The SADC des Laurentides kicked off the 20th anniversary of mentorship for entrepreneurs last night at the Is mentorship for me? event.
The event brought together some 50 members of the business community at Place des Citoyens in Sainte-Adèle, including partner organizations, mentors, mentees and entrepreneurs curious to learn more. Keynote speakers Jocelyn Rioux and André Guillemette, two men who have contributed to the growth and development of the mentoring service at the SADC des Laurentides, delivered an inspiring presentation to those in attendance. The meeting gave participants a better understanding of entrepreneurial mentorship, which is often confused with consulting or coaching services.
Jocelyn Rioux entrepreneur and former mentor, Shanna Fournier from the Pays-d’en-Haut RCM, Sylvie Bolduc from the SADC des Laurentides and André Guillemette, entrepreneur and former mentor.
“Mentoring is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. Statistics show that companies whose managers are mentored are more likely to survive beyond the five-year mark. Mentoring helps break the isolation of entrepreneurs by giving them access to someone they can trust who has a wealth of entrepreneurial experience,” emphasizes Sylvie Bolduc, General Manager of the SADC des Laurentides.
The mentoring cell will be particularly active this year to mark its 20 years of volunteer involvement with entrepreneurs. In addition to promotional activities, mentors will attend several events organized by economic development partners to meet potential mentors and mentees.
Mentorship discussion led by Sylvie Florent, entrepreneur and mentor.
About the mentorship service
The SADC des Laurentides offers the mentorship service thanks to the financial support of the Pays-d’en-Haut RCM and the Corporation de développement économique of the Laurentides RCM. It is also affiliated with Réseau Mentorat,, a regional organization that accredits and offers ongoing training to cell mentors.
Réseau Mentorat is dedicated to developing the full potential of entrepreneurs through mentoring. In collaboration with partners, the Réseau Mentorat creates lasting coaching relationships based on listening and sharing, throughout Quebec and the French-speaking world. Through mentoring, Réseau Mentorat helps entrepreneurs find the support they need to flourish, so they can contribute fully to the economic development of their region.
Find out more
Wondering if mentorship is for you? Contact our coordinator, Josée Dufresne.