Montreal, June 6, 2022 - The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des SADC et CAE (Sociétés d'aide au développement des collectivités and Centres d'aide aux entreprises) announced today that they have strengthened their collaboration in the deployment of a range of services for Quebec businesses. In particular, they will work together as Quebec providers of the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), a subsidy program for small and medium-sized businesses to develop their online commercial activities.
With this collaboration, the two organizations are strengthening their presence across the country to support and serve Quebec businesses. Finally, this collaboration will enable the organizations to solidify their shared mission of supporting regional economic development.
The two organizations recently collaborated on a pan-Quebec tour on the circular economy.
CDAP Program
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) was created to help small and medium-sized businesses realize their full potential through the adoption of digital technologies. Announced in the 2021 federal budget, the program offers coaching and financing for the development of online business activities.
Eligible businesses will receive grants of up to $2,400 to help cover the costs of adopting digital technologies, and will benefit from the support of a network of e-commerce advisors. In addition, the FCCQ and the Réseau des SADC et CAE will hire 260 young e-business advisors across Quebec each year to support companies under this program.
Quotes
"We believe that the digitization of SMEs in Quebec will contribute to regional economic development. It is therefore with great pride that we are partnering with the Réseau des SADC et CAE to provide support and services to businesses across Quebec, including as suppliers for the digital adoption program in Quebec. It's a real recognition of the strength of the chamber of commerce network and our connection to entrepreneurs across Quebec."
- Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec.
"For over 40 years, we've been working closely with SMEs in Quebec's regions, and helping them make the digital shift is one of our priorities. We are therefore very pleased to deliver, in collaboration with the FCCQ, the digital adoption program. By combining the strength of our two networks, we will accelerate the integration of digital technology within SMEs and contribute to more prosperous communities."
- Vallier Daigle, President, Réseau des SADC et CAE
"The Vallée-du-Richelieu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIVR) is proud to join this joint announcement between the FCCQ and the Réseau des SADC et CAE, especially since CAE Capital, which covers our territory, is a key resource for the Vallée-du-Richelieu entrepreneurial community. By helping Quebec SMEs improve their online business activities, the PCAN program is an essential contribution to the development of a sound digital strategy."
- Julie La Rochelle, General Manager, CCIVR
About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) Thanks to its vast network of 130 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 50,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Quebec. The largest network of business people and companies in Quebec, the FCCQ is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative, competitive and sustainable business environment.
About the Réseau des SADC et CAE
The 67 CFDCs (Community Futures Development Corporations) and BDCs (Business Development Centres) have been working for more than 40 years on the economic development of their communities. The Réseau des SADC et CAE employs over 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and finance over 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,000 local economic development projects every year. SADCs and CAEs offer entrepreneurs personalized, ongoing support, as well as flexible financing products tailored to their needs. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions provides financial support to CFDCs and CBDCs.
About the Vallée-du-Richelieu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIVR)
The Vallée-du-Richelieu Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a group of business people with nearly 400 members in its network. The CCIVR works for the economic, civic and social well-being of its members and the region's population, as well as for the development of their resources.
About CAE Capital
CAE Capital is a not-for-profit organization that has been firmly rooted in its community since 1987. Its mission is to contribute to the growth of the regional economy by investing in business development while promoting job creation and maintenance. CAE Capital deploys its mission through three services: business financing, pre-startup and startup coaching through free workshops, and the Self-Employment Support measure.
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For further information, please contact
Laurent Corbeil
Communications Advisor and Press Attaché Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
laurent.corbeil@fccq.ca
Office: 514 844-9571 ext. 3206
