In 2008, Québec's 67 CFDCs and CBDCs:

• Financially contributed to over 1,100 projects with a total value of $8.7 million;

• Offered services to 9,338 entrepreneurs in 8,430 businesses;

• Helped create 2,718 new jobs and maintain 10,193;

• Made it possible to generate $7.30 for every dollar invested;

• Invested $10.5 million to provide jobs for young people.

Satisfied clients:

• 96% of businesses were satisfied with CFDC and CBDC advisors;

• 85% of the CFDC and CBDC clientele were completely satisfied with the services received;

• Since 1998, 70% of those surveyed believed that, without CFDC or CBDC assistance, they would not have been able to carry out their project within the same time frame and with the same scope.

• 94% of the young people supported by a CFDC or CBDC stated that their project had encouraged them to settle in the region.

Concrete action to counter the crisis:

• Creation, with Canada Economic Development in February 2009, of the Business Support Fund ($9.6 million) to help small businesses in the regions counter an ongoing financial crisis. Of the 91 beneficiaries, 73% worked in the manufacturing sector;

• Loans worth $16.6 million granted to 160 businesses;

• Contribution in maintaining or creating 2,172 jobs.

Fresh ideas and ground-breaking projects:

• Hiring of eco-advisors to accompany small businesses on the path toward sustainable development;

• Implementation of projects to spur markets in French-speaking Canada and give small businesses in remote regions access to industrial subcontracting;

• Creation of the Start-Up Fund and Business Succession Fund;

• Participation by thirty young people from 13 to 16 years old in Camp Je (young entrepreneurs) helping them discover their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Student Jobs:

• 67% of young people having benefited from a job in the framework of this initiative were studying outside the region and returned there to work in the framework of the Student Job Program;

• 83% stated that their work experience at a CFDC or CBDC encouraged them to remain in or return to their community;

• Almost 50% of the work performed by students involved local development activities.