Women’s success: Government of Canada invests in growth of four Laurentides businesses

Nordest, Ferme La Rose des Vents, Technologies Ecofixe and Kyra, all led or co‑led by women, receive a total of nearly $1.4M in financial assistance from CED.

Mont-Laurier, Quebec, March 7, 2024 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

On the eve of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, the Government of Canada wants to highlight the role women entrepreneurs play in the country’s economic development. Their invaluable contribution helps build healthier, more prosperous, more inclusive communities.

That is why the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, is taking the opportunity today to announce repayable contributions totalling $1,395,042 for four women‑owned businesses. This CED support will make it possible to boost their growth by improving their performance and productivity, including through the acquisition of equipment.

• Founded in 2002, Nordest (9183‑2352 Québec inc.) is a Hautes‑Laurentides SME specializing in the processing and sale of food products from Quebec (meat, poultry, ready‑to‑eat meals). Soaring demand for its products has led its president and owner, Céline Bélec, to relocate and automate her business’s production operations. The $700,000 repayable contribution from CED for Nordest will make it possible to build a food processing plant in the new Mont‑Laurier industrial park and acquire digital and automated equipment.
  
• Founded in 1945, the Ferme La Rose des Vents (9181‑2958 Québec inc.) is a family business in Mont-Laurier that specializes in poultry production and processing. Co‑led by Vice‑President Diane Aubin, the SME, with its approximately 30 employees, has undertaken a project to expand and improve its productivity to ensure growth. The $300,000 repayable contribution from CED will enable the business, among other things, to expand its plant and acquire automated equipment.
  
• Founded in 2014, Technologies Ecofixe has developed two innovative systems for the biological treatment of wastewater that considerably improve the performance of existing water purification facilities. With the aim of boosting the business’s competitiveness and growth, company president Marisol Labrecque has decided to repatriate manufacturing operations. The $200,000 repayable contribution from CED will enable the Blainville SME to, among other things, acquire equipment and launch a marketing strategy in the U.S.
  
• Founded in 1992, Kyra Inc. specializes in the creation, manufacture, and installation of custom‑made kitchen and bathroom cabinets. To remain competitive and better meet its clients’ needs, this family‑run business, co‑owned by Katherine Coster, has resolved to improve its productivity by adopting digital technology. The $195,042 repayable contribution from CED will enable the Sainte‑Adèle SME to acquire two robots to automate its sanding and painting tasks.

Quote

“Our government is committed to supporting the growth of Canadian businesses and diversifying the economy of communities—and this cannot be done without the essential contribution of women entrepreneurs. On the eve of International Women’s Day, I am proud of CED’s assistance for these four businesses that are important for the Laurentides region, all led by women with inspiring stories. Congratulations to Céline Bélec, Diane Aubin, Marisol Labrecque and Katherine Coster, as well as their teams, on these wonderful projects!”

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• The funds have been granted under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program targets entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions.
• In Canada, 17% of small and medium-sized businesses are women-owned.
• Studies show that by advancing gender equality and women’s participation in the economy, Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP by 2026.
• CED is the key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.

Associated links

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Levers for the Growth of SMEs and NPOs
• CED funding initiatives and programs

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Marie-Justine Torres
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Cell: 613-327-5918
marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca

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