Between self-confidence and humility, a taste for risk and the ability to manage, plan and communicate, the range of entrepreneurial skills to master in order to bring an idea to fruition and turn it into a viable business project is wide and can be destabilizing. ÉcoMaris brought together young women who carry within them a business dream to learn to better define themselves by measuring themselves against something bigger than themselves: the River and seasoned entrepreneurs.

The sailboat, an experiential transformation tool

"On the boat, you are faced with something stronger than yourself, you have to know how to accept a total loss of control and bearings, and first learn to let go," says Joëlle Boily, program director at ÉcoMaris, a socio-professional organization that creates learning experiences by putting participants directly into action. For the mentors, businesswomen used to managing and controlling, it is often destabilizing to be faced with the winds and tides. For the young people, they are really confronted with themselves, with their limits."

For the selected candidates, the groundwork often remains to be done. “They are asked to propose a business plan and launch a pitch, it’s their duty before coming on board,” explains Joëlle. As time goes on, the ideas are refined. “This often leads them to make changes to move towards what they really want to be or offer, and sometimes also to readjust their aim.”

Building your confidence and network

Making the dream tangible is a breath of confidence. Jade Boutin-Boulais, who wants to make her textile farm idea a reality, confirms: “Little by little, by putting words to my project, by packaging it better to present it to others, I broke the ice and gained confidence. As soon as I got off the ship, I started talking about it around me, by surrounding myself better. I have just joined my field, a niche environment, and I am building a network with designers. Before, I would not have had enough courage to do this!”

Being among women allowed for a natural rapprochement and “broke down certain barriers,” a shared observation. “In complete privacy, the mentors reveal their secrets, including how to find your place in a world of men! Sailing together for ten days definitely brings us back to basics. It’s a memorable experience that bonds and creates strong, lasting bonds.”

We learn to communicate as a team, to trust each other, we have no choice! On the boat, we have to work together. We experience the difficulties day by day in unison and we all get out of our comfort zone! », explain Joëlle and Jade.

A dedicated mentoring program

Sharing expertise is the essential part of the program. “Knowing that women who have succeeded in business have been where they are now helps young people while establishing the credibility of the mentors,” says Joëlle, who is also the instigator of the program. The mentoring takes place over a year. Before and after the expedition, there are conferences, workshops and networking activities. In all, about fifty women participate in the project. “They don’t all sail. Some join to give specific advice based on their skills and needs, others offer a specific service, connect or simply inspire,” she explains.

Marie-Hèlène Weiss, intrapreneur and production manager at Game On , was part of the maritime adventure and offers an hour of her time every two weeks. "What I have brought so far is the structure, the importance of looking at operations so that processes flow by themselves." The rest is just a return on investment. "I can't wait to see the projects come to fruition. It's grist to the mill for me too and it helps build my network and take me elsewhere." Embarking on the project fired her up from the start: "This social mission speaks to me a lot. The energy on the boat is fantastic, supporting young people who have dreams and great ideas is more than a professional thing, it's above all very human."