Press release for immediate release – More entrepreneurs from the MRCs of D’Autray and Joliette are supported by the SADC of D’Autray-Joliette; This is the observation made by the corporation during its 2023-2024 annual general meeting which was held in Berthierville on June 5. In fact, the number of businesses benefiting from technical assistance services from the SADC de D’Autray-Joliette has almost doubled, going from 27 businesses in 2022-2023 to 52 businesses in 2024-2025. The economic situation characterized by inflation and high interest rates has pushed business people to review their business model or reorient themselves.

“This not only demonstrates that the SADC meets the needs of businesses in its community, but it succeeds in adapting to various socio-economic changes. Whether in terms of consulting services or financing, the corporation plays a vital role in the economic vitality of the region,” says Jocelyn de Grandpré, general director of the SADC of D’Autray-Joliette.

FARR assessment The 2023-2024 financial year also marks the end of the Regional Aid and Recovery Fund (FAAR). Specifically as part of this program, $2,038,937 was injected to support businesses in the MRCs of D’Autray and Joliette. This financial assistance, combined with the support of professionals from the SADC of D’Autray-Joliette, enabled 94% of these beneficiary businesses to remain in business. Launched in 2020, the FARR aimed to help businesses overcome the effects of the pandemic.

“The work of the corporation’s team and volunteer administrators has contributed to the collective strength to support our economy. I am greatly grateful to them! I would also like to thank our main financial partner, Canada Economic Development for the Regions of Quebec (DEC),” mentioned Richard Desjardins, president of the SADC of D’Autray-Joliette.

SADC gets closer to its customers This meeting also coincided with the inauguration of the new SADC premises. Last March, the corporation moved its head office to 471 avenue Gilles-Villeneuve in Berthierville.

Also during the 2023-2024 financial year, the SADC of D’Autray-Joliette positioned itself in terms of takeover by offering services dedicated to business sellers and buyers. It also developed a partnership with the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), which enabled the holding of a dinner conference with Mr. Marc Duhamel, Ph.D. in economic sciences and scientific director at the Quebec Business Takeover and Transfer Observatory (ORTEQ).

On the tourism front, the work of the Tourism Development Management Committee, with the collaboration of several partners in the sector, has enabled the deployment of structuring projects which will have a considerable contribution to the region’s economy.

The full version of the 2023-2024 annual report of the SADC de D’Autray-Joliette is available by clicking here.