Montmagny, May 28, 2026 – Gathered for their 2025–2026 Annual General Meeting, the board members, partners, and collaborators of the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet highlighted another successful year marked by outstanding results, strong community engagement, and concrete actions implemented to support businesses across the region.

In a challenging financial climate characterized by market fluctuations, rising living costs, pressures on local businesses, and uncertainties surrounding tariffs and trade, the CAE continued to fulfill its mission with agility. Through its three core areas of activity — financing, business support, and local economic development — the organization expanded its efforts to assist entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth throughout Montmagny–L’Islet.

On the financing side, the CAE approved 35 loans across various sectors in the Montmagny–L’Islet region, generating total investments exceeding $9 million. Authorized investments were primarily distributed among the service sector (60%), agriculture (14%), commercial businesses (14%), and manufacturing (12%), reflecting the vitality of the local economy. Supported projects mainly involved business modernization (34%), acquisitions (28%), expansion projects (23%), start-ups (9%), and business consolidation initiatives (6%).

In terms of local economic development, the CAE contributed to the implementation of 10 new initiatives across Montmagny–L’Islet, in addition to its recurring projects, with the goal of mobilizing the entrepreneurial community and encouraging collaboration among entrepreneurs, social economy business managers, municipalities, and regional partners. Among the highlights of the past year were the following achievements:

• Innovation Rendezvous: 75 participants and 44 businesses and organizations involved
• Workforce and regional attractiveness initiatives: 4 events held with participation from more than 60 businesses
• Networking and inspiring entrepreneurial journeys: 5 events and more than 100 participants
• Local purchasing initiatives: 2 campaigns reaching more than 200 businesses
• Showcasing local businesses: 2 campaigns, 22 promotional video capsules released, and 24 businesses featured
• Entrepreneurial awards and recognition events: 4 events bringing together more than 780 participants
• Tourism initiatives: participation in 3 committees, organization of 2 events, and outreach to 209 businesses
• Entrepreneurial skills development: 6 training sessions organized by the CAE, more than 12 hours of training delivered, and 139 participants reached

The 2025–2026 year was also marked by a strong commitment to maintaining close relationships with members of the local business community. Board Chair Mr. Denis Lavoie undertook a tour of CAE client businesses alongside members of the organization’s team in order to remain attentive to the priorities and needs of the business community. Through its initiatives, the CAE continues its mission of supporting a strong, innovative, and sustainable local economy for the benefit of entrepreneurs throughout Montmagny–L’Islet.

“It is also important to highlight the stability and commitment of our staff, as well as the ongoing involvement of our Board of Directors, both of which are essential to the quality of support provided to entrepreneurs,” stated Ms. Mireille Thibault, General Manager of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

“At a time when challenges continue to grow and the financial environment is evolving rapidly, we believe more than ever in the importance of working together, remaining present in the field, and providing concrete support to our entrepreneurs. The CAE remains committed to offering solutions tailored to the realities faced by business owners. Collaboration, innovation, and close connections with entrepreneurs will continue to guide us in the years ahead,” concluded Mr. Denis Lavoie, Chair of the Board of Directors of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

The CAE is now entering the third year of its five-year agreement with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, a partnership that remains essential to maintaining its services.

Canada Economic Developpement for Quebec Regions supports the CAE.

In the photo, from left to right, front row: Chantal Blanchette, Board Member; Mireille Thibault, Executive Director; and Lily Nadeau, Vice-Chair. Back row: Xavier Bernier, Secretary; Normand Blier, Treasurer; Denis Lavoie, Chair; and Rémi Dion, Board Member.