Supporting the vitality of regional communities by offering specialized business consulting to SMEs

Quebec City, April 2, 2024 – Inno-centre (IC) and the Association des directions du développement économique local du Québec (ADDELQ) are pleased to announce a financial contribution of nearly two million dollars ($1,884,000) from the Quebec government for the creation of the Chefs de file initiative, a project designed to support SMEs that have a significant impact on the vitality of the communities in which they are established.

The unique unifying approach implemented by the Quebec government, the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM), ADDELQ and its members, and IC will make it possible to offer specialized, short-term business support that complements the local economic development services of the regional county municipalities (RCMs), with the aim of helping eligible businesses consolidate or expand their operations.

“This type of alliance is a first in Quebec and in Canada,” says Claude Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of IC. “We are very proud of the outcome of this project, which aims to complement the RCMs' service offering by drawing on the expertise of our 125 seasoned advisors to support local economic vitality in every region of Quebec. Being entrusted with this mandate by our partners reflects their great confidence in IC,” he adds.

Launched on February 7, Chefs de file plans to provide business support to 125 entrepreneurs based in local municipalities with fewer than 55,000 inhabitants by March 31, 2025, with 80 hours of support each over four consecutive months, at an affordable and accessible rate for businesses.

“An initiative like this makes it possible to optimize the resources available on the ground while giving additional tools to our members, the RCMs' economic development services. This project also confirms that the economic success and vitality of the regions and their communities are a priority in Quebec,” explains Bernard Paré, President of ADDELQ.

About ADDELQ

The Association des directions du développement économique local du Québec (ADDELQ) brings together the local economic development directorates that exercise their jurisdiction within the RCMs or their delegated organizations. Its mission is to represent and support its members in carrying out their mandate.

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

Annie Gauthier
‍Director, Communications and Marketing
Inno-centre
514-777-3969
‍annie.gauthier@inno-centre.com

‍Louise Marchildon
‍Executive Director
ADDELQ
819-635-5747
lmarchildon@addelq.ca

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