Indeed, our 2018 initiatives have generated more than $435M in economic benefits, a significant increase of more than 40% compared to 2017. This data shows that several of our organization’s mandates have grown, in relation to the growing needs of the region and its businesses.
In particular, there has been a sharp 73% increase in the value of the benefits generated by international investors and entrepreneurs. Concretely, these investments have not only enriched the regional ecosystem, but also created or safeguarded 489 jobs in the region.
As the availability of labour is a priority for local businesses, our team has stepped up its international recruitment activities, with a 126% increase in the value of the GDP generated by recruited talent.
In 2018, this growth allowed the arrival of nearly 2,700 people to the region and generated over $87M in economic benefits.
Finally, now more than ever, the entrepreneurial spirit of the region has been highlighted by the popularity of our consulting services on this subject. Indeed, coaching hours in the field tripled between 2017 and 2018, reaching nearly 1,800 hours. LE CAMP has played a central role through its incubation and acceleration services, with an average occupancy rate of 90%, but also through its hosting role in the region’s technological ecosystem, having welcomed more than 4,000 participants during its activities and those organized by companies from the field.
One thing is certain: our nearly 500 missions, receptions, activities, and events and our over 3,300 hours of individual coaching—all services combined—would not have been possible without our many partners, both public and private. We have to thank them for their trust, allowing us—year after year—to continue and intensify our efforts. We would also like to thank the members of our Board of Directors for their commitment to the success of our region and our organization. Our thoughts go out in particular to Dr. Fernand Labrie, former member and Chairman of the Board of Directors, who left us at the beginning of 2019. He leaves behind him an invaluable legacy for our organization and for the region.
With 2018 behind us, 2019 will of course be filled with many challenges. The difficulties in recruiting labour, as well as the major role of innovation and new technologies in the success of our businesses, will be at the heart of our actions.
