Our 2023-2024 Results
Support for Entrepreneurs
Our Local Development
Our Communications
Action Plan
Your SADC
Message from the President and General Manager
During this year, we observed a slowdown in the realization of business projects. This situation can potentially be attributed to mixed confidence among entrepreneurs regarding short-term growth prospects for their sales. Rising supply chain costs, inflation, and high-interest rates have further exacerbated this trend. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic about an anticipated recovery in confidence for the 2024-2025 period.
Our organization, a member of the network of 67 SADCs and CAEs across Quebec, has entered into a new five-year partnership agreement with Canada Economic Development (CED).
As part of this new mandate, we have initiated a strategic reflection process to address the priorities and needs identified by our entrepreneurs and partners. Our efforts will focus on the following key orientations:
- Facilitating business transfers within our region;
- Encouraging adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices;
- Promoting healthy productivity and competitiveness among businesses in our territory;
- Supporting the development of entrepreneurial skills, both technical and interpersonal.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the SADC des Laurentides.
Since its founding in 1984, our organization has supported the entrepreneurial community by providing tools, investing in projects, and developing strategies to foster growth.
Over the years, our ecosystem has evolved, challenges have shifted, and our tools have adapted accordingly. This resilience has been a hallmark of our organization. On this note, we announce the conclusion of Sylvie Bolduc’s tenure as Director General after 15 years of successful leadership.
We are pleased to welcome a dynamic and capable new leadership team. Jean-Sébastien Roy will take on the role of Director General, while Marie-Christine Rhéaume will assume responsibilities as Director of Local Development and Communications. This seamless and harmonious transition demonstrates our ability to recognize and cultivate internal talent, ensuring the continuity and success of our organization.
Sylvie Bolduc, Director General
Martine Paiement, President
Our Financing
Our financing is accessible, covers the majority of business projects, and is tailored to the needs of each entrepreneur.
This year, our financing facilitated total investments of $6,100,442 in our territory. For every dollar loaned, the economic impact in the community amounted to $4.17.
“The SADC des Laurentides team was a tremendous support in securing the necessary financing for the acquisition of the Base de Plein Air Mont-Tremblant. The human approach and the competence of the team members were particularly appreciated throughout the process. We felt a genuine desire from the SADC to understand our project and help us achieve its realization. We are delighted to count the SADC des Laurentides among our key partners for the years to come.”
Maxime Chamberland and Marco Patriarco, Opikawa
Support for Entrepreneurs
Towards New Responible Practices
The SADC des Laurentides is adopting new practices in responsible financing to support businesses in the essential transition to a green economy. Today, companies are encouraged to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, communities, and the environment.
In addition to enabling businesses to have a positive impact, adopting responsible practices allows them to adapt to a constantly evolving environment. Whether it’s addressing climate change, adopting new technologies, or managing resource scarcity, our clients will be better equipped to plan their actions and overcome future challenges.
Business Transfert Services
December 2023 marked the conclusion of our business transfer support program, developed in collaboration with the SADC of Antoine-Labelle and Desjardins. Over the past three years, we have observed that the need for support in this area is significant. The businesses we assisted represent only the tip of the iceberg, and a substantial volume of support will be required in the coming years.
Through this program, we were able to strengthen our support for transitioning businesses, and we remain available to assist anyone looking to buy or sell a business. We firmly believe that guidance is essential to ensuring the success of a business transfer, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to meet the needs of our business community.
Mentoring service
The mentoring service is offered in collaboration with the Réseau Mentorat, with support from the MRC des Laurentides and the MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut. It brings together experienced volunteers who offer their guidance and support to entrepreneurs in our region.
“The mentoring experience has exceeded my expectations. Being listened to without judgment allows me to discover new facets of myself.
My mentor’s ability to share her wisdom and experience makes me feel supported and more confident as an entrepreneur.
I am deeply grateful for what mentoring brings to my life.”
Gillian Ferrabee, Mentee
Kite Parade
Our Local Devlopment
This year, we allocated a total of $147,445 to local development initiatives. These projects include both those initiated by us and those led by our partners, to which we provided our support.
Our Circular Economy Projects
This year, we invested $102,750 in circular economy projects.
The circular economy promotes the optimal use of resources by encouraging responsible sourcing and extending the lifespan of products, thereby reducing waste. These initiatives are supported by the Virage Vert program of the Réseau des SADC et CAE.
In collaboration with our local partner, Synergie Économique Laurentides (SEL), we implemented projects that positively impact the entrepreneurial community in our region.
Labo·Entrepreneur·e Program
The Labo·Entrepreneur·e is a training, coaching, and peer-learning program designed to strengthen entrepreneurs’ skills. For its 4th edition, held from September 2023 to May 2024, we offered two distinct tracks: Labo-Start-Up and Labo-Growth.
“The Labo-Start-Up helps break isolation. It provides the support of having a community of entrepreneurs and having qualified people there to support us, give us advice, and motivate us to keep moving forward with our project.”
Valéry Hamel, Rédaction Graphite
The OSEntreprendre Challenge
This year, 18 businesses embarked on the Défi OSEntreprendre journey in our territory.Among them, seven were selected as regional finalists. One of these businesses, La ferme aux petits oignons, a solidarity cooperative, won the title of regional champion and will proudly represent the Laurentides region at the grand finale, held on June 12 in Québec City.
Additionally, the company Solution Vallala-Ray was awarded the special “Chief Scientist” prize at the regional level.
Our Community Involvement
Collaboration is in our DNA. We firmly believe in the power of partnerships to go further and achieve great things. Each year, we actively work alongside our partners to support a variety of projects.