“This is going to support businesses and entrepreneurs in all their endeavors. So whether or not they’re in start up mode, financing expansion, or maybe they’re just planning on opening a business,” said Phillips.

They will be using the survey responses to help define their plan for a new program called Pontiac’s Signature Innovation Program.

“This program is funded through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. And we have chosen to focus on entrepreneurship for the Pontiac,” said Phillips.

“We’re really looking to understand the context of the businesses or entrepreneurs, and get their experiences on their projects. We want to find out what are some of the challenges they might be having right now, either related to their projects, in terms of human resources, funding, etc.” Phillips explained.

“The goal is to get a better perception of our entrepreneurs and the efforts that we are doing on the territory,” Phillips added.

Two advisors have recently been hired through the Acces Entreprise Quebec (AEQ) program, coordinated by the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation, which is a support service offered by the MRCs to entrepreneurs in the regions of Quebec that aims to accelerate local economic development and ensure that businesses have access to support as well as high-quality growth and investment capital.

“In order for them to be able to develop programs and do their planning that will enable them to help the businesses, we need to know what it is that businesses need and want,” said Phillips.

In terms of accompaniment services, whether it’s for help writing a business plan, help with startup, help with finding financing, or help with marketing, the newly hired AEQ advisors will be able to offer assistance.

“The survey touches on a wide range of topics and while it might seem like it’s a lengthy survey, it really would only take about 10 minutes to fill out. But at the end, there are some questions more targeted towards collecting general information to help us develop our Signature Innovation Program,” Phillips told The Equity.

The Signature Innovation is Component of the Fonds régions et ruralité (FRR), in effect since April 1, 2020. It aims to encourage MRCs to identify a niche, and implement a major project in this regard.

The goal of the survey is to develop and build on the entrepreneurial culture that already exists on the territory, and to develop programs and plans that will foster a strong entrepreneurial spirit in the Pontiac, according to Phillips.

“In order to be successful, we really have to have a clearer picture of what’s currently happening. What are the gaps that exist? What do business owners think would help them out,” Phillips said.

“Since the publication of the press release, we had originally been offering $500 in free radio advertising. After seeing the importance of what we’re doing, the local radio station has since decided to match that,” Phillips said enthusiastically.

“So we now have a $1,000 radio advertising prize available for one lucky winner who takes the time to fill out the 10-minute survey,” Phillips added.

The prize package includes a promotional advertising spot on the radio as well as a video that will be posted on the CHIP FM website, but also be posted on the winner’s website. The MRC will also be sharing it, according to Phillips.

The survey touches on what a business’ short and medium-term plans are in different categories and how they might need help or assistance. This will assist the organization to shape their programming to best meet the needs of Pontiac businesses and entrepreneurs.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 15 on the MRC’s web page, through social media, on the radio, and press releases will be sent out.

The French and English versions of the survey can be found on the MRC Pontiac website.

Responses to the survey will be kept confidential and will not be shared outside of the planning programs.

Those interested can contact Director of Economic Development Services Cyndy Phillips at 819-648-5689, ext. 134, or by e-mail at c.phillips@mrcpontiac.qc.ca.

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