Press releases - SADC-CAE

Faced with economic challenges, the Réseau des SADC+CAE reaffirms its commitment to entrepreneurs

Posted on April 14, 2025April 15, 2025 by Bianca FCOTE

Quebec, April 14, 2025 – At a time when several organizations supporting entrepreneurs are facing budget cuts, leaving many businesses without essential support, the Réseau des SADC et
CAE wants to reaffirm its presence, strategic role, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurs across Quebec.

For over 40 years, we have been actively contributing to the economic vitality of regions by providing funding, guidance, and strategic support to businesses. The dramatic impacts of budget cuts to the organization Espace-inc directly concern us: it highlights the current fragility of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the vital importance of stable and accessible assistance.

“In this rather bleak period for some of our strategic partners, I want to reiterate my support and solidarity so they can continue to be part of the solution for thousands of businesses in Quebec. Entrepreneurs are the real wealth creators, and we must support them,” affirms Pascal Harvey, President and CEO of the Réseau des SADC et
CAE.

An essential complementarity among economic actors

Each support organization plays a unique and complementary role. The Réseau des SADC et
CAE firmly believes in the importance of a diverse and solid entrepreneurial ecosystem, where the strengths of each combine to better support the growth of businesses. Our organizations, with their regional roots, local expertise, and ability to offer personalized and tailored support, form an essential link in this chain.

Entrepreneurs must be able to rely on a varied range of services: incubators, accelerators, funding organizations, and mentoring, each providing invaluable value. The current budget cuts jeopardize this balance and increase the risk of isolation for entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in remote areas far from major centers.

Now more than ever, entrepreneurs can count on us

In this uncertain context, the Réseau des SADC et
CAE wishes to reassure entrepreneurs: we remain true to our mission of supporting entrepreneurship and local economic development. Our 57 SADC and 10 CAE, present throughout Quebec, continue to:

Provide flexible funding tailored to the real needs of SMEs.
Personally guide entrepreneurs through all stages of their journey.
Encourage innovation, digital transformation, green initiatives, and the transfer of local businesses.

Our commitment is more firm and renewed than ever. We will continue to collaborate with all partners in the ecosystem to ensure that entrepreneurs have crucial service continuity essential for their success. To all entrepreneurs: we are here, and we will remain here.

About the Réseau des SADC et CAE

The 57 SADC (Community Development Assistance Societies) and 10 CAE (Business Assistance Centers) have been working for over 40 years on the economic development of their communities. The Réseau des SADC et CAE boasts over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and finance more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 local economic development projects each year. The SADC and CAE provide personalized and sustained assistance to entrepreneurs, along with flexible funding products tailored to their needs.

Economic Development Canada for the Quebec Regions financially supports the SADC and CAE.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Christine Pilote, Communications Director | Réseau des SADC et CAE | Tel: 581 999-6363 | [email protected]

Nearly $40M to Drive Business

Posted on November 27, 2024November 29, 2024 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Financial Support for SMEs in Quebec’s Regions: Nearly $40M to Drive Business Transfer and Support Green and Digital Transitions

Quebec, November 27, 2024 – The Réseau des SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités et des CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) is essential to support Quebec’s SMEs. We are pleased to announce the launch of three new funds, totaling nearly $40 million in investments, aimed at addressing urgent needs faced by Quebec entrepreneurs. The SADC and CAE will offer new financial products in the form of loans to support business transfers and accelerate the green and digital transitions of SMEs.

“These new investments provide a concrete response to the major challenges faced by entrepreneurs in our communities. Thanks to their local presence, the SADC and CAE provide close support, enabling our network to react quickly and help SMEs pursue their growth, innovation, and sustainable development ambitions,” said Pascal Harvey, President and CEO of the Réseau des SADC et CAE.

Entrepreneurs will be able to access loans of up to $50,000 on favorable terms, including a two-year interest-free period. In addition to financing, the SADC and CAE will offer personalized support, training, tools, and access to a vast network of expertise and partners. The advisors at the SADC and CAE are familiar with the local economic challenges and benefit from boards of directors made up of local leaders, which are key factors in the success of businesses in regional areas.

Increased Support for the Future of SMEs

It is important to note that these new funds are part of new measures made possible by the recent renewal of agreements with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). In June, CED reaffirmed its commitment to the network as a key partner in regional economic development. The agreement represents an investment of $245 million over five years, providing the SADC and CAE with the resources they need to fulfill their ambitions.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support entrepreneurs across all regions as they grow and transition to a greener, more digital future. Access to new funds will help to not only strengthen the competitiveness of Quebec’s SMEs, but also consolidate the economic vitality of our communities. By working closely with the SADCs and CAEs, we are ensuring businesses receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Strengthening Our Position in Quebec’s Economic Ecosystem

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is also clearly committed to strengthening its presence and positioning within Quebec’s economic development ecosystem by working complementarily with various stakeholders. As part of these new measures, our network will rely on the support of key players, including Centre de transfert d’entreprise du Québec (CTEQ) and Fonds d’action québécois en développement durable (FAQDD).

“The CTEQ welcomes the initiative of the SADC and CAE in establishing new funds. The Stratégie Transfert will directly contribute to the sustainability of our businesses engaged in the transfer process. Now more than ever, we support this strategy and are ready to collaborate with the Réseau des SADC and CAE, an organization that plays a leading role with our entrepreneurs, who in turn contribute to the economic vitality of our regions.”

Alexandre Ollive, President and CEO of CTEQ.

“The announcement of these new funds will allow us to strengthen our complementarity with the SADC and CAE Network, a long-time partner with whom we share a common goal: to support and assist Quebec SMEs in their eco-responsible initiatives.”

Nicolas Girard, General Director of the Fonds d’action québécois en développement durable FAQDD.

The Green Strategy of SADC+CAE is a lever to accelerate the ecological transition of SMEs, which is essential for achieving our environmental goals and the economic development of regions. In addition to the support provided by regional partners and advisors, this fund offers a concrete response to the challenges faced by SMEs eager to engage in this transition. Écotech Québec will continue to support SADC+CAE with initiatives like the GPSclimat platform, which accelerates the ecological transition of businesses.”

Isabelle Dubé-Côté, President and CEO, Écotech Québec

About the New Funds:

The three new funds offer favorable terms, which may vary slightly from one SADC or CAE to another. Overall, the loans available can go up to $50,000. Interest-free for the first two years and three-month capital deferral, with the possibility of extending the deferral for up to two years.

Business Transfer Strategy Financing (web

To facilitate business transfers in the regions, both for internal and family succession, as well as for the acquisition of businesses.

Green Strategy Financing

To accelerate the green transition of small businesses in Quebec’s regions by supporting the adoption of eco-responsible practices or the implementation of clean technologies within businesses, such as optimizing energy efficiency, managing waste materials, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Digital Strategy Financing (web link to come)

To accelerate the digital transition of small businesses, such as the implementation of management systems (CRM, ERP), process automation, robotics, smart technologies, or enhancing cybersecurity.

About the Network of SADC and CAE

The Network of SADC (Community Futures Development Corporations) and CAE (Community Business Development Centers) includes 57 SADC and 10 CAE organizations that have been working for over 40 years to foster economic development in their communities. More than 1,000 professionals and volunteers support and finance over 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 local economic development projects each year. www.sadc-cae.ca

Impact of SADC and CAE on Quebec’s Economy

Investments through the SADC and CAE yield significant returns! According to a study conducted by Aviseo Conseil for the period 2019–2023, the SADC and CAE contributed to a real GDP increase of $458 million in Quebec, of which $85 million resulted from loan investments, and $273 million came from the higher survival rate of businesses assisted by SADC and CAE after five years.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Christine Pilote, Director of Communications | Tel: 581-999-6363 | [email protected]

The Government of Canada reiterates its commitment to the SADCs and CAEs and invests $245 million

Posted on October 9, 2024October 9, 2024 by Christine Pilote

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
The Government of Canada reiterates its commitment to the SADCs and CAEs and invests $245 million

As part of its annual congress, the Network of SADCs and CAEs announces today, alongside the Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for the regions of Quebec, new five-year contribution agreements between EDC and the Network and the 67 SADCs (Community Economic Development Corporations) and CAEs (Entrepreneurship Development Centers) in Quebec.

These total investments of $245 million will ensure the functioning of our organizations and equitably deliver, across the rural and semi-urban regions of Quebec, the primary lines of business of SADCs and CAEs, namely local economic development, support, and financing for entrepreneurs. The SADCs and CAEs will also strengthen their local interventions, particularly by enhancing their actions to address the current economic challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

“The regions of Quebec face unique economic challenges, and the SADCs and CAEs are here to help them tackle these issues. We have ambition for our regions, and with our main business partner, Economic Development Canada for the regions of Quebec, along with local partners, we will continue to drive collective and business projects toward success,” states Pascal Harvey, President and CEO of the Réseau des SADC et CAE.

Targeted investments to address entrepreneurs’ challenges

This new agreement with the Government of Canada will allow SADCs and CAEs to create new financial products to help entrepreneurs address their key economic issues, such as the green and digital transition, as well as challenges related to business transfer and youth entrepreneurship.

Funding to strengthen our local interventions and leverage a vast national network of expertise

Each SADC and CAE will have access to additional funds of $335,000 to enhance its interventions in local economic development and technical assistance for entrepreneurs. A portion will also be allocated to the Network to strengthen its advisory role and offer more services to the 67 SADCs and CAEs, notably through the hiring of new shared resources and increased support in optimizing their business processes.

“SADCs and CAEs make a real difference in our communities and businesses throughout Quebec. EDC is proud to count on the Network and its members, true key partners, for the prosperity of our regions and their businesses for now 29 years. Kudos to the professionals and volunteers of your organizations who closely attend to the needs of the Quebec entrepreneurial ecosystem,” states the Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for EDC.

In summary, these new agreements will allow SADCs and CAEs to continue their mission within their communities while relying on the expertise of a vast national network for the benefit of communities and entrepreneurs. A competent, personalized, and human action that truly contributes to the development, success, and ultimately, the survival of businesses, as testified by Pascale St-Amand, owner of La Crèmerie du Potager in Rivière-du-Loup: “I found funding at the CEDC, but more importantly, I was able to count on compassionate support. I was impressed by my advisor Sylvie’s comprehensive vision, who opened up a multitude of solution pathways for my business project.”

Some impacts of SADCs and CAEs on the Quebec economy

Investments within SADCs and CAEs yield results! According to a study conducted by Aviseo Conseil for the period of 2019 to 2023, SADCs and CAEs have led to an increase in Quebec’s real GDP of $458 million, of which $85 million comes from our loan investments and $273 million is generated by the increased survival rate of businesses supported by SADCs andCAEs after five years. Let’s recall that a Statistics Canada study shows this business survival rate is more than double among our clientele.

About the Network of SADCs and CAEs

The Network of SADCs (Community Economic Development Corporations) and CAEs (Entrepreneurship Development Centers) brings together 57 SADCs and 10 CAEs that have been working for over 35 years on the economic development of their communities. More than 1,000 professionals and volunteers support and finance over 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,000 local economic development projects every year. www.sadc-cae.ca

Follow the Network on Facebook,

The Community Development Program (CDP)

This pan-Canadian program supports local economic development and strengthens the capacity of communities to realize their full potential sustainably. The main objectives of this program are:

stability, economic growth, and job creation;

diversified and competitive local economies in rural areas;

the development of sustainable communities.

Through this program, EDC financially supports the SADCs and CAEs that work on community development in the regions of Quebec.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Christine Pilote, Director of Communications | Tel: 581 999-6363 | [email protected]

Flexi‑loan for women

Posted on January 8, 2024September 25, 2024 by Christine Pilote

Shawinigan, le 8 janvier 2024 – En présence de l’honorable François-Philippe Champagne, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie du Canada et député de Saint-Maurice-Champlain, le Réseau des SADC et CAE du Québec et la SADC Shawinigan annoncent aujourd’hui la mise en place du projet d’expérimentation, Flexiprêt pour les femmes, qui vise à offrir de l’accompagnement et du financement adapté aux flexipreneures, soit les femmes entrepreneures à temps partiel des régions du Québec.

Au nom de l’honorable Marcia Ien, ministre de Femmes et Égalité des genres et de la Jeunesse, Monsieur Champagne, a affirmé son soutien au projet et l’investissement de 296 000 $ sur trois ans pour en assurer le déploiement. En plus de l’accompagnement, au total, plus de 1,5 M$ seront investis par les 11 SADC et CAE participants afin d’offrir des prêts aux flexipreneures.

Le directeur général du Réseau des SADC et CAE, monsieur Pascal Harvey, souligne l’importance de la mise en place d’un projet spécifique pour cette clientèle : « Les petites entreprises sont au cœur de l’économie des régions et plusieurs, surtout celles à propriété féminine, voient le jour sous forme de projet à temps partiel. Il est temps de mettre en lumière cette forme d’entrepreneuriat et d’offrir des mesures flexibles et adaptées à cette réalité. »

Un projet pour faire grandir leurs rêves à leur façon

Le projet d’expérimentation Flexiprêt pour les femmes mobilise l’expertise de 11 SADC et CAE de partout au Québec. Inspirés d’une étude sur l’entrepreneuriat féminin réalisée par la SADC de Shawinigan et en ouvrant le dialogue avec les flexipreneures, ils développeront des activités d’accompagnement pour des centaines de femmes de divers horizons, en plus d’offrir du financement à des conditions avantageuses.

Flexiprêt pavera aussi la voie à une meilleure viabilité des entreprises détenues par des femmes, ce qui créera en retour croissance, innovation et productivité, procurant ainsi des avantages économiques et sociaux plus importants au Québec. Tout au long de ce projet, des données quantitatives et qualitatives seront cumulées, afin d’établir des constats et des recommandations pour faire lever les obstacles rencontrés par les flexipreneures tout au long de leur parcours entrepreneurial.

Le flexipreneuriat : un phénomène en croissance

Le flexipreneuriat est un phénomène en croissance au Québec, et a connu une plus forte augmentation chez les femmes au cours des dernières années. Selon les plus récentes données du Global Entrepreneurship Monitoring, 72,3% des entrepreneurs émergeants au Québec œuvrent à temps partiel.

Rappelons que le terme flexipreneure a été créé par la SADC Shawinigan pour décrire une personne qui mène des activités entrepreneuriales à temps partiel tout en jonglant avec une autre occupation, comme un emploi ou des études. Le terme a été inspiré par les données d’une étude de la SADC qui démontrait que les femmes ne se reconnaissaient pas dans la définition typique du terme entrepreneur au Québec. C’est aussi pour cette raison qu’elles hésitent à demander de l’accompagnement et du financement.

Citations

« Promouvoir la participation du plus grand nombre de femmes à notre économie n’est pas seulement la bonne chose à faire, il s’agit de la chose intelligente à faire. C’est pourquoi notre gouvernement est fier de soutenir la Société d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) Shawinigan dans la mise en place de ce projet ambitieux. En plus d’assurer la pleine participation des femmes entrepreneures à notre économie en leur offrant les meilleurs outils possibles pour prospérer et s’épanouir, il participe à encourager l’innovation au cœur même de la Mauricie. »

L’honorable François-Philippe Champagne, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie

« Notre gouvernement s’est engagé à soutenir les femmes pour qu’elles prennent davantage leur place dans l’économie canadienne. Je suis donc extrêmement fière de l’appui de DEC aux SADC et aux CAE du Québec pour la mise en place du projet pilote Flexiprêt. Celui-ci permettra aux femmes de réaliser leur rêve d’être entrepreneure tout en donnant le meilleur d’elles-mêmes. Grâce à cet appui, nous leur permettons de jouer un rôle majeur dans la croissance de nos régions. »

L’honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, ministre du Tourisme et ministre responsable de Développement économique Canada pour les régions du Québec (DEC)

« Nous sommes fiers aujourd’hui de lancer ce projet pilote national en partenariat avec le Réseau des SADC et CAE du Québec. Le travail que nous avons réalisé depuis 2015 afin de mieux comprendre les enjeux des femmes entrepreneures nous permettra de mieux adapter nos services et notre financement et d’aider ces femmes à réaliser leur rêve entrepreneurial. Nous espérons grandement qu’au terme de notre projet pilote, nous pourrons éventuellement partager notre expertise et développer une offre de services sur mesure partout au Québec. »

Simon Charlebois, directeur général, Société d’aide au développement des collectivités Shawinigan

Pour en savoir plus sur le projet et manifester votre intérêt à y participer

SADC et CAE participants

– CAE Haute-Yamaska et région

– CAE Montmagny-L’Islet

– SADC Charlevoix, Côte-de-Beaupré, Île d’Orléans

– SADC Chibougamau-Chapais

– SADC Côte-Nord

– SADC de l’Amiante

– SADC de la Neigette

– SADC des Îles-de-la-Madeleine

– SADC Maskinongé

– SADC Shawinigan

– SADC Vallée de la Batiscan

À PROPOS DU RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE

Les 57 SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) et les 10 CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) travaillent depuis plus de 40 ans au développement économique de leur collectivité. Le Réseau des SADC et CAE compte plus de 1 000 professionnels et bénévoles qui soutiennent et financent chaque année plus de 10 000 entrepreneurs.es et 1 500 projets de développement économique local. Les SADC et les CAE offrent aux entrepreneurs.es un accompagnement personnalisé et soutenu, ainsi que des produits de financement souples et adaptés à leurs besoins.

Développement économique Canada pour les régions du Québec appuie financièrement les SADC et les CAE.

À PROPOS DE LA SADC SHAWINIGAN

La SADC Shawinigan est un organisme à but non lucratif qui a été fondé en 1984. Elle a comme mission de mettre en œuvre, de gérer ou de soutenir des projets pour favoriser le développement économique et social de sa collectivité.

– 30 –

RENSEIGNEMENTS

Amélie Racette, Coordonnatrice Flexiprêt pour les femmes | Tél. : 819 537-5107 p.220 | [email protected]

FCCQ and Réseau des SADC et CAE help 1,040 small tourism businesses seize the opportunities offered by the recovery

Posted on June 29, 2023June 29, 2023 by Marie-Pier Catellier

FCCQ and Réseau des SADC et CAE help 1,040 small tourism businesses seize the opportunities offered by the recovery

La The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des SADC et CAE in the presence of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, accompanied by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, took part in announcements related to the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), including the results of the Tourism Small Business Assistance Project supported by CED under the TRF.

Help that travels!

A total of 1,040 rural and urban tourism businesses in all regions of Quebec benefited from non-repayable contributions to improve their facilities and adapt or develop their products and services to meet customer needs. Support for small businesses was provided in cooperation and synergy with partners in the field. Of the 1,040 businesses assisted under the Project, 279 were small tourism businesses owned or managed by women, and 44 were small tourism businesses owned or managed by First Nations people.

Ready for the touristic season!

All regions and all sectors of the tourism industry received a helping hand to carry out one or more projects before the tourist season: restaurant, accommodation, arts and leisure, tourist transport and other sectors all benefited from a contribution. The projects supported include, for example, installing bike racks in a café along a tourist bike path, increasing seating capacity at a sugar shack, adding identification panels at a brewery farm, improving a religious heritage trail along the river, and more than a thousand other projects that give tourism entrepreneurs even more tools to attract visitors to their region!

Fast, efficient delivery

The assistance project was delivered throughout Quebec thanks to the combined forces of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des SADC et CAE. This was the second major collaboration for the two networks, which have already worked together on the Canadian Digital Adoption Program.

“Our government continues to be there for businesses and organizations in the tourism sector to ensure their recovery. Thanks to CED’s support, a total of $36.5 million has been invested in small businesses across Quebec in the form of non-repayable contributions. The investments were made in a short period of time, during the first quarter of the year, so that entrepreneurs could take full advantage of the upcoming tourism season. Every dollar invested will more than double the benefits,” explains the Honourable Pascale St-Onge.

“Thanks to their agility and in-depth knowledge of the field, SADCs and CAEs, in collaboration with local tourism key players, have been able to quickly identify various types of businesses in the regions of Quebec. The diversity of the 665 tourism businesses assisted by our network reflects the regional tourism ecosystem. We are proud to have played a part in revitalizing this sector, whose vitality is key to the economic development of our regions,” adds Pascal Harvey, General Manager of the Réseau des SADC et CAE.

“The administration of this type of project is fully in line with the economic development mission of the FCCQ and its affiliated chambers of commerce. In addition to the direct and indirect spin-offs that will benefit all regions, several thousand jobs will be preserved, and the projects supported will create several hundred more, ensuring the vitality of the sector for seasons to come. The Chambers have done an extraordinary amount of canvassing to raise awareness of the Project in urban areas and support entrepreneurs. We are honoured to have been able to participate, with CED and the SADC-CAE network, in the delivery of such a promising project,” explains Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the FCCQ.

About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

Thanks to its vast network of nearly 123 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 45,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Quebec. The FCCQ is the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Quebec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether they are chambers or businesses, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment.

About the SADC and CAE Network

SADCs and CAEs are non-profit organizations that have been working for more than 40 years on the economic development of Quebec’s regions. The Network includes 57 SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and 10 CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises). They have over 400 professionals and 600 volunteers who support innovative projects and businesses for prosperous communities. Each year, they help and finance more than 10,000 businesses and over 1,500 local projects.

Media Contacts:

Vicki Ng-Wan
Vice-president, Communication,
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
[email protected]
Bureau : 514 844-9571, poste 3335

Christine Pilote
Director of communications,
Réseau des SADC et CAE
[email protected]
581 999-6363

The Réseau des SADC et CAE unveils its results

Posted on June 21, 2022June 30, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

The Réseau des SADC et CAE has released its annual report for April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, which is testament to the major impact that Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) and Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) have had on the economic development of Quebec’s regions.

In addition to investing over $100 million to support more than 13,000 businesses and 1,773 joint projects, SADCs and CAEs reached new heights by delivering the Technical Assistance Component of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to help entrepreneurs adapt their business models and seize opportunities in the recovery period. The year was also marked by the addition of the Virage vert program in March to expand the range of services offered by SADCs and CAEs to assist businesses and communities with sustainable development.

“Thanks to our deep roots in our communities and our quick and effective action, we have been able to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in Quebec’s regions during the pandemic and the recovery period,” said Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau.

“This achievement is dedicated to our hard-working professionals and local leaders who sit on SADC and CAE boards of directors. I would like to thank the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (CED) and Minister Pascale St-Onge for being such great partners in working with us to offer important programs like the new Virage vert program.”

“From the start of my term, it was easy for me to see what a key role the SADCs and CAEs play for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in supporting businesses and rural communities in Quebec as they recover from the pandemic,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “The over 1,000 passionate, dedicated volunteers and professionals who work with you help keep the economy moving in the province’s regions and create and maintain good jobs in our communities.”

Read our annual report

Technical assistance for entrepreneurs

In September 2021, SADCs and CAEs wrapped up the RRRF, a program launched by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in June 2020 to assist businesses affected by COVID-19. Over the course of the program, $123.5 million was invested to provide loans and technical assistance to businesses and to support joint projects.

This year, SADCs and CAEs focused on the Technical Assistance Component (TAC) of the RRRF, investing nearly $9 million in over 500 businesses to provide specialist support to overhaul or strengthen aspects such as operations, management, human resources and technology integration.

New Virage vert program

In March 2022, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions launched the Virage vert program to help SADCs and CAEs accelerate the roll-out of sustainable development in Quebec’s regions. Delivered by SADCs and CAEs, the program will run until March 2024 and provide $9.5 million to enable more businesses and communities to improve their environmental and economic performance. SADCs and CAEs will be able to provide funding for businesses to access the expertise they need to get there.

Economic development projects for Quebec’s regions

It is easier to create jobs in communities that are socially and culturally prosperous. SADCs and CAEs leverage the strengths of the community to take on economic challenges and invest time and money in community-led initiatives and strategies. This year, over $25.5 million was invested to carry out 1,773 promising joint projects. These included feasibility studies, events and symposiums with a focus on socioeconomic mobilization, cohorts for exchanging the expertise and training needed to help businesses tackle current economic issues, initiatives to encourage consumers to buy local and efforts to tackle the labour shortage.

Les Crevettes de Sept-Îles: A company weathers the storm and goes green thanks to the SADC

Les Crevettes de Sept-Îles is a company led by four entrepreneurs who own a seasonal restaurant named Les terrasses du Capitaine, a fish market called Poissonnerie Soucy and a seafood processing plant. In the summer of 2020, the mandatory closure of the restaurant forced them to pivot their focus to the fish market and processing plant. Faced with declining sales, the owners shifted gears and overhauled their production process to develop new markets in Quebec and abroad. With technical assistance from the SADC Côte-Nord, they were able to automate a number of production phases.

The young entrepreneurs’ interest in sustainable development led them to take part in Synergie 138, a circular economy project established by the regional SADCs to make one person’s trash another person’s treasure. In addition to boosting productivity and reducing waste, they hope to develop a computer system to track merchandise, losses and transactions to be integrated into their current systems. This major technological shift should help keep their business afloat for years to come.

Bottom caption: Entrepreneurs: Jean-François Fournier, Gabrielle Néron, Frédérique Néron and Michel Bourque (not pictured)

ABOUT THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE

Our network of 57 SADCs (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and 10 CAEs (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) has been working in community economic development for more than 40 years. The Réseau des SADC et CAE is made up of over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and provide funding to more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and 2,000 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 receive financial support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

STAY CONNECTED

FOR INFORMATION

Christine Pilote, Director, Communications | Phone: 581-999-6363 | [email protected]

THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE RECEIVES $9.5M IN FUNDING TO BOOST GREEN INITIATIVES

Posted on April 6, 2022April 19, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Pascale St-Onge, the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (CED), announced today a non-repayable contribution of $9.5M to the Réseau des SADC et CAE to help SMEs go green and support sustainable development in Quebec regions.

This financial assistance comes at the perfect time for Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADCs) and Centres d’aides aux entreprises (CAEs), which for 15 years have been integrating sustainable development principles into their local economic development projects and business advisory services. This support from Canada Economic Development will allow them to continue helping businesses improve their environmental and economic performance and assisting communities with local economic development projects that promote sustainable development.

Vallier Daigle, president of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, is understandably very pleased with today’s announcement. “This is excellent news because, in addition to recognizing our members’ expertise helping
small businesses with sustainable development projects, the Government of Canada is taking a concrete step that will ultimately have a positive impact on the environmental and economic performance of our SMEs. The SADCs and CAEs of Quebec are ready to take up the challenge and give businesses the support they need to build a greener future in Quebec regions.”

SADCs and CAEs have completed many sustainable development projects over the past few years in areas ranging from circular economy to carbon credits to renewable energy recovery.

These projects have been carried out across the province and benefit both SMEs and their communities. It’s only natural for the Government of Canada to collaborate with key economic stakeholders, such as SADCs and CAEs, to deliver this program, which is bringing us all one step closer to a greener, more
sustainable economy.

THE ROAD TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A NEW WEBSITE TO GUIDE ENTREPRENEURS IN QUEBEC’S REGIONS

Posted on February 1, 2022April 6, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Québec City, February 3, 2022 – Today, the Réseau des SADC (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) et CAE (Centres d’aide aux entreprises) du Québec is launching The Road to Entrepreneurship (La route de l’entrepreneur), a website designed to guide entrepreneurs through every step of starting and running a business. It will also make it easy for entrepreneurs to reach out to their SADC or CAE’s business advisors, who understand their region’s particular issues and challenges.

“Entrepreneurs often get lost in the maze of consulting services available online,” explains Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE. “With The Road to Entrepreneurship, they will finally have access to dependable, unbiased and, above all, local expertise. This new site will refer entrepreneurs to the directory of SADCs and CAEs and to business advisors in their area. These advisors are professionals who live and work in the communities they serve and can also tap into a vast national network of expertise—that has been growing for 40 years and counting—to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need.”

The Road to Entrepreneurship will offer entrepreneurs practical advice and tools at every step of their business endeavour, whether that’s buying an existing SME, taking over the family business, or growing, financing or selling their business. The new website is chockfull of unrivalled content inspired by a 360degree approach to entrepreneurship. More advice from other entrepreneurs will begin to be added soon.

A one-stop shop for the entrepreneurial know-how of Quebec’s SADCs and CAEs

The Road to Entrepreneurship is also a forum where our network of over 1,000 professionals and volunteers from across the province can share tips and expertise and easily export best practices from one region to another. In this same spirit, the platform makes various userfriendly tools available for entrepreneurs to download, including a business plan template, a selfassessment grid for sustainable development practices, and a grid to calculate working capital that was developed by our members specifically for small businesses. In addition, the website has a blog with posts on a range of topics related to entrepreneurship, based directly on the reallife experience of our professionals.

SADC de Papineau executive director Mélissa Bergeron encourages all local entrepreneurs to visit The Road to Entrepreneurship. “This site is for you, and it really dovetails with our simple and effective approach with our clients, who do not always have the time to search around for the best solutions for their projects. We truly want you to succeed, and we’re here to guide you along the way.”

Visit The Road to Entrepreneurship

SADCs and CAEs BOOST SME PERFORMANCE

Posted on December 9, 2021April 19, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

Québec City, December 16, 2021 – A study on the performance of the Community Futures Program (CFP), which is delivered in Quebec by Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADCs) and Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAEs), confirms that Quebec businesses that work with the Réseau perform better.

The results of the Community Futures Program (CFP) performance study, conducted by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in collaboration with Statistics Canada, were published in November. The study compares the performance of businesses with up to 100 employees that received assistance through the CFP with other businesses with similar profiles that did not receive services from SADCs or CAEs over a five-year period.

Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, says he is very proud of these results: “We have been supporting the success of entrepreneurs and the economic vitality of our regions for 40 years. With the financial contribution of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, our professionals deliver our three complementary business lines: local economic development, technical assistance and business financing. How do we do it? With a strong, agile and effective provincial network of expertise that is firmly rooted in our communities and attentive to the needs of entrepreneurs.”

HIGHLIGHTS

The study looked at 4,451 CFP files. Between 2013 and 2018, our network has made a difference for businesses by contributing to the following:

• Improved business survival rate: 77% after five years of existence, compared to 53% for those in the control group

• Creation of over 10 times as many jobs: an average increase of 3.2% per year, compared to 0.3% in the control group

• Creation of nearly 5 times as many jobs for women-owned businesses:

an average increase of 5.0% per year, compared to 1.3% in the control group

•Stronger increase in sales: 5.2% average annual sales increase, compared to 3.14% for the control group

•Faster payroll growth: 7.2% per year on average, compared to 2.9% for businesses in the control group

About the Community Futures Program (CFP)

The CFP is a federal government program that ensures financing for the operations of the 269 CFDCs, SADCs, CBDCs and CAEs in Canada, including 67 in Quebec. The CFP recognizes the expertise of local decision makers and decision-making autonomy, in order to encourage communities to take charge of their futures.

LOCAL SMEs REAP FINANCIAL REWARDS FOR REDUCING THEIR GHG EMISSIONS

Posted on November 9, 2021April 6, 2022 by Marie-Pier Catellier

SADC + CAE CARBON CREDITS

LOCAL SMEs REAP FINANCIAL REWARDS FOR REDUCING THEIR GHG EMISSIONS

We are pleased to announce that the first round of earnings have been distributed to participants of the SADC and CAE Carbon Credit program. A total of $300,000 was paid out to the 74 participating SMEs and organizations, who earned over 2 million carbon credits by cutting their GHG emissions. The credits were put up for sale on the voluntary carbon market.

The voluntary carbon market was formerly out of reach to smaller businesses, but by building a federation of 74 SMEs and organizations and coaching them through the complex process, SADCs and CAEs succeeded in opening access to the market to the little guy. The carbon credits from this project are the only certified carbon credits generated by small businesses in Quebec to date.

According to Vallier Daigle, President of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, these financial rewards are a tangible way to encourage businesses to reduce their GHG emissions. “While environmentally responsible business practices are already making a significant social, economic and environmental impact, these incentives are just one more tool in the box,” he said. “I would like to congratulate all the participants on their innovative and impressive projects.”

LOCAL IMPACT

These financial rewards are made possible thanks to corporate, institutional, community and individual buyers. “Thank you to all the buyers who have chosen local carbon credits,” said Daigle. “These purchases benefit our local communities and have a direct impact on small businesses, such as MSL fibre in Louiseville and Lauzon Bois énergétique Recyclé in Papineauville, which each received close to $10,000 from the sale. Currently, over 1.5 million carbon credits from the SADC and CAE Carbon Credit project are still available on the market, and since there is growing demand for certified carbon credits, we hope to make additional disbursements soon.”
Buy carbon credits here.

TESTIMONIALS

MSL fibre

After the SADC + CAE Carbon Credit project was launched at SADC de la MRC de Maskinongé, building soundproofing company MSL fibre responded to the call.

Patricia Batil, Vice-President of Finance and Operations, promptly submitted her proposal. “One of our projects was diverting urban biomass from landfills to use in our fibreboard panels,” said Batil. “That means that 100% of our raw materials come from recycled wood chips. We are so proud of what we’ve done and the fact that we earned money from the sale of our carbon credits.”

Lauzon Bois Énergétique Recyclé

Lauzon Bois Énergétique Recyclé submitted two major GHG reduction projects to SADC de Papineau. The first involved reducing the amount of methane produced from decomposing wood by recycling and transforming waste wood into storable wood fuel pellets. The second aimed to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial and residential oil, propane and natural gas heating systems by converting them to run on the company’s wood fuel pellets.

“Beyond the financial benefits, we are incredibly proud that we have contributed to government GHG emission targets with an 830,000 tonnes CO2 eq reduction over 20 years,” said François Mireault, Director of Operations and Procurement. “That’s like taking 180,400 gas-powered cars off the road.”

SADCS AND CAES: LEADERS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

As front-line players in local economic development, SADCs and CAEs aim to create healthy living environments and help build a more responsible economy. For nearly 15 years, SADCs and CAEs have been helping companies leverage sustainable development approaches to become more competitive.

We have a solid network, and to date nearly 1,000 businesses have benefitted from sustainable development coaching or participated in sustainable community projects through an SADC or CAE.

The numbers speak for themselves: the businesses improve their environmental and social impact and, at the same time, their bottom line.
Learn more about our sustainable development services (French only).

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

The 74 small businesses and organizations, guided by SADCs and CAEs, reduced their emissions using the Sustainable Community pooling approach, developed by Will Solutions, a Certified B Corporation that specializes in managing, creating and selling carbon assets. Will Solutions helps with the technical aspects of the process, such as quantification, and ensures that carbon credits are verified by a third party certified by VCS (Verified Carbon Standard), the world’s largest voluntary program.

ABOUT THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE
The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of 57 Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) and 10 Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAE), not-for-profit organizations that have been working in economic development in the regions of Quebec for 40 years. It has over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support projects and innovative businesses for prosperous communities. They help and finance over 10,000 Quebec businesses and local projects every year.

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INQUIRIES
Christine Pilote, Director, Communications | Phone: : 581 999-6363 | [email protected]

COVID-19: $ 71.3 M AND ADAPTED MEASURES TO THE NEEDS OF SMALL REGIONS

Posted on May 13, 2020June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

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THE RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE THANKS THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FOR THE ADDITION OF FUNDING

Posted on April 18, 2020June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

Québec, April 17, 2020 – The Réseau des SADC et CAE would like to sincerely thank the Government of Canada for this essential financial contribution of $ 287 million that the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right honourable Justin Trudeau, has just granted to the 67 SADC and CAE of Quebec and to 268 organizations across the country. The discussions with Minister Mélanie Joly and her team have borne fruit, and we would like to thank her very warmly for her listening and her determination in this matter. Our strong partnership with Canada Economic Development also helped bring this announcement to fruition, helping smaller businesses survive during this extremely difficult time.

According to Daniel Dumas, president of the Réseau des SADC et CAE, “SMEs are the engine of the economy in rural Quebec. With this financial contribution from the federal government, we will be able to continue our work with the agility and speed of delivery, which are our hallmarks, to help entrepreneurs ensure their stability and prepare for recovery.”

Discussions will take place over the next few days with government officials to ensure the rapid delivery of this financial assistance. More details will be released shortly.

ABOUT RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE

The Network of Community Futures Development Corporations (SADCs) and Community Business Development Centers (CAEs) brings together 57 SADCs and 10 CAEs who have worked for nearly 40 years in the economic development of their community. Over 1,400 professionals and volunteers support and finance more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and local economic development projects each year. The SADCs and CAEs offer entrepreneurs personalized and sustained support, also flexible financing products tailored to their needs.

www.sadc-cae.ca

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Stay connected

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For information : Hélène Deslauriers, Special advisor, Réseau des SADC et CAE

Phone : 418-563-1096

74 QUEBEC SMES AND ORGANIZATIONS GENERATE 1.9 MILLION CARBON CREDITS

Posted on July 10, 2019June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

QUÉBEC CITY, July 10, 2019 – The Réseau des SADC et CAE is proud to share the success of its pilot Carbon Credit project, which kicked off in December 2017 with a cohort of 74 SMEs and organizations from around Quebec. The results: cohort members reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1,978,476 tonnes, generating an equal number of carbon credits now for sale on the voluntary carbon market.

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SADC ET CAE RECEIVE $169m FOR THE REGIONS OF QUEBEC

Posted on May 31, 2019June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

Lévis, QC, June 7, 2019 – The Réseau des SADC et CAE is thrilled by the announcement made today by Mr. Rémi Massé – Member of Parliament for Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia and Parlimentary Secrretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and of Canada Economic Develpment for Quebec REgions (CED) – abou the new five-year agreement between CED and SADC et CAE, and the non-refoundable contribution of $169M taht comes with it.

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RÉSEAU DES SADC ET CAE WELCOMES NEWLY CREATED FEDERAL MINISTRY OF RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Posted on January 17, 2019June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

QUÉBEC, January 17, 2019 – The Réseau des SADC et CAE applauds Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of the newly created Ministry of Rural Economic Development, and the appointment of Bernadette Jordan as its head. The formation of this ministry meets a real need and will bolster aid to small municipalities so that they can address their specific issues as quickly as possible.

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BUSINESSES SUPPORTED BY SADC ET CAE CONTINUE TO HAVE BETTER SURVIVAL RATES, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS CANADA

Posted on October 18, 2018June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

Statistics Canada has released its eighth report on the performance of the Community Futures Program (CFP), which is delivered by SADC et CAE in Quebec. It confirms the findings of previous studies that businesses who work with SADC et CAE in Quebec have better survival rates, create over twice as many jobs, and more rapidly increase their payroll and sales. Notably, there was a seven-percentage-point increase this year in the five-year survival rate of businesses. The rate was 87% for our clients, compared to 53% for businesses in the control group.

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THE CAE RIVE-NORD SECURES FUNDING TO REVITALIZE THE RCM OF ARGENTEUIL TERRITORY

Posted on October 12, 2018June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

ARGENTEUIL (Quebec), October 11, 2018 – The CAE Rive-Nord and the Réseau des SADC et CAE are pleased to announce the addition of new funding to support the revitalization of the RCM of Argenteuil’s territory. The CAE will use this funding of at least $140,000 from the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) for a pilot project to open a point of service in Lachute and to hire a professional to serve as a resource person for the territory.

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NEW FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT FEMALE AND INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS

Posted on June 15, 2018June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

NEW FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT FEMALE AND INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS

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LAUNCH OF THE CARBON CREDIT PROJECT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Posted on December 5, 2017June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

QUÉBEC, December 2, 2017 – The Réseau des SADC (Société d’aide au développement des collectivités) et CAE (Centre d’aide aux entreprises) is proud to launch its new Carbon Credit pilot project today, which aims to provide access to the carbon credit market to approximately 150 regional small businesses.

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PORTRAIT OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN QUEBEC

Posted on November 23, 2017June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

HISTORY OF THE YOUTH STRATEGY

Our youth strategy is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Let’s use this opportunity to take a long look back at the past and rebember how this wonderful adventure started…

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SADC and CAE receive $86M for the regions of Quebec

Posted on September 26, 2016June 8, 2021 by sadcstaging

Luskville, Pontiac, July 19, 2016 – The Réseau des SADC et CAE is very pleased with the announcement made today by Mr. Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Bains, who is also the Minister responsible for the Canada Economic Development for the Regions of Quebec (CED), of the signing of a new three-year agreement between SADC (Community Futures Development Corporations) and CAE (Community Business Development Corporations) of Quebec.

Continue reading “SADC and CAE receive $86M for the regions of Quebec”