An innovative partnership to make things easier for the city's entrepreneurs

MONTREAL, May 10, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and its team of business information experts, Info entrepreneurs, along with SAJE accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs, and the Fondation du maire : le Montréal inc. de demain are proud to announce a new partnership that will offer a simplified access-to-information service for entrepreneurs wishing to start a business. This partnership takes the form of, among other things, a single phone line (514 496-4636) to direct entrepreneurs to the right resources, as well as a common service or financing request form that will be shared by the partner organizations.

"Entrepreneurship is a collective priority and the most powerful tool for creating wealth in our economy. However, currently scattered resources and the complexity of accessing information too often inhibit those who are thinking of going into business. The partnership we are announcing today aims to offer a simplified process and centralized services for the city's entrepreneurs. With a single telephone line, the experts at Info entrepreneurs will be in a position to quickly and efficiently meet the needs of their clientele and to point them to the appropriate resources," stated Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

"This collaborative effort fosters synergy between our three organizations and aims to simplify the process for new entrepreneurs right from the start. By directing their calls to a single telephone number, we are optimizing the available resources in order to be more efficient. We hope that others will join us in offering simplified support for Montréal entrepreneurs," mentioned Michel Fortin, General Manager of SAJE, accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs.

"The Fondation du maire : le Montréal inc. de demain has been helping to support entrepreneurship in the city for sixteen years now. Our team is therefore well aware of the concerns of young people who want to get into business, and of their desire for quick access to simplified information, and this is why we are happy to be part of this new partnership," concluded Liette Lamonde, Executive Director of the Fondation du maire : le Montréal inc. de demain.

About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Québec's leading private economic development organization.

About the Fondation du maire : le Montréal inc. de demain
Since 1996, the Fondation du maire : le Montréal inc. de demain has invested over $5 million in grants to help start up 751 businesses in Montréal, resulting in the creation of over 2,220 jobs. It is supported by a mobilized business community, including over 300 experienced volunteer businesspeople.

About SAJE accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs
SAJE accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs has a mission to contribute to the success of new entrepreneurs by offering consulting services, coaching, and training. Our specialized advisors and trainers provide practical support for entrepreneurs in all key periods of their professional life. Whether the project is in the early stages of planning or operations are already established, SAJE accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs provides tools adapted to entrepreneurs' needs. Since January 1^st, 2000, over 17,200 entrepreneurs have received support from SAJE.

Board of Trade Source:
Karine Abdel
Interim Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: [phone], extension 4015
[email protected]

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Fondation Source:
Andrée Lemay
Communications Director
Fondation du maire : le Montréal inc. de demain
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]

Saje accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs Source:
Krystel Jobin
Project Manager - Communications
Saje accompagnateur d'entrepreneurs
Phone: [phone], extension 365
[e-mail]