Announcement of the second cohort of young entrepreneurs to participate in the Prêt à entreprendre program

MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal and the Interregional Committee for the Prêt à entreprendre program are pleased to announce that Ms. Érica Bianchini and Mr. Yoan Gehant-Vidoni of Ecksand, Ms. Flavie Tremblay and Mr. Simon Tremblay of Zandel Media, and Ms. Mélissa Harvey and Mr. Richard Morin of Zorah Biocosmétiques Inc., will make up the second cohort of entrepreneurs to benefit from support for emerging businesses.

"There are several current initiatives to encourage the development of entrepreneurship and facilitate the creation and growth of new businesses. Support for the entrepreneurial new guard has proven its worth, as we have seen several successful outcomes following a period of guidance and the sharing of expertise, as is the case in the Prêt à entreprendre program. I would like to congratulate the entrepreneurs in this second cohort who have distinguished themselves though their entrepreneurial spirit and the innovative nature of their projects in niche markets. Finally, I would like to encourage young entrepreneurs in the Montréal region to take advantage of the support services Info entrepreneurs has to offer to help make their business ideas a reality," stated Michel Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal.

Remember that the Prêt à entreprendre program offers comprehensive guidance for entrepreneurs through the awarding of unsecured, interest-free loans on trust of up to $30,000, along with mentorship, and technical support. In implementing the program, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec entrusted the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal with the mandate of acting as an intermediary, interfacing with Montréal- and Laval-based participants registered in the program.

This initiative, the only one of its kind in the country, is being carried out through the cooperation of the Ministère des Finances et de l'Économie, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Desjardins Group and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, the FCCQ, the Fondation de l'entrepreneurship (FDE), and Québecor. The total budget of $7 million is being funded by three of the project's partners: the Government of Québec ($4 million), Desjardins Group ($2 million), and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec ($1 million).

At the end of the program's five-year period, up to 300 of the most promising entrepreneurs of all ages and from all regions of Québec will have benefited from funding and high-level guidance offered by a team of volunteer mentors.

About Prêt à entreprendre
With a goal of promoting local entrepreneurship, Prêt à entreprendre is a support program for new entrepreneurs, which aims to encourage the growth and longevity of young businesses. The program offers several levels of support: an unsecured, interest-free loan of up to $30,000 for each entrepreneur; coaching by a mentor and expert advice; and finally, access to extensive networks.

For more information, see www.pretaentreprendre.com.

About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal 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 Québec's leading private economic development organization.

About Info entrepreneurs
Info entrepreneurs is the leader in the delivery of quality strategic information on government services and programs for the business community. It is a privileged source of commercial information, contributing to the economic growth of SMEs. Info entrepreneurs is a service of the Government of Canada provided by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal. Info entrepreneurs is part of the Canada Business Network, which has thirteen major centres across Canada.

SOURCE: Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Information:
Cindy Desmarais
Head, Business Information
Phone: [phone], extension 2916
[email protected]

Source: 
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal 
Tel.: [phone], ext. 4042
[email protected]

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