plant different fruit trees in the collective and community gardens of these organizations. When mature, these trees will provide a variety of fruit to their beneficiaries. “As an SADC, our vision is to have a positive impact on the vitality of communities and the fruit tree planting project is our way of saying thank you to the community and leaving a positive legacy for years to come. In addition, we hope that this initiative will inspire others to join us and support the community ” he said.

During the year 2023-2024, more than $1.5 million was injected into the community by the organization in the three main lines of business of the SADC: financing, technical assistance to businesses and support for local economic development. Altogether one hundred and one (101) interventions were deployed and supported by the SADC team over the past year, generating economic spinoffs of more than $11.9 million.

This year concludes with the end of the five-year agreement with Canada Economic Development. In terms of funding, it is important to highlight the renewal of the agreement with our funder for a new five-year period. This agreement will bring certain new features that will have a positive impact on the development of the territory’s businesses in terms of sustainable development, succession and digital development.

While many communities in Quebec are struggling to find business successors, the Baie-des-Chaleurs region is distinguished by a succession that is generally present. “The dynamism of business successions in the Baie-des-Chaleurs has allowed us to support the transition of several organizations. In fact, 44 projects have been completed in the last 5 years, compared to 23 projects for the previous 5 years, which represents almost double the number of projects,” says Executive Director Lyne Lebrasseur, who points out that the Youth Strategy program, which supports promoters aged 39 and under in their business projects, is particularly well suited to business succession cases.

For next year’s action plan, the SADC will work to integrate environmental, social and governance issues even more fully into its policies and file analysis process. It intends to promote responsible investments while offering sustainable development support. In addition, it will offer a 13th edition of the HR Symposium which will take place on November 6. These activities will be offered in continuity with financing, support and local development actions.

 

The SADC over the years

The SADC de Baie-des-Chaleurs has 211 members to contribute to the development of a vision for the future of its community and thus allows the creation, consolidation and development of businesses and employment in the region. Over the past 40 years, the organization has injected more than $33 million into the regional economy, generating nearly $233 million in spinoffs in the community. Info and Membership: sadcbc.ca

The full annual report is available at sadcbc.ca, under the “Annual Report” section, under “Your SADC”.

 

Highlights of the year 2023-2024

  • More than 1.5 million invested
  • 23 interventions in loans ($919,549), 78 in non-repayable contributions ($588,817)
  • 30% acquisition projects
  • 136 jobs supported
  • $11.9 million in economic spinoffs
  • 211 members

 

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Information and interview requests:

Charles Guérette, President, 418 788-5758 | charlesguerette@gmail.com

Lyne Lebrasseur, General manager, 418-759-1555, ext. 222 | llebrasseur@sadcbc.ca

Corporation du Mont-Saint-Joseph: a Non-profit Organization Promoting a Rich Heritage

Incorporated as a non-profit organization (NPO) in 1998, the Corporation de gestion et de mise en valeur du mont Saint-Joseph, in Carleton-sur-Mer, preserves and values the cultural and natural heritage of this exceptional site. A meeting with its Director General, Olivier Côté-Vaillancourt.

 

In what way is the Corporation unique?

As an NPO, the Corporation is under the responsibility of a volunteer Board of Directors. According to Olivier, as an NPO, it can devote itself to its mission without being solely profit-driven. “Everything gets reinvested for social or economic development.” The site sets itself apart by offering “the highest summit in Quebec accessible by asphalted roadway. It’s interesting for the mobility aspect and to appreciate the magnificent view of the heritage that surrounds us, both historical and cultural.” Other unique attractions include mountain bike trails, unconventional accommodation, and a chapel.

How did support from the SADC help you?

In recent years, the Corporation has acquired new infrastructures such as geodomes and a reception building. In the post-pandemic period, it obtained a preferential-rate loan from the SADC to cover part of the costs. “There was an increase in the cost of materials and construction,” says Olivier. “We had to absorb these costs to complete the project.”

Tell us about a recent noteworthy achievement of which you are especially proud in the field of sustainable development. 

“We’re involved in a number of initiatives and approaches (e.g. regenerative tourism) so that in the future, we can include more and more good practices in our management and planning,” affirms Olivier. He also highlights the introduction of a shuttle service linking the campground, the beach, and the summit of the mountain seven times a day in summer. “This reduces the strain of vehicles both in the city and on the mountain.”

What advice would you give to anyone who is considering starting up a business in the Baie-des-Chaleurs region?

“Listen to the community, get involved in your community and try to form partnerships,” says Olivier. To maximize the chances of success, he believes that the proposed offer must meet a genuine need in the community.

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About the Corporation

The Corporation ensures the sustainability and development of the Mont-Saint-Joseph Regional Park. Highlights include hiking and mountain biking trails, geodomes and aiguilles (small chalets), a heritage chapel and lookouts at an altitude of 555 metres offering spectacular views of the Baie-des-Chaleurs.

Maille atelier collaboratif – Business Portrait

Laura-Anne Lamarche and Ghislain Dea co-founded the Maille atelier collaboratif in 2019 at New Richmond. Since then, their long lasting-furniture has enhanced the decoration and optimized many residences, businesses and organizations in the Gaspésie region. Interview with Laura-Anne about entrepreneurship and her business, which had received support from the SADC Baie-des-Chaleurs.

 

A Thumbnail Sketch of the Business

Maille atelier collaboratif combines professional design services and furniture making to develop interior layout which is adapted to the specific needs of each client. With painstaking attention to details, her team manufactures and installs long-lasting quality furniture of a beauty that time cannot wash away.

In what way is your business unique?

“The originality of the projects we develop is outstanding in addition to the broad scope of products we are able to offer with all of the sub-contractors who support us” says Laura-Anne. “We try not to have limits in our designs or use of materials. We work with metal, wood and glass. We don’t just make cupboards. We can make stairs and guardrails. This is architectural furniture making. Most of the time it is functional, but we are sometimes on the fringe of art.”

Why have you chosen to be entrepreneurs?

“Ghislain and myself were unable to find employment in the region for what we wanted to accomplish” explained Laura-Anne. “Our passion led us to become entrepreneurs, to create employment and to like our job. We also felt that the offer of made-to-measure furniture could be improved in the region.”

How did support from the SADC help you?

First, Maille obtained financing. “It was one of the most advantageous offers in the region” mentioned the young entrepreneur. “It is a personal loan and it’s really interesting as seed capital to start up a business.” Maille also had support from the SADC during the pandemic, including support for a structuring project. This assistance “allowed us to conduct strategic planning, to have support to review the structure of the business and to become more efficient.”

Tell us about a recent noteworthy achievement of which you are especially proud as an entrepreneur (ex.: in the field of sustainable development).

“We always try to select the most sustainable materials” specified Laura-Anne. “We recently submitted a research theme to the CIRADD (a research centre attached to the Cégep de la Gaspésie and des Îles), which was accepted. Students in nature science who work in a partnership with CIRADD staff will make proposals to us on how to recycle the cuttings from our materials.”

What advice would you give to anyone who is considering starting up a business in the Baie-des-Chaleurs region?

“You have to be a little naive. Don’t ask yourself too many questions. Try it, go!” suggests Laura-Anne. “I think that our success is due to the fact that we’re passionate about it. But you have to realize that you won’t always be doing what is a passion for you.” Open-mindedness and collaboration are also essential. “It’s important not to be afraid of asking for help when dealing with something you know less about and to seek good support from the right people.”

 


 

About Laura-Anne Lamarche and Ghislain Dea

Co-founders of the Maille Atelier collaboratif, Laura-Anne Lamarche and Ghislain Dea have complementary know how in their business. A member of the Ordre des architectes du Québec, Laura-Anne is a project manager and architect. Ghislain is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec and he works as a technical designer and mechanical engineer.

Business Portrait – La belle vie sailing

Marie-Pier Grenier and Adrien Bernier Nadeau founded La belle vie sailing in Paspébiac, in 2019. Since then, the popularity of their sailing company hasn’t stopped growing. In fact, the couple obtained support from the SADC Baie-des-Chaleurs in 2021 to ensure its expansion. On board the Vanamo catamaran docked in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, Marie-Pier answered our questions to let you discover the company and the team of entrepreneurs that she and her spouse make.

 

A Thumbnail Sketch of the Company

Benefitting from the busy tourist season in the summer, La belle vie sailing offers sailing courses and cruises of 3 to 24 hours with a sleepover and a meal on the Baie des Chaleurs. During the winter, the company offers one-week “sailing holidays” in the Caribbean.

How Does Your Company Stand Out?  

According to Marie-Pier, La belle vie sailing is one of the few if not the only businesses in Quebec to offer its services year-round. “It’s our sailing ship, we bring it down to the Caribbean and this makes our company original and unique!” Another distinguishing point: “the fact that we are a couple of entrepreneurs. We are both on board the ship on a full-time basis to offer our services. Our skills and strengths are very complementary.” The couple calls on its uniqueness to offer a personalized client experience, with stayovers and meals on board.

Why Have You Chosen to Become Entrepreneurs?

“I think that it’s the thirties doldrums” says Marie-Pier. We were no longer happy with subway, work, sleep. Right from the start, we wanted to found a company, to build something viable, new, distinctive.” The couple also wanted to travel and discover the world differently. Adrien got the idea for sailing, as he wanted to live his passion. As far as I was concerned, I always dreamed of starting up a business. We both wanted freedom of choice for what we wanted to do. Have decision-making power over our lives and what make us live.”

What did Support From the SADC Give You?

“It allowed us to complete a first phase in the expansion of the company, affirmed Mare-Pier. We obtained financing to purchase a live-in multi-hull catamaran sailing vessel to have room for more clients at the same time and cater to the strong demand. Secondly, we will want to purchase other sailing vessels.”

 

Tell Us About a Recent Good Move of Which You Are Especially Proud as Entrepreneurs (ex. regarding sustainable development). “We are essentially a company, considering its activities and equipment, which is very ecological, noted Marie-Pier. We use renewable energy on board. We make our own water and electricity independently.” Marie-Pier explained that solar panels allow developing energy which is stored in their batteries to power lights, navigation instruments, etc. These batteries also power the desalination device that pumps in seawater, withdraws particles, including salt, and pumps out soft drinking water.

“In the last months, we managed to recruit a major partner: Volthium, a Quebec company. Encouraging local companies is also part of our values! This company develops lithium batteries. This is more ecological than acid batteries and much more durable over time. »

What Advice Would You Give a Person Who Wants to Start Up in Business in the Baie-des-Chaleurs Region?

“Do not hesitate to contact other businesses and organizations in the Baie-des-Chaleurs region” mentioned Marie-Pier. “It is necessary to develop links and partnerships with locals. With strength in numbers, we can go farther and faster!”

 


 

About Adrien and Marie-Pier

Originally from Lévis, Marie-Pier Grenier was a business advisor and management consultant in addition to having worked for 10 years in the restaurant business. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA in international management, she is in charge of customer service for La belle vie sailing.

 

Originally from Carleton-sur-Mer, Adrien Bernier Nadeau learned navigation on his parent’s sailing vessel in the Baie-des-Chaleurs. Trained as a mechanical engineer, he has acquired several licences and certificates which allowed him to become a captain and sailing instructor for La belle vie sailing.

Notice of convocation annual general meeting

NOTICE OF CONVOCATION

The Annual General Meeting of the Société d’aide au développement des collectivités de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at Refuge 1128.  To attend, you must register in advance by phone at 819-449-1551, by clicking here.

Draft agenda

 

  1. Call to order ;
  2. Adoption of agenda;
  3. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of May 30, 2023;
  4. Presentation and adoption of the 2023-2024 annual report;
  5. Appointment of auditor;
  6. Appointment of representatives to the Board of Directors and introduction of directors;
  7. Other business ;
  8. Closing of the meeting

 

Given in Maniwaki, May 13, 2024

Kerry Anne Gorman, Secretary

 

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

 
$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.  FacebookTwitter

For further information 

Laurent CorbeilPress Secretary and Communications Advisor, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec | Office : 514 844-9571, ext. 3206 | Mobile : 514 827-3723 laurent.corbeil@fccq.ca 

Christine PiloteDirector CommunicationsRéseau des SADC et CAE 
Office : 581-999-6363  cpilote@sadc-cae.ca 

Ariane Joazard-BélizairePress 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  ariane.joazard-belizaire@pch.gc.ca

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)

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 

Canadian Digital Adoption Program

In the ongoing search for alternatives aimed at contributing to Quebec’s economic and social growth, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), the Réseau des Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités and the Centres d’aide aux entreprises (SADCs & CAEs) have joined their efforts in supporting activities that make it easier for Quebec’s small businesses to adopt digital technology and in providing employment and training opportunities to young people and graduates.

To contribute to the implementation of this new project, we are looking for students and recent graduates throughout Quebec showing a strong capacity to be proactive, a high level of continuous improvement and an enviable ability to work in a team to fulfill the position of e-commerce advisor.
Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen and demonstrate your skills
This experience will give you the opportunity to obtain training in the following areas:
• Become acquainted with various e-commerce solutions and related tools.
• Understand the basics of cyber security.
• Deepen your understanding of the “Grow Your Business Online” grant.
• Develop your persuasive oral communications skills.
• Demonstrate your autonomy and dynamic behaviour.
• Demonstrate your analytical skills and abilities to summarize.
• Strengthen your organizational skills and abilities to set priorities and raise any related issues.
Specific requirements:
• Be a graduated high school student planning to pursue post-secondary educations.
• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program or recently graduated from a post-
secondary program.
• Knowledge of Quebec employers’ concerns would be an asset.

Role and responsabilities
The ideal candidate for this position of advisor has to provide a level of expertise to support Quebec businesses, in particular SMEs, in identifying their e-commerce and workforce issues. The ideal candidate will be involved in business needs analysis using a diagnostic and promote companies’ participation in the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) and in other programs based on their needs.
Main tasks:
• Target businesses to help them participate in the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP).
• Conduct a diagnostic to identify the e-commerce and workforce issues SMEs are facing.
• Analysis of business needs and identification of programs and projects in line with identified needs.
• Facilitate companies’ access to the various programs and regional services providers to support their needs
• Help companies take advantage of the “Grow Your Business Online” grant.
• Any other related tasks.

Work conditions and benefits:
• Full-time or part-time.
• Working remotely.
• Contract of employment.
• Competitive comprehensive compensation (sick leave, summer schedule, etc.).
• Dynamic work environment with many avenues and learning opportunities.

How to apply?
Send us your curriculum vitae to the following email address: rh@pcan-quebec.ca.
Only selected candidates will be contacted.