Announcement of entrepreneurs selected by Prêt à entreprendre, the program that supports tomorrow's business leaders

MONTREAL, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the Interregional Committee for the Prêt à entreprendre program are pleased to announce the entrepreneurs selected to receive support as tomorrow's business leaders: François Bergeron and Tiberius Brastaviceanu from Tactus Scientific, and Guillaume Lacroix, Loïc Frohn-Villeneuve and Manuel Théberge from Novothermic.

Robert Desbiens, chair of the Interregional Committee and Executive Vice-President, Corporate Strategy, at R3D Consulting, congratulated the entrepreneurs who distinguished themselves for their entrepreneurial acumen, business model and innovative project.

Prêt à entreprendre offers comprehensive support to entrepreneurs in the form of interest-free unsecured loans on trust of up to $30,000, combined with mentorship and technical support. "It's an honour to be able to give new business talent the chance to participate in this initiative," Mr. Desbiens said. "Financial support and access to a network of experts are invaluable, particularly at the beginning stages of the entrepreneurial adventure."

This initiative, which is unique in the country, is made possible through the contributions of the Ministère des Finances et de l'Économie, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Desjardins Group and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), the Fondation de l'entrepreneurship (FDE) and Quebecor. The total budget of $7 million is financed by three of the project's partners, namely the Government of Quebec ($4 million), the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec ($1 million) and Desjardins Group ($2 million).

To implement the program, the FCCQ appointed the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal as an intermediary for program participants from Montréal and Laval. "The Board of Trade's mission is to encourage and promote entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial freedom and wealth creation in the metropolitan area," said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. "This program places a vast network at the disposal of new entrepreneurs. The support from the entire business community and the sharing of expertise are a further guarantee of success for young entrepreneurs."

At the end of the program's five years, up to 300 of the most promising entrepreneurs of all ages and from every region of Quebec will have benefited from financing and high-calibre support from a team of volunteer mentors.

About Prêt à entreprendre
With the aim of promoting local entrepreneurship, Prêt à entreprendre is a support program for new entrepreneurs that encourages growth and continuity among young businesses. The program offers support at several levels: an interest-free, unsecured loan on trust of up to $30,000, the guidance of a mentor and expert advisors and access to vast networks of contacts.

To find out more, visit www.pretaentreprendre.com.

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 Quebec's leading private economic development organization.

About Info entrepreneurs
Info entrepreneurs is a leader in the delivery of quality strategic information on government programs and services directed to the business community. It constitutes a privileged source of commercial information, thus contributing to the economic growth of SMEs. Info entrepreneurs is a service of the Government of Canada delivered by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. Info entrepreneurs is part of the Canada Business Network which comprises 13 major centres across Canada.

SOURCE: Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

For further information:

Elvira Winkler
Advisor, Government Programs and Services
Tel.: [phone], ext. 2914
[e-mail]

Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: [phone], ext. 4015
[e-mail]

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