Prêt à entreprendre, the business succession support program, announces its fourth cohort of entrepreneurs

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the Interregional Committee for the Prêt à entreprendre program are proud to announce the four entrepreneurs selected for the fourth cohort of the Prêt à entreprendre program: Étienne Crevier from BIOGENIQ, Gustavo Burckhardt and Mauro Repacci from Navut Inc. and Pascal Nataf from Studio Affordance.

"It's an honour to be able to give new business talent the chance to take part in this initiative," said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. "Financial support and access to a network of experts offer invaluable assistance, particularly when one is embarking on an entrepreneurial dream. This is why I encourage young entrepreneurs from the Montréal area to take advantage of Info entrepreneurs' services to make their business ideas a reality."

Prêt à entreprendre offers comprehensive support to entrepreneurs in the form of interest-free, unsecured loans on trust of up to $30,000, combined with mentorship and technical support. As part of the program's implementation, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) has asked the Board of Trade to act as an intermediary for Montréal and Laval participants registered for the program.

"The Board of Trade's purpose is to encourage and promote entrepreneurship and wealth creation in the metropolitan area," Mr. Leblanc said. "This program puts an extended network at the service of new entrepreneurs. This support from the entire business community and the shared expertise go a long way to ensuring the success of these young businesses."

The Prêt à entreprendre program, the only initiative of its kind in the country, was developed with the cooperation of the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et des Exportations (MEIE), the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the Desjardins Group and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, the FCCQ, the Fondation de l'entrepreneurship (FDE) and Quebecor. The total budget, which is in the order of $7 million, is provided by three of the project's partners, i.e. the Government of Québec ($4 million), the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec ($1 million) and Desjardins Group ($2 million).

After five years of the program, as many as 300 of the most promising entrepreneurs of all ages and from all regions of Quebec will have benefited from financing and the high-calibre support 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 Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal's business community and to promote the city's prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to business of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.

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.

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SOURCE: Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Information: Cindy Desmarais, Head, Business Information, Tel.: [phone], ext. 2916, [email protected]; Source: Michelle LLambias Meunier, Advisor, Media Relations, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, Tel.: [phone], ext. 4042, [email protected]