The organization announces the launch of its honorary scholarship program for entrepreneurs from ethnoculturally diverse backgrounds.
Montreal, July 19, 2018
Entreprendre ici—whose mandate is to address the challenge of entrepreneurship among all ethnocultural communities across Quebec’s regions—is pleased to announce the launch of its honorary grants, each valued at up to $25,000.
Reserved for Quebec entrepreneurs from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds—whether aspiring or established—this scholarship program aims to support them in carrying out their business projects. For this inaugural 2018 edition, the application period runs from July 16 to August 24, inclusive.
"We firmly believe that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds contribute to Quebec’s economic and social development," stated Anima Gerba, Chair of the Board of Directors of Entreprendre ici. "By establishing a generous honorary grant program dedicated to entrepreneurs from all cultural communities, we aim to show our support and empower them to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. All of Quebec will emerge stronger for it!"
An inaugural board meeting for Entreprendre ici
The organization is taking this opportunity to announce the composition of its Board of Directors and the holding of its very first meeting.
Comprising members whose achievements have raised the profile of both Quebec and the cultural communities from which most of them hail, the Board of Directors of Entreprendre ici brings together 11 leaders who will be responsible for energizing the organization’s operations and governance with passion and discernment.
Participants include: Ms. Amina Gerba, President and CEO of Afrique Expansion Inc.; Ms. Mary Anne Carignan, President of Purkinje Inc.; Ms. Souad Elmallem, Executive Partner at 6Témik; Ms. Sylvie Madore, President and CEO of Les Promotions Universelles S.M. Inc.; Mr. Pierre Naider Fanfan, President and CEO of Probiosphère; Ms. Thi Be Nguyen, founder of Uniaction and Director of the Office of the President and Philanthropy (and Diversity Ambassador) at National Bank of Canada; Mr. François De Paul Nkombou, CPA Auditor, CA, Managing Partner at FPRP CPA INTERNATIONAL and Chair of the UQAM Audit Committee; Mr. Stéphane Pipon, President of MDI conseils et technologies; Mr. Oscar Ramirez, architect and co-founder of the firm Cardin, Ramirez, Julien; Ms. Stéphanie Raymond Bougie, lawyer at NOVAlex and founder of Générations d'idées; and Mr. Éric Sinopoli, President and co-founder of Cupcake Coqulikot.
It should also be noted that the Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation and the Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion will each have a member, but only in an observer capacity.
A first nomination for Entreprendre ici
Finally, Entreprendre ici also announces the appointment of Payam Eslami as the organization's Executive Director. Mr. Eslami brings nearly 15 years of expertise in management and finance, having notably served as a commercial financing expert and a podcast host.
"The formation of our board of directors and the appointment of our executive director mark another step toward the emergence of a true agent of change that will support and foster the entrepreneurial spirit among members of Quebec’s cultural communities," added Amina Gerba. "They often have plenty of ideas and are ready to roll up their sleeves to develop their projects, yet they frequently face challenges such as a limited credit history or a lack of familiarity with the tools available to entrepreneurs. Our mission is to guide and support them in turning their dreams into reality, while simultaneously boosting Quebec’s economic vitality."
About Entreprendre ici
Entreprendre ici is a national organization with a mandate to address entrepreneurship within cultural communities across Quebec, with the aim of increasing the number of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The organization’s mission is to provide tailored support to these entrepreneurs, facilitating their entrepreneurial journeys, helping them overcome systemic barriers, and guiding them in accessing services available in Quebec.
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Informations :
Morgane Lopez
(514) 317-5715, poste 205
Mobile : (514) 993-5571