Montréal, May 10, 2013 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s team of experts in business information, Info entrepreneurs, along with the Fondation Montréal Inc. and SAJE accompagnateur d’entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, are pleased to announce an original event meant to propel Montréal entrepreneurs toward success.
“The situation of entrepreneurship in Quebec is improving, but we still have too few Quebecers starting their own businesses,” says Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Entrepreneurs who reach the marketing stage for their products and services deserve particular attention. This crucial step requires very different skills from those, such as creativity and technological expertise, used to develop their products and services. This is why the Board of Trade has decided, along with its partners, to organize this unique activity to give representatives of 24 businesses that have reached the marketing stage the tools they need to succeed, all in just 24 hours.”
“When it comes to entrepreneurship, it is important to seek out and surround ourselves with the resources that can support us at each of the critical phases of growing a business,” says Michel Fortin, General Manager of SAJE accompagnateur d’entrepreneurs. “This first edition of the 24-Hour Entrepreneur Booster will allow the participants selected to benefit from an intensive program of workshops, creative sessions and presentations given by experienced trainers and seasoned entrepreneurs, from the morning of June 6 through to the following morning. They will address subjects such as promotion and the sales pitch, the effective use of social media, tax deductions and even crowdfunding strategies. Given that new entrepreneurs are used to staying up late and getting up early, we know that they won’t be afraid of a sleepless night to take advantage of a program that will offer them a multitude of solutions to their challenges.”
“The Quebec Entrepreneurship Index for 2013 is encouraging in that it shows that 25% of young people age 18 to 34 intend to start their own business; that’s almost 10% more than in 2012,” says Liette Lamonde, Executive Director of the Fondation Montréal Inc. “The 24-Hour Entrepreneur Booster demonstrates the partners’ desire to offer those who have the courage to start a business every chance for success. Entrepreneurship is directly tied to innovation and wealth creation in a society. This first edition of the 24-Hour Entrepreneur Booster will help promote the sustainability of 24 businesses whose executives have proven their potential and dynamism. We hope their success will inspire new and aspiring entrepreneurs.”
24-Hours at a glance
Twenty-four businesses will be selected to take part in an intensive coaching program over 24 consecutive hours, including presentations, training workshops and creative sessions with experts in a number of fields (accounting, law, marketing, sales, finance, HR, exports, etc.).
The event will also feature a contest as part of which the 24 representatives will present their businesses to a jury. Six finalists will be asked to make a sales pitch before an audience to compete for three top spots and the title of “top entrepreneur” of the 24-Hour Entrepreneur Booster.
Prizes for businesses:
- The six finalists will have their profile published in La Presse;
- The three winners will receive a bank of consulting hours from professional firms;
- The “top entrepreneur” will win a weekend of training at the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce.
To apply, businesses must have been in existence for at least five years and have reached the marketing stage of their efforts.
To find out more about the 24-Hour Entrepreneur Booster and how to apply, click here.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
About Info entrepreneurs
Info entrepreneurs is a leader in the delivery of quality strategic information on government programs and services directed to the business community. It constitutes a privileged source of commercial information, thus contributing to the economic growth of SMEs. Info entrepreneurs is a service of the Government of Canada delivered by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. Info entrepreneurs is part of the Canada Business Network which comprises 13 major centres across Canada.
About the Fondation Montréal Inc.
The Fondation Montréal Inc. invests in the creation, expansion and ongoing support of promising businesses to contribute to the development of Montréal Inc. Since 1996, the Fondation has awarded over $5.6 million in grants to foster the start-up of 780 businesses in Montréal, which have, in turn, created over 2325 jobs. The Foundation has thereby helped generate investments of over $43 million in the city.
About SAJE accompagnateur d’entrepreneurs
The mission of SAJE accompagnateur d’entrepreneurs is to contribute to the success of new entrepreneurs by offering them consulting services, coaching and training. Its specialized advisors and trainers provide practical support for entrepreneurs at key points in their professional life. A non-profit organization, SAJE is financed by Emploi-Québec and the Ville de Montréal. It has mandates from the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys and CLDs (local development centres) of Montréal.
About the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2012, it held $176.2 billion in net assets. As one of Canada’s leading institutional fund managers, the Caisse invests in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructures and real estate globally. For more information: www.lacaisse.com.
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For more information:
Josianne Isabel
Advisor, Entrepreneurship Development
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 496-4636, extension 2017
jisabel@ccmm.qc.ca
Source :
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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