The economic fabric of Quebec’s regions relies heavily on the strength of our SMEs, approximately 30% of which stem from business transfers. Investing in entrepreneurship means promoting the vitality of our regions. That’s why we are actively engaged, alongside key stakeholders, to stimulate this promising form of business.
Succession entrepreneurship is often an overlooked option for future entrepreneurs, and business sellers still frequently delay planning their succession. Of the 34,000 entrepreneurs who intend to transfer their business by 2025, 61% of them still do not have a succession plan, a central element for the success of this process. This is why the Network works collaboratively with local stakeholders and participates in various awareness activities about succession entrepreneurship, including the National Tour of Succession Entrepreneurship orchestrated by the FCCQ, the Quebec Business Transfer Centre (CTEQ), and other partners such as Morency Avocats and Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. About ten regions have been visited, and aspiring entrepreneurs have received concrete solutions offered by succession entrepreneurship experts.
On the ground, the SADC and CAE, in addition to providing support and financing, also organize a wide range of awareness and training activities on business transfer. Well-rooted within their community, they are also well-positioned to identify potential successors and business sellers within their locality!
We are focusing on youth entrepreneurship, particularly by coordinating our flagship program since 1997: The Youth Strategy. Through this program, established in collaboration with Economic Development Canada for the regions of Quebec, the SADC and CAE support and finance entrepreneurs aged 39 and under and orchestrate a variety of activities to encourage them to start businesses in the region.
In addition to running their businesses, flexipreneurs often hold part-time or even full-time jobs while managing various activities simultaneously, such as attending school or providing care for a family member, and engaging in seasonal employment. They are relatively unknown, as there is limited discussion surrounding them in Quebec. Nonetheless, flexipreneurship is a rising trend, particularly among women. Our Network and the SADC of Shawinigan have established a support and funding program specifically designed for this emerging clientele to foster the growth of their projects. Small businesses play a crucial role in the regional economy, and many, particularly those owned by women, are surfacing as part-time ventures. It is time to highlight this type of entrepreneurship and provide flexible measures that cater to this reality.
Choisir le repreneuriat pour faire prospérer une entreprise et le travail de ceux qui ont précédé.
