Supporting Quebec entrepreneurs

The 2017-2022 government action plan on entrepreneurship

LÉVIS, QC, March 23, 2018 —Today the Government of Quebec unveiled the 2017‑2022 government action plan on entrepreneurship (PAGE) under the theme Oser entreprendre (“dare to undertake”), which will benefit from $345.7 million in funding distributed over five years. This plan will contribute to the growth and success of a greater number of entrepreneurs and ensure Quebec’s economic growth now and for the years to come.

Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and Stéphane Billette, Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development, made the announcement today.

With 34 practical measures, PAGE expects to reach two ambitious, exciting goals by 2022: to create 125,000 new businesses, or an average of 2,000 more per year; and to count a total of 3,500 rapidly growing businesses, or an average of approximately fifty more per year.

These measures are divided according to four pillars of intervention that cover every step in entrepreneurial development, namely education and awareness, pre-launch and launch, growth, transfer and succession.

Pillar 1: Supporting entrepreneurs from their first entrepreneurial intentions through to the creation and development of their business

• Close to $79.4 million to assist entrepreneurs in the creation and development of their business from its infancy, and to help with transfers.

Pillar 2: Acknowledging the contribution of young people, women and diversity to entrepreneurship

• Close to $33.7 million to acknowledge the major contributions of young people, women and diversity to entrepreneurship, since they are vectors that contribute to its growth.

Pillar 3: Promoting different types of entrepreneurship

• $4.7 million to promote startups and cooperatives as forms of entrepreneurship with high potential. 

Pillar 4: Ensuring access to different sources of funding, from the business’s creation to its transfer

• $221.4 million to ensure access to different types of funding at all stages of business development.
• Making room for entrepreneurs: $6.5 million to encourage entrepreneurs to participate in implementing PAGE. 

Quotes:

Just like innovative manufacturing and exports, entrepreneurship is at the heart of our government’s economic vision and, consequently, it plays a direct role in job creation and prosperity in Quebec. This action plan will boost Quebec entrepreneurship by offering even more support to entrepreneurs who wish to develop their business or create new ones, all the while promoting different forms of entrepreneurship. For that matter, the arrival of new entrepreneurs and startups generates activity and innovation at the heart of our economy.

– Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

The government action plan on entrepreneurship is guided by a vision of a Quebec where entrepreneurial culture and values are fully integrated and promoted, and where all individuals with entrepreneurial potential are equipped to successfully carry out their projects. There will be a particular focus on young entrepreneurs, recent immigrants and the next generation. With this plan, our government is sending a strong message about the importance of mobilizing and working together to address the challenges that Quebec faces regarding entrepreneurship and, in particular, how best to attract young people to non-metropolitan areas.

– Stéphane Billette, Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development

Key facts on entrepreneurship in Quebec:

• Since 2014, the rate of Quebecers planning to start a business has been 17.2% on average, just a bit below the number for the rest of Canada (18.8% on average).
• Thus, Quebec holds an enviable position among the countries that are part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• Quebec’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is varied and complementary and it offers a range of services and resources for entrepreneurs across the province.
• Quebec’s businesses include world leaders in various industries, notably in information and communications technology, clean technology, life sciences, transportation and logistics.
• In terms of entrepreneurship, Quebec must increase the business creation rate, the number of entrepreneurs, business transfers and the accessibility of resources destined for entrepreneurs.

 Related links:

• To consult PAGE, visit www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/QcEntreprendre (in French only).