The Société d’aide au développement des collectivités du Haut-Saguenay (SADC-HS) is a Quebec non-profit organization, registered in the Quebec business register on May 20, 1988.
The organization has been operating in the region for around 40 years. Since its creation, more than 3000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region have recieved assistance from the SADC to develop their projects, generate sustainable employment, and ensure their economic growth and sustainability, through the Canadian government’s Community Futures Program (CFP). This program aims to stimulate the economy of rural Canada.
SADC-HS supports regional businesses in ten distincts territories. These ten territories are located around Ville Saguenay and are found in six autonomous municipalities and four territories that make up the current city of Saguenay. You can see each of these territories on the map. At the time, we were called the CADC (Community Development Assistance Committee). Our initial mission was, and still is, community development. We stimulate the economy and promote rural areas through activities and consultations. As we often say, the CADC stirs.
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.
Not only are we recognized as a reliable business partner in the local economic development of our communities, but also as a driving force that empowers our SMEs to dream big and achieve their current goals without compromising the ability of future generations to achieve theirs. We aim to develop sustainable industries that create wealth.
To support SMEs, NPOs, cooperatives, and municipalities located in our territory by promoting sustainable development and innovation in order to improve the quality of life of the Haut-Saguenay community.
A fundamental value that involves recognizing the needs, aspirations, and diversity of each company. We want to promote fairness, open-mindedness and collaboration there by contributing to a healthy and productive business.
Ability to achieve set objectives in an optimal manner. This involves the judicious use of resources, strategic planning, and rapid implementation of actions, while ensuring high-quality results for the benefit of the companies.
This means working together and sharing our knowledge to reach our shared goals. It’s about committing to teamwork, sharing resources and insights to help the companies we work with grow and succeed.
Represents our determination to support our companies we support along their journey. It is a constant commitment to providing high-quality support, keeping our promises, and working passionately to contribute to the success of the companies we support.
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
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 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 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.

Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Finance concentration, Ms. Mariama Touré is a Business Advisor, a key position within our organization. She supports companies by providing guidance on best practices focused on sustainable development, while ensuring continuity in financing services. Her human-centered approach, proactivity, and analytical mindset make her a valuable team member. Ms. Touré is passionate about psychology and enjoys reading in her free time.
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