Victoriaville, October 10, 2024 – The SADC Arthabaska-Érable held its annual general meeting yesterday in Victoriaville, during which the results for the 2023–2024 year were presented. The organization, funded by Canada Economic Development, took this opportunity to announce investments approaching $1.6 million in its various service areas: business support, business financing, local development projects, and sustainable development.
Supporting local businesses
Through the SADC’s personalized support services, 126 businesses received guidance to ensure the success of their projects, regardless of the stage of their company’s life cycle (start-up, consolidation, or expansion). In terms of financing, 36 loans were granted during the past year, setting a record for the SADC. Most of the investment, $1,020,125, came from the regular fund, while $352,000 was invested through the Youth Strategy fund, which aims to stimulate entrepreneurship among young entrepreneurs aged 39 and under.
Moreover, to support businesses that were unable to benefit from partial debt forgiveness under the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), the SADC has decided to set an interest rate of 0% for those businesses that must repay their loan in full.
Even more sustainable development
Regarding the organization’s involvement in the community, the SADC has been even more active this year in a sector where it was less present: sustainable development. In fact, the organization ranks among the SADCs that have invested the most via the Virage vert program, with nearly $140,000 dedicated to accelerating the adoption of responsible practices among businesses. Given the growing demand for sustainable development support, a new resource was added to the team to provide more services in this field.
High-impact projects for the region
Continuing the momentum of the previous year, the SADC intensified its efforts in local development by investing over $227,000 in projects that stimulate community development, including three major initiatives: Arthabaska-Érable Entrepreneurial Succession, which positioned the organization as a key player in business transfers; and the projects Cranberry Sector Development and Maximizing Resources in Tourist Businesses, which will all continue over the coming year.
A new agreement with Canada Economic Development
While 2023–2024 marked the end of the previous five-year agreement between the SADC and Canada Economic Development, 2024–2025 begins a new agreement with its funding body. The SADC’s Director General, Jocelyn Grondin, says he is “very pleased with the renewal of the agreement for the next five years, which will certainly allow us to fulfill our mission to enrich the communities of the MRCs of Arthabaska and L’Érable by supporting and carrying out projects that foster economic, social, and environmental development.”
This pivotal period is also marked by a shift within the Board of Directors. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Board members, Jean Gagné and Alain Laroche, who together have over 50 years of volunteer involvement with the SADC and who are completing their terms today,” says Board President, Gaétan Lehouillier. He adds: “Additionally, let’s not forget the departure of Claude Courchesne, who also served over the past few years.” The 2024–2025 year thus begins with the arrival of three new board members who will fill the vacant positions: Geneviève Vigneault (Gestimark), Mélanie Laperle (Violette Direction Marketing), and Jonathan Brière (Trépanfils).
About the SADC Arthabaska-Érable
Founded in 1984, the SADC Arthabaska-Érable’s mission is to enhance the enrichment of the communities of the MRCs of Arthabaska and L’Érable by supporting and carrying out projects that foster economic, social, and environmental development. The SADC provides various services, including business support and financing, and it actively contributes to community vitality by initiating and supporting projects that encourage entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Contact the SADC at 819 758‑1501 or
