On April 1, Théâtre du Marais in Val-Morin came alive with the spirit of local entrepreneurship. Nearly one hundred members of the business community gathered for the Entrepreneur Gala, an evening marked by pride, inspiration and recognition.
Local Businesses in the Spotlight
As part of the 28th edition of the OSEntreprendre Challenge, several businesses from the region were honoured for their creativity, impact and potential. These entrepreneurs embody a strong desire to innovate, create value and actively contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
Their journey does not end there: the winners will proudly represent the region at the regional gala in Mirabel on April 29.
BUSINESS START-UP STREAM
COMMERCE Category – Pays-d’en-Haut RCM: Chez Montagne (Josiane Otis)
OPERATIONS, PROCESSING AND PRODUCTION Category – Pays-d’en-Haut RCM: B-FAST CAFÉ (Alexandre Canuel)
TECHNOLOGICAL AND TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS Category – Pays-d’en-Haut RCM: Les Solutions Clinical Factory inc. (Daniel Couillard)
BUSINESS SERVICES Category – Laurentides RCM: MEVIA inc. (Véro Ménard, Elsa Brais-Dussault, Michel Martins)
BUSINESS SERVICES Category – Pays-d’en-Haut RCM: Ménage Maintenant (Gaetan Kunuanina and Laura Bony)
PERSONAL SERVICES Category – Laurentides RCM: VIA VOX Parole Vivante (Dominique Bloor and Gabrielle Dubé)
PERSONAL SERVICES Category – Pays-d’en-Haut RCM: House Pedigree inc. (Chantale Tardif)
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- Chez Montagne
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- B-Fast Café
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- Les Solutions Clinical Factory
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- MEVIA inc
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- Ménage Maintenant
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- VIA VOX PAROLE VIVANTE
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- House Pedigree
The Pitch Contest: 60 Seconds to Convince
A highlight of the evening, the Pitch Contest once again showcased the richness and diversity of local entrepreneurial projects. Ten participants took on the challenge of presenting their business in just 60 seconds — an exercise that was both demanding and educational.
Following the presentations, Karoline Lachaine from Le Village des Parents stood out by winning first place and a $1,000 bursary. Two other entrepreneurs were also recognized for the quality of their pitch and the clarity of their vision.
Beyond the competition itself, this experience allows participants to develop essential communication skills while gaining visibility within the business community.
1st Place – $1,000 Bursary: Le Village des Parents (Karoline Lachaine)
2nd Place – $500 Bursary: Soluflex Laurentides (Jessica Pearson)
3rd Place – $250 Bursary: Ménage Maintenant (Gaetan Kunuanina)
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- Le village des parents – Karoline Lachaine
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- Soluflex Laurentides -Jessica Pearson
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- Ménage Maintenant – Gaetan Kunuanina
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- Contest winners and Desjardins Entreprises
An Unfiltered Panel Rich in Learning
The evening also featured a special moment with a fast-paced panel bringing together four entrepreneurs from the region. In a dynamic and authentic format, they shared practical advice drawn from their own experiences.
With humility and transparency, they spoke openly about both their successes and their mistakes. It was a sincere exchange that allowed attendees to leave with practical insights grounded in real-life experience and often applicable as early as the next day. The guests were Isabelle Jolette, Patrick Laurin, André Malépart and Sylvie Bolduc.
More Than Just a Gala
Beyond the awards presented, the Entrepreneur Gala is above all a moment for connection, recognition and community. It reflects the richness of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and the strength of a community moving forward together.
Presented by the SADC des Laurentides, this event is part of a broader mission: to support, guide and propel local entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.