The SADC des Laurentides, the Corporation de Développement Économique (CDE) of the Laurentides RCM and the Pays-d’en-Haut RCM are joining forces to launch Les Rendez-vous Entrepreneurs, a new annual program for entrepreneurs from both territories.
Over the coming year, some ten events will give business people the opportunity to develop their skills, connect with other entrepreneurs and gain easier access to the resources and expertise available throughout the Laurentians.
Visit the website
A First Rendez-vous on November 19
The program will kick off on November 19 at 4 p.m. at the Théâtre du Marais in Val-Morin with the first Rendez-vous Connecter.
Under the theme “Innovating Differently: Developing Your Creative Potential in Business,” the evening will feature Julie Poitras-Saulnier and David Côté, the entrepreneurs behind LOOP Mission and Big Bang Académie, who will share their entrepreneurial experience and their approach to turning challenges into opportunities for innovation. A presentation, discussions and networking will be on the agenda for this first evening, which will also provide an opportunity to unveil the Les Rendez-vous Entrepreneurs program for the coming year.
Connecter, Explorer and Agir
The program is built around three complementary types of Rendez-vous.
Rendez-vous Connecter are large gatherings designed to provide entrepreneurs with tools, networking opportunities and connections with the entrepreneurial support ecosystem. At the heart of the program, Rendez-vous Explorer will offer four days of training and hands-on learning focused on concrete business challenges. Finally, Rendez-vous Agir will give smaller groups of entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore the topics covered in greater depth and make progress through peer-to-peer discussions.
Business models, communications and marketing, artificial intelligence, business development, management and leadership are among the topics that will be covered throughout the year. The program will also give participants the opportunity to speak directly with the business advisors from the three organizations.
“Les Rendez-vous will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their skills while being well supported. They will be able to experiment, ask questions, connect with other entrepreneurs and meet the advisors and local resources that can help them take their business further.”
Shanna Fournier, Director of Economic Development, Pays-d’en-Haut RCM
“Entrepreneurs have a great deal to learn from one another. That is why we wanted to create opportunities where training and expertise are combined with peer-to-peer discussions. Participants come for the content, but also to share their experiences, challenges and ways of doing things with other business people.”
Guillaume Campeau, Executive Director, CDE of the Laurentides RCM
“We want entrepreneurs to leave each Rendez-vous with something concrete: a new way of looking at a challenge, a tool to try, an idea to put into practice or a resource to connect with. The program was designed to be useful and closely aligned with their day-to-day realities.”
Jean-Sébastien Roy, Executive Director, SADC des Laurentides
Partners Supporting Entrepreneurship
In addition to the three organizations behind the initiative, several local partners are supporting Les Rendez-vous Entrepreneurs, including Services Québec, the main financial partner, Desjardins Entreprises and Hydro-Québec.
The full program will be unveiled on November 19. Tickets for the event are available now at rendezvousentrepreneurs.com.