Events

Thanks to our dynamic entrepreneurs in the region, the Société d’aide au développement des collectivités de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau (SADC) turned in a record year

Results that speak for themselves

SADC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau showed record results for the year that ended March 31, 2017. Indeed, loans to local businesses totalling nearly $1.5 million were granted this past year, which is twice the yearly investment averages of the last 10 years.

According to Mr. André Galipeau, SADC chair, a survey conducted in 2015 on local businesses indicated that they were entering an investment phase, since 27% of the businesses surveyed said that they intended to invest in the coming years. These intentions are now materializing.
These major investments in our region allowed us to maintain or create 146 jobs in 21 businesses in the Gatineau Valley area.

In addition to these record investments, the SADC team continued to provide advice to entrepreneurs already in business or those in the planning stages of their business project.
During the year, various operations were carried out to support entrepreneurs, including in the information and communication technologies, sustainable development, business succession and innovation sectors, and SADC intends to continue its work in these areas in the coming year.

Next steps

The year 2017-2018 will not only see the continuation of business investments and consulting services, but also the extension of the innovation program, which offers a $1,500 assistance to hire a professional to help plan an innovation project. A “mystery shopper” operation will also be restored and will include, in addition to the on-site visit, an assessment of multi-channel communications. Later in the year, specific actions to support information and communication technologies development, sustainable development and cottager's market support will also be announced. In terms of business succession, the foundations of a project with partners have been drawn, and a day of activities addressing the topic should take place in the fall of 2017.

In conclusion, 2017 was an exceptional year for SADC. According to Mr. Pierre Monette, the organization’s general manager, it is a testament to the drive of the local business community, and the year to come promises to be just as filled with challenges and collective projects.