The SADC-HS
Our story
Who we are ?
The Société d’Aide au Développement des Collectivités du Haut-Saguenay (SADC-HS) was officially registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register on May 20, 1988. We are a Quebec-based non-profit organization funded by the Community Futures Program (CFP) of the Canadian government.
The CFP has been supporting communities for around 40 years and operates across rural regions of Canada. Nearly 300 organizations work nationwide to boost local economies by supporting SMEs and creating sustainable jobs.
Our Territory
The SADC-HS supports regional businesses across ten distinct territories. These territories surround the city of Saguenay and are spread across six independent municipalities and four areas that now make up the current city of Saguenay. On the map, you can see each of these territories clearly.
Back then, we were known as the CADC (Comité d’Aide au Développement des Collectivités). Our original mission—and still our mission today—is community development: boosting the local economy and highlighting rural life through engaging activities and collaborative initiatives. As we often say, the CADC “stirs up the dust,” brings projects to life, organizes summits, and even hosts galas.
Our evolution
To financially support all these projects, a financial lever was needed. In 1990, the CAE (Centre d’Aide aux Entreprises) was established. Complementing the CADC, its role was to provide funding for SMEs and cooperatives, through loans or, in some cases, equity investments.
1995 marked a turning point for these two complementary organizations: the CAE and CADC merged, becoming the SADC of Haut-Saguenay. This was not just an administrative merger—it was the merging of two missions: community engagement and project financing, unified under a single strategic vision for the optimal well-being of the community.
After 36 years, the financial impact is impressive. The SADC-HS has invested over $37 million (through investments, grants, and technical assistance), averaging more than $1 million annually into the Haut-Saguenay community. Nearly 3,000 jobs have been created or maintained through 1,000 concrete interventions.
The future looks sustainable at the SADC. For around forty years, our strategic vision has focused on sustainable development, making our organization a recognized leader in Quebec.
Our Vision
To be recognized not only as an essential partner in the local economic development of our communities, but also as a gateway to the sustainability and long-term success of our organizations. We strive for community growth that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Our goal is the development of sustainable industries that foster a wealth-creating economy.
Our Mission
To support SMEs, non-profits, cooperatives, and municipalities within our territory by promoting sustainable development and innovation, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life in the Haut-Saguenay community.
Our Values
RESPECT
A core value based on recognizing the needs, aspirations, and diversity of each business. We aim to promote fairness, open-mindedness, and collaboration, contributing to a healthy and productive business environment.
Efficiency
The ability to achieve set goals in an optimal way. It involves the efficient use of resources, strategic planning, and swift implementation of actions, all while ensuring high-quality results for the benefit of the businesses we support.
Partnership
Represents mutual collaboration and the sharing of expertise to achieve common goals. It reflects a commitment to work together, share resources and knowledge, and foster the growth and success of the businesses we support.
Commitment
Represents our determination to support businesses on their journey. It reflects a constant dedication to providing quality guidance, keeping our promises, and working with passion to contribute to the success of the businesses we serve.
Our team
André Boily
Business Development Advisor
Born in 1956, he is the father of two daughters and grandfather of three granddaughters. He holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi. This education has enabled him to guide the activities of SADC-HS toward sustainable development for the past fifteen years.
Having led the organization since its inception (May 20, 1988), he has ensured that SADC consistently stands out in areas related to sustainable development. Here are some of his achievements:
Founding member of the Sustainable Business Development working group within the SADC and CAE network in Quebec
Initiator of the carbon credits project
Initiator of LEED training
Implemented a strategy to support businesses in digital transformation
Initiator of the Haut-Saguenay Rural Chamber of Commerce and organizer of 10 galas for SMEs in the region
Partner in the circular economy project in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Administrator of COlab
Valérie Dubé
General Manager
A certified Eco-Advisor holding a Master’s degree in Eco-Consulting and Applied Sustainable Development, Valérie has been serving as an Eco-Advisor at SADC since 2008. She has contributed to integrating sustainable development principles into SADC and has been involved in launching numerous projects. Whether through the creation of specialized tools or direct support, her primary focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Since 2022, she has held the position of Deputy Director, allowing her to gain experience in the administrative side of the organization and broaden her professional expertise.
Martine Tremblay
Accounting Technician
Martine has been with SADC for over a year as an Accounting Technician. Now retired from the City of Saguenay, where she worked for more than 38 years, she is grateful to continue working and serving her community. Her extensive experience makes her a valuable resource for our team. Eager to continue growing personally and professionally, she aims to contribute to the economic development of our region.
On a personal note, her passion for horses occupied much of her youth. She later took up curling and was part of a competitive team that reached the national level. Currently, she plays Pickleball, a sport that helps her stay fit.
Franchesca Baril
Digital and Innovation Advisor
Franchesca has been the Digital and Innovation Advisor at SADC du Haut-Saguenay since February 2023. This brand-new role within our organization was a challenge she eagerly embraced to help regional businesses navigate their digital transformation. Previously working in the healthcare sector, she holds a Bachelor of Science (Rehabilitation, Psychology, and Occupational Health & Safety) and made a career pivot toward economic development.
Her academic background has allowed her to develop a very human-centered professional approach, enabling her to truly listen to the person behind the business and offer empathy and understanding to entrepreneurs who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the digital wave that has been impacting us for several years.
Board of Directors
Paul-Eugène Grenon
Administrator - Other sectors - Responsible financing
Paul-Eugène Grenon
Administrator - Other sectors - Responsible financing
Stéfanie Vallée
President - Ville Saguenay - Digital shift
Stéfanie Vallée
President - Ville Saguenay - Digital shift
Émilie Couture
Secretary - Bégin - Youth
Émilie Couture
Secretary - Bégin - Youth
Jacques Dubois
Administrator - St-Ambroise - Sustainable Development Support
Jacques Dubois
Administrator - St-Ambroise - Sustainable Development Support
Raymond-Marie Mallette
Treasurer - St-Honoré - Diversity and inclusion
Raymond-Marie Mallette
Treasurer - St-Honoré - Diversity and inclusion
Paul-Henri Munger
Vice-President - Larouche - Carbon Credits
Paul-Henri Munger
Vice-President - Larouche - Carbon Credits
Mélissa Gravel
Administrator - St-David-de-Falardeau - Circular economy
Mélissa Gravel
Administrator - St-David-de-Falardeau - Circular economy
Partners
