![\"The](\"http:\/\/images.lpcdn.ca\/641x427\/201503\/31\/990785.png\" "\\"Entrepreneurship")
The current economic climate can easily seem gloomy: budget cuts, shifts in economic development organizations and losses of services have become a reality for many residents of Quebec's regions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
And yet, the young (and not so young!) who want to put forward projects, start businesses and participate in the economic life of their community are as present, dynamic and driven by their dreams as ever. However, they can sometimes find themselves wondering which door to knock on for help, and whether resources adapted to their needs still exist.<\/p>\n
R\u00e9seau des SADC et CAE<\/strong><\/p>\n This is where the 67 Community Futures Development Corporations and Business Development Centres<\/a> (SADCs and CAEs) in Quebec. Founded in 1981, these independent, not-for-profit organizations have nearly 35 years' experience in regional business start-up assistance.<\/p>\n Their mission is simple: participate in the development of their community through entrepreneurship, and create jobs<\/strong>. In all, 400 professionals and 1,350 volunteers from all industries and spheres of society are part of the R\u00e9seau des SADC et CAE. With assets totalling 265 M$, SADCs and CAEs help more than 11,500 entrepreneurs in the regions of Quebec every year.<\/p>\n Their initiatives focus on local development, employment issues as well as succession planning, and on promoting entrepreneurial culture among young people with the Strat\u00e9gies jeunesse program, which helps entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35.<\/p>\n The services offered are comprehensive and diversified: business start-up assistance, help in obtaining tax credits, support for marketing and sales, setting up accounting systems, finding financing...<\/p>\n The main strength of CFDCs and BDCs is their proximity to and knowledge of the local community. Each organization is managed by a board of directors drawn from the business community and local people. This board can make decisions based not only on financial indicators, but also, and above all, on job creation and community revitalization.<\/p>\n Conclusive results<\/strong><\/p>\n A few figures to illustrate the scope and strength of the CFDC and BDC network:<\/p>\n - In Quebec, 1,300 loans are granted annually to businesses by CFDCs and BDCs, for a total of 60 M$.<\/p>\n - 3,200 jobs were created and maintained last year thanks to CFDCs and BDCs.<\/p>\n - Every dollar invested in capitalization by the federal government is multiplied 18-fold by CFDCs and BDCs.<\/p>\n According to a Statistics Canada study1<\/span><\/sup>In fact, the assistance of a CFDC or BDC is very significant and positive for a company, compared to similar companies that have not used these services or financing:<\/p>\n - After 5 years, company survival rate<\/strong> supported by CFDCs and BDCs is 82 %, compared with 63 % for the others.<\/p>\n - In terms of job creation<\/strong>The contribution of CFDCs and BDCs is crucial: 9.1 % of growth, compared with 3.4 % for companies that received no assistance.<\/p>\n - The profitability<\/strong> There's also a remarkable difference: 9.7 % in sales growth for small businesses using CFDCs and BDCs, more than double that of other businesses (4.7 %).<\/p>\n - Finally, the total payroll<\/strong> is also enhanced by the intervention of CFDCs and BDCs: 12.3 % of growth instead of 6.5 % for companies that received no assistance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An inspiring example<\/strong><\/p>\n A local company that benefited from the services of a CFDC: Highland Lotbini\u00e8re Farm<\/a>. Founded in 2004, this eco-natural cattle farm has been in touch with its SADC since the very beginnings of the project, having first received support in writing their business plan, learning bookkeeping, and obtaining various data on the market to be developed. The owners, St\u00e9phanie Fortin and Louis Philippon, also obtained financing, both at the start-up of their farm and as it grew over the years.<\/p>\n \"From the outset, the SADC de Lotbini\u00e8re had confidence in us. Its advisors asked us pertinent questions, which led us to reflect on our project, and even adjust our plan for the better,\" says Ms. Fortin. The SADC was the first to believe in the project's great potential, and its support over the years for Ferme Highland Lotbini\u00e8re enabled the owners to find other financial backers.<\/p>\n Ready to get started? Visit how to reach your CFDC or BDC!<\/a><\/p>\n 1<\/span><\/sup>Source: Community Futures Program, Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Performance Report, 2013-2014. Small business data compiled between 2003 and 2011.<\/p>\n