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Francophone Entrepreneurs Strengthening our Communities, Building a Stronger Alberta

Francophone Entrepreneurs Strengthening our Communities, Building a Stronger Alberta. How French entrepreneurs add value and tap new markets, contributing to Alberta’s economic development EDA Annual Professional Conference, Kananaskis April 21-23, 2010. Context.

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Francophone Entrepreneurs Strengthening our Communities, Building a Stronger Alberta

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  1. Francophone Entrepreneurs Strengthening our Communities,Building a Stronger Alberta How French entrepreneurs add value and tap new markets, contributing to Alberta’s economic development EDA Annual Professional Conference, Kananaskis April 21-23, 2010

  2. Context • Economic development initiatives are important in all regions • Different “actors” contribute to economic development: • Entrepreneurs • Community groups • Educational institutions • Government • Youth • Women • First Nations • Immigrants • Francophones

  3. Context • French first European language in Alberta • Many first settlers were of French origin • Three cities are officially bilingual: Beaumont, Legal, Falher • Francophones in Alberta • Approximately 68,000 Francophones • Albertans that speak French: over 225,000 • French ethnic origin: 332,000 • French adds value • Francophones add value

  4. Who we are • Not-for-profit • Established in 1997 • Funded mostly by: • Western Economic Diversification Canada • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada • Operating budget: $1.2 million • 9 employees

  5. What we do • Assist francophone entrepreneurs start or expand their business; • Business plan • Legal structure • Human resources planning • Accounting and finance • Marketing • Networking • Recognition with the “Gala Prix d’excellence” • Membership: approx. 130 organizations

  6. What we do • Four other economic development areas: • Rural development • Peace River region, Grande Prairie, Bonnyville, St-Paul, Cold Lake, etc. • Increase and improve human capital • The Small Business Internship Program, Mentorship network, youth development, immigration, “Finding Work Series”, help find work opportunities for handicapped people

  7. What we do • Four other economic development areas: • Sustainable development • Increase awareness of “green” opportunities, training, technology adoption, traineeships • Tourism development • Bilingual signage, French travel guide, FAQ, web site, toll-free information telephone line, training, itinerary development, trade shows, partnership with Travel Alberta and other partners

  8. What we do

  9. Partnerships and links • French Canadian Association of Alberta (ACFA’s) • Employment centers: • Accès emploi • Connection carrière • Business Link • Community Futures • Alberta Women Entrepreneurs • RDÉE

  10. Results - 2009 • Training sessions: 49 • Entrepreneurs trained: 993 • Clients served: 7,494 • New businesses, jobs created: 176 • Partnerships, conferences, events: 209 • “Bilingual service” signs distributed: 476 • Travel guides distributed: 25,000 • FAQ magazine distributes in France: 12,500 • Funds leveraged or generated: $6.8 million

  11. The Future • Develop more partnerships • Increase presence in Northwest of province • Increase visibility • Establish Mentorship Network • More services to business start-ups, more support to established businesses • Increase skill level of employees • Increase membership • Measure results

  12. Contact us Marc S. Tremblay Executive Director marc.tremblay@lecdea.ca 1-888-414-6123 www.lecdea.ca

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