Developing potentials
The SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour held its 2017-2018 Annual General Meeting in Saint-Wenceslas in front of about fifty people, including elected officials, partners, and economic stakeholders. Under the theme Developing potentials, the organization showcased its actions and results from the year in a concrete manner through the presence of entrepreneurs and local leaders who testified to the effects of the SADC's collaboration in the development of their projects. “ Through the modern challenges of our transforming rurality, the team's willingness is to provide the tools and support necessary for the growth of our businesses and communities by developing the potentials of entrepreneurs, local leaders, and our youth,” proudly states Stéphane Biron, president of the SADC.
The SADC concluded the year with record investments of $1,324,000 in 26 businesses in the region, allowing for the creation of 72 jobs. In detail, $155,500 was granted to young promoters aged between 18 and 39 years from the Youth Strategy Fund. The regular SADC Fund allowed for investments of $1,106,000 this year, most of which were for startup and expansion projects.
The 2nd year of the SADC's Small Business Support Fund (non-repayable financial assistance) supported the projects of 7 entrepreneurs in communication technology (online commerce) and one project for business succession and transfer.
In 2017-2018, fourteen entrepreneurs benefited from the support programs The ABC of Accounting and The ABC of Management (improving management tools and understanding of financial statements), and 8 merchants benefited from the “Mystery Client” service to improve customer service. The Business Mentoring program facilitated nine new mentor/entrepreneur pairings. Additionally, the SADC organized the 6th edition of the event “In the Mentor's Eye” under the agricultural theme, which helped promote the mentoring service while discovering four agri-food businesses in the region. The HR Network of Nicolet-Bécancour now includes 27 member companies that exchange and provide training.
The 1st year of the PRO Action sustainable development support program for businesses and communities was a resounding success; 4 activities (profitability and sustainable development, energy efficiency, etc.) were organized, with more than 90 participants! Furthermore, the SADC supported entrepreneurs in conducting diagnostics and action plans for sustainable development. Thanks to the collaboration of the Nicolet-Yamaska Community Support Network and the Social and Collective Development Committee of the MRC of Bécancour, two awareness and networking events took place: Cap sur l’avenir de Nicolet-Yamaska (47 elected participants) and the Food Autonomy and Urban Agriculture Day in the MRC of Bécancour. The SADC also continued its support for citizen committees involved in the revitalization efforts of the Gentilly and Sainte-Gertrude sectors.
Raising awareness about entrepreneurship among youth is part of the SADC's priorities. Thus, support was provided for the school project La Coop Déco-Vert at La Découverte Secondary School and for the Great Day of Young Entrepreneurs, which was held for the 1st time in our region at the Godefroy Market, allowing nine young entrepreneurs to experience running a business. The entrepreneurial event featuring the journey of Dominique Brown, president of Chocolat Favoris, also gathered more than 250 people, including 160 students from secondary schools in the area.
“ We encounter high-potential individuals every day: visionary, versatile, and bold entrepreneurs, local leaders rooted in modernity, lovers of the region and “solution-oriented,” enthusiastic youth driven by the desire to contribute to their community and eager to find their place in the sun. We are proud to contribute to the development of our territory with all these people,” asserts Steve Brunelle, general director of the SADC.
The large team of the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour consists of 61 people: administrators, investment fund managers, mentors, columnists, and staff members. The territory of the SADC includes the MRC of Bécancour, the MRC of Nicolet-Yamaska, Grand Daveluyville, and the municipalities of Saint-Pie-de-Guire, Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults, and Saint-Guillaume.