SADC-CAE - SADC and CAE of Quebec: Acting for the future with regional SMEs

The Québec Réseau des SADC and CAE is an essential organization in the economic development of the regions. Looking resolutely towards the future, it today has new resources that enable its members to support more SMEs.

Source: Le Soleil Affaires – October 2024

The new strategic plan of the Réseau des SADC and CAE displays a renewed dynamism largely thanks to the investments from the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, which recently reaffirmed its commitment to the Réseau as a major partner in regional economic development. “An investment of $245 million over five years is significant. This will not only strengthen the intervention capacity of SADC and CAE but also enrich the Youth Strategy Fund aimed at entrepreneurs aged 39 and under. Additionally, $40 million is allocated to create three new funds with attractive terms—one of which includes a two-year interest holiday—to support projects for business transfers, green transitions, and digital transformations,” specifies Pierre-Olivier Colas, Assistant General Director of the Réseau des SADC et CAERenowned for their agility in working closely with entrepreneurs and communities, the SADC and CAE now have more means to pursue their ambitions. “These new available funds represent a true opportunity to strengthen the interventions of SADC and CAE and thus provide regional SMEs with more possibilities. It’s unnecessary to recall that regional small businesses are often overlooked; our programs offer tailored support and financing, essential for ensuring their sustainability and thus energizing the economy of all regions in Quebec,” specifies Pierre-Olivier Colas.

AN INCREASED PRESENCE IN THE ECONOMIC ECOSYSTEM

The recent appointments of Pascal Harvey as President and CEO and Pierre-Olivier Colas as Assistant Director General—who has been in office since 2019—also express a clear desire to strengthen the positioning of the Network within the economic development ecosystem in Quebec. A leadership position confirmed by a preliminary study conducted by Aviseo Conseil to assess the organization’s impact.

“From 2019 to 2023, the action of SADC and CAE have resulted in an increase in Quebec’s real GDP of $458 million, of which $85 million directly results from our investment in loans,” claims Pascal Harvey. What is the CEO most proud of? “That $273 million have been generated by the increase in the survival rate after the first five years of the businesses we support,” confirms Pascal Harvey. A study by Statistics Canada even demonstrates that the survival rate of businesses is more than double among SADC and CAE clients.

IN NUMBERS

- 67 SADC and CAE
- 1,000 professionals and volunteers
- Each year: 10,000 entrepreneurs supported and financed, 1,500 local economic development projects
- Over $100M invested in the regions