Élisabeth Brière announces $293,500 in Government of Canada support for ACET

Sherbrooke: The Estrie region counts several dynamic businesses and organizations with innovative ideas helping to create a strong local economic fabric. Some organizations have succeeded in adapting to the pandemic and are prospering, while others have had to reduce their operations. Today, as we plan for the economic recovery, they need support now more than ever to ensure their communities remain robust. The Government of Canada has committed to assisting them as they pursue their activities and to fostering their growth and success.

With this in mind, Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), the Honourable Mélanie Joly, today announced $293,500 in financial support for the Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET), helping to launch several dozen technology start-ups. Thanks to this non-repayable contribution, the organization—founded in 2011—will be able to continue to provide tailored mentoring to the region’s high-tech start-ups to facilitate their development and financing.

The only organization within its territory dedicated to technology start-ups, ACET fosters, facilitates and accelerates the creation, launch and growth of innovative businesses. It transforms high‑potential development projects into businesses and helps university and college clients who demonstrate the qualities needed to become entrepreneurs.

The Government of Canada recognizes and supports innovative businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec’s economic recovery relies, among other things, on organizations that are well grounded in the regional economy. Innovation is a major contributor to growth, as well as a key asset in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all.