With a focus on entrepreneurship and workforce devel-opment, CEDEC is capitalizing on provincial, national and international opportunities that will help businesses grow, workers succeed, and communities thrive. In recent years, the CEDEC Board of Directors has gone through a significant transformation; its focus has shifted from operational oversight to strategic leader-ship. This progressive change has allowed the Board of Directors to recruit individuals with specific skills, ex-pertise and experience to help the organization achieve important results.This year brought some ‘firsts’ for CEDEC. CEDEC, ESDC, and RDÉE Canada joined forces to launch the Economic Action Network, in collaboration with partners across Canada. The Network brings together Canada’s leaders in economic development in the English and French Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) to identify and seize opportunities. Other firsts include the launch of Canada, Bilingualism and Trade in 2014 followed by the Framework for the Canadian Plan for Economic Development of OLMCs in 2015. We released Tourism 2025: CEDEC’s plan to cre-ate 46,900 jobs and inject $5.2 billion into the economy, with the goal of creating new partnerships that stimulate and grow business development in the tourism sector.

These examples form a solid foundation for economic development and demonstrate our powerful contribu-tions to the national economy. This exciting work prompted an invitation for CEDEC to present to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris this year laying the groundwork for potential international partnerships that will benefit small businesses and employers.Highlighting each of our priorities, in 2016 CEDEC will proudly co-host or lead three national conferences with prominent partners working in the areas of community economic development, business development, and workforce development: • Symposium on the Maturing Workforce at Cannexus16 National Career Development Conference (January 25, 2016)• Doing Business in Quebec (March 14-15, 2016)• Econous2016 : The National Community Economic Development Conference, co-hosted with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (May 18-20, 2016)These conferences and the achievements we have outlined in this report demonstrate our relentless com-mitment to helping businesses grow, workers succeed, and communities thrive.

2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT

John GanczChair of the Board

“Our society is built and strengthened with diversity of thought, opinion and multiplicity of ideas. During my tenure as Chair of the Board, I have seen immense progress on a number of levels. We have evolved to ensure we have a strong base of expertise and creativity that will open doors to new partnerships and build a strong and innovative economy. Our team on the ground has focused its efforts similarly, and with this focus on results we are generating incredible opportunities.”

1MINISTÈRE DES FINANCES ET DE L’ÉCONOMIE DU QUÉBEC ET RÉSEAU M. 2AVERAGE NUMBER OF JOBS PER BUSINESS (1.8) X NUMBER OF REGISTERED

BUSINESSES (1219) 3BASED ON AN ESTIMATED AVERAGE CONTRIBUTION OF $205,500 PER BUSINESS UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES IN QUEBEC. THIS ESTIMATE

INCLUDES MICRO BUSINESSES UNDER 5 EMPLOYEES AND AUTONOMOUS WORKERS AND WAS CALCULATED FROM DATA PROVIDED BY INSTITUT DE LA

STATISTQUE QUEBEC (2013) AND HILARY HALLIN, BCSTATS (2014).

69%

51% 58%

87%

A WIDE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED

IMPACT OF CEDEC MENTORING SERVICE WILL BE ASSESSED

USING A SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT (SROI) MODEL.

1,219 clients

for EntrepreneursMENTORING

BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICE

PROFILEin business for less than 10 years(50% for less than 5)

have less than 5 employees(average 1.8)

of owners between the ages of 36-55 are female

CEDEC SBS PRIVATE PARTNERS

from Canada Economic Development for the Regions of Québec (CED-Q)INVESTMENT / 3 YEARS

To date, CEDEC SBS has provided direct service to 392 entrepreneurs and small business owners. 266 have reported that the service delivered by CEDEC has helped them start or grow their business.

THESE BUSINESSES HAVE CONTRIBUTED AN ESTIMATED

$54,663,000 TO CANADA’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CEDEC SBS | CEDEC SBS CLIENTS REPRESENT:

× 2,194 JOBS

PUBLIKIT, VIA RAIL, VINKIT,THE SUBURBAN, XEN ACCOUNTING, PUBLICITÉ AD FACTORY, GUARDIAN MICROSYSTEMS AND LEGAL LOGIK

SMALLBUSINESSSUPPORT

Powered by

S M A L L B U S I N E S S

SERVICES

287 entrepreneurs and small business ownersHAVE PARTICIPATED IN AN EVENT

33webinars

skilldevelopment 7 live events

CEDEC Small Business Support

EN

TREP

RENEURS THAT HAVE RECEIVED

11entrepreneurs that have

received mentoring this year

73%of businesses run by entrepreneurs with a mentor will succeed through

the �rst �ve years of operation and continue to prosper1

YOUTH START-UPCEDEC’s Youth Star t -Up takes a business idea and moves it from intention to action. CEDEC works with adult learning centres, Cégeps, organizations, service providers and entrepreneurs across Quebec to help young adults between 18-35 discover their entrepreneurial qualities and develop essential soft skills such as problem solving, planning, leadership and communication. Participants explore their ideas and learn how to access tools and support to take their project or business to the next development steps.

1MINISTÈRE DES FINANCES ET DE L’ÉCONOMIE DU QUÉBEC ET RÉSEAU M. 2AVERAGE NUMBER OF JOBS PER BUSINESS (1.8) X NUMBER OF REGISTERED

BUSINESSES (1219) 3BASED ON AN ESTIMATED AVERAGE CONTRIBUTION OF $205,500 PER BUSINESS UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES IN QUEBEC. THIS ESTIMATE

INCLUDES MICRO BUSINESSES UNDER 5 EMPLOYEES AND AUTONOMOUS WORKERS AND WAS CALCULATED FROM DATA PROVIDED BY INSTITUT DE LA

STATISTQUE QUEBEC (2013) AND HILARY HALLIN, BCSTATS (2014).

69%

51% 58%

87%

A WIDE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED

IMPACT OF CEDEC MENTORING SERVICE WILL BE ASSESSED

USING A SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT (SROI) MODEL.

1,219 clients

for EntrepreneursMENTORING

BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICE

PROFILEin business for less than 10 years(50% for less than 5)

have less than 5 employees(average 1.8)

of owners between the ages of 36-55 are female

CEDEC SBS PRIVATE PARTNERS

from Canada Economic Development for the Regions of Québec (CED-Q)INVESTMENT / 3 YEARS

To date, CEDEC SBS has provided direct service to 392 entrepreneurs and small business owners. 266 have reported that the service delivered by CEDEC has helped them start or grow their business.

THESE BUSINESSES HAVE CONTRIBUTED AN ESTIMATED

$54,663,000 TO CANADA’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CEDEC SBS | CEDEC SBS CLIENTS REPRESENT:

× 2,194 JOBS

PUBLIKIT, VIA RAIL, VINKIT,THE SUBURBAN, XEN ACCOUNTING, PUBLICITÉ AD FACTORY, GUARDIAN MICROSYSTEMS AND LEGAL LOGIK

SMALLBUSINESSSUPPORT

Powered by

S M A L L B U S I N E S S

SERVICES

287 entrepreneurs and small business ownersHAVE PARTICIPATED IN AN EVENT

33webinars

skilldevelopment 7 live events

CEDEC Small Business SupportEN

TREP

RENEURS THAT HAVE RECEIVED

11entrepreneurs that have

received mentoring this year

73%of businesses run by entrepreneurs with a mentor will succeed through

the �rst �ve years of operation and continue to prosper1

CEDEC MENTORING SERVICESSeptember 22 marks the one-year anniversary of CEDEC’s partnership with the Fondation de l’entrepreneurship and its mentoring network, Réseau M. To commemorate this occasion, and celebrate a successful f irst year, CEDEC will hold a hands-on planning event with our seven valued mentors and look at how to grow the CEDEC Mentoring Services in the years to come. • In 2014-2015, CEDEC mentors volunteered over 230 hours of time. • CEDEC mentors are experienced and very active business people. • CEDEC mentors help entrepreneurs to develop the essential soft skills that are required to be successful in any business.

THIS YEAR, TO DATE—

These workshops were developed through an exploration

of Canadian and international best practices aimed at

supporting youth enterprise. The research is documented

in the report entitled Stimulating Youth Enterprise

Development (CEDEC 2014).

The core of CEDEC’s program is a series of workshops andfollow-up support aimed at moving youth from 18-35 from

intention to action in starting a business.

Thus far, workshops have been delivered in Outaouais, Abitibi-Temiscamigue,Quebec Chaudière Appalaches and Greater Montreal Area. Workshops

will be launched throughout Quebec next year.

173 YOUTH HAVE RECEIVEDCEDEC SUPPORT THROUGH

20 WORKSHOPS.

YOUTH ARE RECRUITED THROUGH

Local Cégeps ReferralsAdult EducationCentres

Youth participants indicatedthat they have learned information

and skills that will help themto start a business.

Youth participants indicatedthat they see entrepreneurship

as an opportunity to createtheir own job.

Youth participants are considering or developing

a business idea

94% 94% 69%

R E S U L T S

18 to 35

SMALLBUSINESSSUPPORT

Powered by

Y O U T H B U S I N E S S

START-UP

Learned in-formation and skills that will

help them start a business

are considering/ developing a business idea

THIS YEAR, TO DATE—

These workshops were developed through an exploration

of Canadian and international best practices aimed at

supporting youth enterprise. The research is documented

in the report entitled Stimulating Youth Enterprise

Development (CEDEC 2014).

The core of CEDEC’s program is a series of workshops andfollow-up support aimed at moving youth from 18-35 from

intention to action in starting a business.

Thus far, workshops have been delivered in Outaouais, Abitibi-Temiscamigue,Quebec Chaudière Appalaches and Greater Montreal Area. Workshops

will be launched throughout Quebec next year.

173 YOUTH HAVE RECEIVEDCEDEC SUPPORT THROUGH

20 WORKSHOPS.

YOUTH ARE RECRUITED THROUGH

Local Cégeps ReferralsAdult EducationCentres

Youth participants indicatedthat they have learned information

and skills that will help themto start a business.

Youth participants indicatedthat they see entrepreneurship

as an opportunity to createtheir own job.

Youth participants are considering or developing

a business idea

94% 94% 69%

R E S U L T S

18 to 35

SMALLBUSINESSSUPPORT

Powered by

Y O U T H B U S I N E S S

START-UP

See entrepreneur-

ship as an opportunity to create their

own job

CEDEC GrowthWheel Cert i f ied Business Advisors’® lead small businesses through an easy process that helps them apply solutions in as quickly as 30 days.During BDC’s Small Business Week, October 18-24, 2015, watch for CEDEC announcements about new packages and services designed to help small businesses focus, make decisions, and take action.More information: sbs@cedec.ca

1MINISTÈRE DES FINANCES ET DE L’ÉCONOMIE DU QUÉBEC ET RÉSEAU M. 2AVERAGE NUMBER OF JOBS PER BUSINESS (1.8) X NUMBER OF REGISTERED

BUSINESSES (1219) 3BASED ON AN ESTIMATED AVERAGE CONTRIBUTION OF $205,500 PER BUSINESS UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES IN QUEBEC. THIS ESTIMATE

INCLUDES MICRO BUSINESSES UNDER 5 EMPLOYEES AND AUTONOMOUS WORKERS AND WAS CALCULATED FROM DATA PROVIDED BY INSTITUT DE LA

STATISTQUE QUEBEC (2013) AND HILARY HALLIN, BCSTATS (2014).

69%

51% 58%

87%

A WIDE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED

IMPACT OF CEDEC MENTORING SERVICE WILL BE ASSESSED

USING A SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT (SROI) MODEL.

1,219 clients

for EntrepreneursMENTORING

BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICE

PROFILEin business for less than 10 years(50% for less than 5)

have less than 5 employees(average 1.8)

of owners between the ages of 36-55 are female

CEDEC SBS PRIVATE PARTNERS

from Canada Economic Development for the Regions of Québec (CED-Q)INVESTMENT / 3 YEARS

To date, CEDEC SBS has provided direct service to 392 entrepreneurs and small business owners. 266 have reported that the service delivered by CEDEC has helped them start or grow their business.

THESE BUSINESSES HAVE CONTRIBUTED AN ESTIMATED

$54,663,000 TO CANADA’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CEDEC SBS | CEDEC SBS CLIENTS REPRESENT:

× 2,194 JOBS

PUBLIKIT, VIA RAIL, VINKIT,THE SUBURBAN, XEN ACCOUNTING, PUBLICITÉ AD FACTORY, GUARDIAN MICROSYSTEMS AND LEGAL LOGIK

SMALLBUSINESSSUPPORT

Powered by

S M A L L B U S I N E S S

SERVICES

287 entrepreneurs and small business ownersHAVE PARTICIPATED IN AN EVENT

33webinars

skilldevelopment 7 live events

CEDEC Small Business Support

ENTR

EPREN

EURS THAT HAVE RECEIVED

11entrepreneurs that have

received mentoring this year

73%of businesses run by entrepreneurs with a mentor will succeed through

the �rst �ve years of operation and continue to prosper1

entrepreneurs have received mentoring this year

of businesses with a mentor will

succeed through the first 5 years of operation and

continue to prosper

CEDEC is working with partners in the aviation industry, and educational institutions and economic development organizations within the Cree First Nation to develop a Co-op Vocational Training Program. Working together, this program will target the Cree community with capacity building, training, and employment that will enable them to thrive and remain in their own communities.

This innovative model, which will be adapted to other sectors and industries, integrates vocational training, work experience and adapted learning techniques to support adult learners with low education levels to succeed in the workforce. This important initiative is a game-changer for the communities that are involved and for the incredible businesses that have invested in making this opportunity possible.

TOTAL IMPRESSIONS(organic)

11,703TOP 5 POSTS

7*Average Number

RETWEETS

RETWEETS13Highest Number

*In comparison, the average number of retweets for other community outlets,

organizations (CTV, Gazette, CARP) – 3 to 5

FEB. 18: 1895 IMPRESSIONS Watch how Investors Group Diversi�es their Workplace

with 45+,

FEB. 20: 3171 IMPRESSIONS Venez clavarder en directavec Groupe Investors…

20 clicks / 22 interactions

FEB. 20: 2260 IMPRESSIONS Join our live chat with

Investors Group27 clicks / 42 interactions

FEB. 20: 1486 IMPRESSIONS Watch how Sodexo Canada

Diversi�es their Workplace with 45+,17 clicks / 15 interactions

FEB. 23: 2891 IMPRESSIONS Join our live chat with Sodexo

24 clicks / 53 interactions

300

participants at consultations

(needs assessment)

participants onadvisory committee

organizations onpartner committee

4 PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS SIGNED

ADVANCING AFRICAN CANADIANCareer Excellence

MATURE WORKERS INITIATIVEAwareness Campaign

STATUS OF WOMEN PROJECT

Increasing Economic Opportunities for Women in Rural Communities

CO-OP VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

STUDENT SURVEY WORKSHOPS

76 170Respondents

for 2014Total for

2012 & 2014

AVERAGE REACH

TOTAL REACH 3,295Top Facebook Posts (Organic)

CEDEC IS BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE CASE STUDY OF THE PILOT PROJECT.

PARTNERS INCLUDEPASCAN AVIATION | CREE SCHOOL BOARD | EXACT AIR | OLES

2 93%Workshops Held—

35 Students AttendedLearned info that will

help their career

per post

736 HIGHEST REACHper post

AN INTEGRATED MODEL TO TRAIN CREE YOUTH FOR JOBS IN QUEBEC'S AIRLINE INDUSTRY

45 1510

JAN. 12: REACH 2891La CEDEC lance une campagne de

Engaged Users: 25

JAN. 13: REACH 734CEDEC and Third Quarter

Engaged Users: 27

JAN. 16: REACH 513Diversity in age strengthens

the workplaceEngaged Users: 18

JAN. 19: REACH 632Tell us how your companydiversi�es its workplace?

Engaged Users: 22

JAN. 21: REACH 507Read how Chris Had�eld’s

skills are an assetEngaged Users: 12

JAN. 20: REACH 420What does success mean to you?

Engaged Users: 13

AUDIENCEPotential reach: around 6000 +

CONSULTANTSADVISORSHR MANAGERS

RECRUITERS

DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTS VICE-PRESIDENTS

MANAGERS

CEOS

19recommendations made, approx. 7 will be retainedfor immediate action

Strategy to be developped by March 31st 2015

WILL BE LAUNCHEDFALL 2015

Workforce Development

DÉVELOPPEMENT DE LA MAIN-D'ŒUVRE

TOTAL IMPRESSIONS(organic)

11,703TOP 5 POSTS

7*Average Number

RETWEETS

RETWEETS13Highest Number

*In comparison, the average number of retweets for other community outlets,

organizations (CTV, Gazette, CARP) – 3 to 5

FEB. 18: 1895 IMPRESSIONS Watch how Investors Group Diversi�es their Workplace

with 45+,

FEB. 20: 3171 IMPRESSIONS Venez clavarder en directavec Groupe Investors…

20 clicks / 22 interactions

FEB. 20: 2260 IMPRESSIONS Join our live chat with

Investors Group27 clicks / 42 interactions

FEB. 20: 1486 IMPRESSIONS Watch how Sodexo Canada

Diversi�es their Workplace with 45+,17 clicks / 15 interactions

FEB. 23: 2891 IMPRESSIONS Join our live chat with Sodexo

24 clicks / 53 interactions

300

participants at consultations

(needs assessment)

participants onadvisory committee

organizations onpartner committee

4 PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS SIGNED

ADVANCING AFRICAN CANADIANCareer Excellence

MATURE WORKERS INITIATIVEAwareness Campaign

STATUS OF WOMEN PROJECT

Increasing Economic Opportunities for Women in Rural Communities

CO-OP VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

STUDENT SURVEY WORKSHOPS

76 170Respondents

for 2014Total for

2012 & 2014

AVERAGE REACH

TOTAL REACH 3,295Top Facebook Posts (Organic)

CEDEC IS BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE CASE STUDY OF THE PILOT PROJECT.

PARTNERS INCLUDEPASCAN AVIATION | CREE SCHOOL BOARD | EXACT AIR | OLES

2 93%Workshops Held—

35 Students AttendedLearned info that will

help their career

per post

736 HIGHEST REACHper post

AN INTEGRATED MODEL TO TRAIN CREE YOUTH FOR JOBS IN QUEBEC'S AIRLINE INDUSTRY

45 1510

JAN. 12: REACH 2891La CEDEC lance une campagne de

Engaged Users: 25

JAN. 13: REACH 734CEDEC and Third Quarter

Engaged Users: 27

JAN. 16: REACH 513Diversity in age strengthens

the workplaceEngaged Users: 18

JAN. 19: REACH 632Tell us how your companydiversi�es its workplace?

Engaged Users: 22

JAN. 21: REACH 507Read how Chris Had�eld’s

skills are an assetEngaged Users: 12

JAN. 20: REACH 420What does success mean to you?

Engaged Users: 13

AUDIENCEPotential reach: around 6000 +

CONSULTANTSADVISORSHR MANAGERS

RECRUITERS

DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTS VICE-PRESIDENTS

MANAGERS

CEOS

19recommendations made, approx. 7 will be retainedfor immediate action

Strategy to be developped by March 31st 2015

WILL BE LAUNCHEDFALL 2015

Workforce Development

DÉVELOPPEMENT DE LA MAIN-D'ŒUVRE

Since 2014, CEDEC has worked with women and employment service providers of the Magdalen Islands to better understand and address the challenges women, especially unilingual English-speakers, face in improving their economic situation.

Through the Increasing Economic Options for Women project, funded by the Status of Women Canada, CEDEC is helping women find jobs and access services. Through planned and progressive steps, this project is increasing economic options for all women on the Magdalen Islands.

Over the past f i f teen years the proportion of English speakers living in the Province of Quebec has grown considerably, by about 50% in some regions. While this growth occurred, finding a job became more challenging due to economic and labour force pressures like the economic downturn in 2008 and employers’ increasing demand for bilingual applicants.Meanwhile, across Canada we face an impending labour shortage due to an ageing population. In Quebec, this is compounded by the exodus of young, well-educated English-speaking Quebecers who are leaving the province to pursue employment elsewhere – a worrisome trend given these individuals possess skills that are needed within Québec’s labour market. CEDEC’s Workforce Development St ra tegy 2015-2020 , based on extensive research and consultation with key stakeholders, aims to make sure that we have the best talent to take on the best jobs to aggressively drive forward our economy. This goal will be achieved through the following measures:• Support for workers: building a robust evidence base on Quebec’s English-speaking workforce• Support for employers: robust labour force analysis, forecasting and modelling; workforce integration between job seekers, employers and service providers• Support for service providers: d e v e l o p m e n t o f a w o r k f o r c e development network and continuum of services, products and support• Promote the economic benefits of a bilingual workforce: create awareness about the impact and cont r ibu t ion for the Canadian economy

For more informat ion about CEDEC’s Workforce Development Strategy 2015-2020, visit cedec.ca/workforce-development

Cree Human Resources DevelopmentLe Développment des Ressources Humaines Cris

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills and the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

This work is made possible thanks to our partners:

www.cedec.ca

TAKING OWNERSHIP OF ECONOMIC POTENTIALEngaged citizens drive the success and sustainability of communities.CEDEC’s Community Revitalization Model, developed and piloted in Quebec’s Gaspésie region, provides a framework to develop community-based economic plans that generate results. To date, sixty-nine projects have been developed representing over $2.7 million of investments within the MRCs of Gaspé and Rocher-Percé.

Projects realized to date include essential infrastructure improvements that generate new opportunit ies fo r bus iness deve lopment and growth. CEDEC is promoting these opportunities to local governments and economic development organizations to make these plans a reality. Based on the continued success in the Gaspésie, CEDEC is excited and ready to apply this model to other communities that want to take concrete steps and ownership of their economic renewal.

TOURISM 2025: CEDEC’S PLAN FOR CREATING 46,900 JOBS AND ADDING $5.2 BILLION TO THE ECONOMYTo u r i s m r e p r e s e n t s a m a j o r development opportunity for Quebec.Through Tourism 2025, we expect to:• Stimulate new business development and create jobs• Support the growth of exist ing businesses directly or indirectly related to tourism• Provide a framework for partnership deve lopment w i th key tou r i sm stakeholdersWith a growing number of special interest tourists attracted to culture and heritage, and neighbouring Ontario, American, and distant British markets showing a strong interest in cultural tourism, Quebec’s English-speaking communities should be capitalizing on their cultural identity to diversify their economies, start new businesses, and create jobs. As part of CEDEC’s Tourism 2025 strategy, we are joined by Industry Canada, RDÉE Canada and the Chaire de tourisme Transat at UQAM in an initiative to extend the Réseau de veille en tourisme model to Official Language Minority Communit ies across Canada. This initiative will supply tourism operators across the country with the essential information to help them grow their business and to promote the tourism industry.For more information, visit www.cedec.ca.

UPCOMING EMPLOYER OUTREACH EVENTSCEDEC works with partners to organize and co-host events that connect employers to the right candidates. This is done in an effort to improve access to quality jobs that require English-language skills.

Sherbrooke | October 7, 2015 - Get Connected: Career Fair and Workshops in partnership with Champlain College, Townshippers’ Association and Global Excel Management

Quebec City | Date and format TBA in partnership with Voice of English-speaking Quebec and the Valcartier Family Resource Centre: FORT Program

For more information, visit cedec.ca/events