Today, the Réseau des SADC et CAE unveiled a new economic study by Aviseo showing the significant impact that Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) and Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) had on Quebec’s economic vitality over the 2019 to 2023 fiscal years. Since 2019, SADCs and CAEs have generated nearly half a billion dollars in spinoffs, representing $212 million in revenue in government portfolios.
Pascal Harvey, General Director of the Réseau, said he is very proud of these results, and that the spinoffs will benefit businesses, the government and the general public: “The 67 SADCs and CAEs are contributing to investment growth, increased productivity and higher survival rates for businesses. They are a critical part of Quebec’s economic ecosystem, working throughout its regions and contributing to the economic well-being of everyone in Quebec. Congratulations to all of our 400 professionals and over 600 volunteers.” – Pascal Harvey, General Director of the Réseau des SADC et CAE
“Our government has committed to boost the growth of Canadian businesses and diversify the economy of communities. That is why I am especially proud that CED supports Quebec’s SADCs and CAEs, with a positive, concrete impact felt in all regions across the province. Through this collaboration, we enable SMEs to play a major role in the growth of all our communities. Congratulations to the entire network on the exceptional work that has been done. Together and with an eye to the future, we can set off once again with greater strength and resilience,” added the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
STUDY HIGHLIGHTS
Impact on the increased GDP
SADC and CAE investments increased Quebec’s real GDP by $458 million:
- $185 million from our loan investments
- $273 million generated by increased business survival rates
A $212 million increase in government revenue
The work of SADCs and CAEs yields economic and fiscal impacts that benefit everyone in Quebec, including households, businesses and the government. It generated $106 million in revenue for businesses and $303 million for households.
- $92 million generated in government tax revenue through investments from loans granted by SADCs and CAEs
- $120 million in government revenue generated through the impact of SADCs and CAEs on increased business survival rates
Remember that according to a Statistics Canada study, businesses that receive support from an SADC or CAE in their first four years of operations are, on average, more than twice as likely to survive past their fifth year compared to businesses that do not have this support.
Three complementary business lines
SADCs and CAEs deliver three business lines: local economic development, specialized support and business financing. SADCs and CAEs have also cultivated various areas of expertise to better address the specific issues affecting their local communities. SADCs’ and CAEs’ local development efforts help to increase business stability, improve business competitiveness, promote job creation and improve population retention in Quebec’s regions.
We take an active role in:
- Promoting an ecological transition toward a more sustainable economy – SADCs and CAEs are highly active in sustainable development. We have invested more than $10 million in the last year to help small businesses go greener, faster.
- Ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs can take the reins – Over the past 26 years, the Youth Strategy program has invested $165 million into 14,000 young people.
- Strengthening women entrepreneurs or flexipreneurship – SADCs and CAEs are currently working on a support program specifically designed for part-time entrepreneurs, a growing client base in Quebec that few organizations serve.
ABOUT THE STUDY
The Réseau contracted Aviseo to analyze data sourced from reputable statistics agencies, information shared by the Réseau on its operations, peer-reviewed publications and public documents. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model was used for the study.
The study focuses on analyzing the impacts of SADC and CAE loans and on the increase in business productivity and survival rates generated by SADC and CAE support. The data do not take into account various programs delivered by SADCs and CAEs, such as the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, the Programme d’aide aux petites entreprises touristiques, the Canada Digital Adoption Program and the local intervention measure.
Full report on the Réseau’s website.
ABOUT THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE
The 57 SADCs (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and 10 CAEs (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) have been working in community economic development for more than 40 years. The Réseau des SADC et CAE is made up of more than 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and provide funding to more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 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 are supported by funding from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.