Episode #1

The strength of the network, flexibility and resilience, these are three great lessons that the three guest entrepreneurs of this first episode of the series had to teach us.

Our guests:

Michelle Secours, owner of Frëtt Design

Frëtt Design is a clothing design company. Michelle Secours has a boutique in Montreal, a boutique workshop in Gaspésie and an online store. If her first clothing line was to protect against FRËTT! (hence the name), the company's new creations now aim to protect against a much greater evil than our winter cold. While FRETT Design should have closed, Michelle Secours instead called on her network to see how her company could contribute to the fight against Covid-19. And it is thanks to this call that today the company is taking steps to manufacture washable masks for healthcare workers.

Johanne Martineau, co-owner of the Merci la vie bakery

Located in Piedmont in the Laurentians, the Merci La vie bakery was born when Johanne Martineau's partner, Albert Elbilia, developed a real passion for bread during his convalescence. Johanne turned her lover's new hobby into a business project and together, they launched the Merci La vie bakery, now considered one of the best in the province. Before the Covid-19 crisis, the business was growing, people came from all over Quebec to stock up on their unique bread, and Merci la vie had just moved into a brand new space.

Josée Boudreault, President of Priorité StratJ

Founded in 2016, Priorité StratJ, a consulting firm specializing in emergency measures and civil security, primarily serves cities and municipalities and helps them, through training and various tools, prepare for all kinds of crises: from natural disasters to pandemics. You might think that Josée Boudreault's expertise would be in demand more than ever right now. To a certain extent, it is. However, Priorité StraTJ has itself been hit by the crisis and has had to apply within its own company what it teaches its clients.

Episode #2

In times of crisis, it is sometimes necessary to show generosity, mutual aid and humility to weather the storm while keeping your head above water. Discover the testimonies of this second episode.

Our guests: Anik Beaudoin, owner of the Auguste restaurant Opened in 2008, the renowned bistro located in Sherbrooke offers cuisine and an atmosphere worthy of the best establishments. Coming from the arts community, Anik has kept this ability to think outside the box, an essential tool in a constantly changing environment – and even more so in the situation we are currently living in. She is very involved in the community and is involved in several causes, including food aid. You will discover how she has managed to stand out from the crowd, while showing generosity and humility.

Sophie Lemieux, owner of Excellence Composites Inc. This manufacturing company located in Centre-du-Québec manufactures parts and components in composite materials. The company was founded in 2002 and had more than 60 employees before the crisis. The daughter of an entrepreneur and determined to achieve, Sophie Lemieux built her company one contract and one client at a time. Her passion and determination made the difference in her career and were major assets that allowed her to roll up her sleeves and pivot in the current situation.

Episode #3

Danièle Henkel and Sévrine Labelle welcome a distinguished guest, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon , who will answer questions from entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

The entrepreneurs who asked the minister their questions: Anie Rouleau, owner of Baléco Inc. , a company that manufactures and distributes fragrance-free and eco-friendly body and household products across Canada. The company has also received B Corporation certification.

Céline Juppeau, founder of Kotmo , a company specializing in responsible, local and sustainable promotional items made in Quebec.

Marie-Noël Grenier, president of the Jambette company, the largest designer of outdoor games in Canada.

Gabrielle LaRue, founder of LocketGo , a startup that specializes in renting lockers for large events and is currently pivoting her business.

Cadleen Désir, founder of Déclic ., a company whose mission is to support children's development so that they can reach their full potential. Its clinics offer a warm, human and safe living environment, and its dedicated professionals place the child at the heart of their priorities. At Déclic, each activity or intervention is focused on collaboration, fun and the child's progress.

Hélène Demers, co-founder, Vice-President and CEO of Scène Éthique Inc , a company specializing in the design and production of cutting-edge stage infrastructure and cutting-edge machinery for the stage design of internationally renowned clients.

Episode #4

In the fourth part of this series, Danièle Henkel and Sévrine Labelle address crisis management, but in its extremes: from hypergrowth to decline, sometimes leading to bankruptcy.

Our guests:

Judith Fetzer, co-founder and CEO of Cook it , a Montreal-based company specializing in the delivery of ready-to-cook meal boxes. Since its creation in 2014, the company has experienced impressive growth. Five years after its creation, Cook it acquired Miss Fresh. For a company whose mission is to make its customers' lives easier with its home-delivered meals, the COVID-19 crisis has been synonymous with real opportunity.

Josée Samson, president of SOS Odeurs , a Sherbrooke-based company specializing in the manufacture of innovative products that neutralize odors. The company's clients include many veterinary clinics and distributors in the animal sector. In the context of the current crisis, it has been able to adapt its product offering to stand out from the crowd.

Yannick Bourassa-Milot, Senior Director, Recovery and Insolvency at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton which explains bankruptcy law and debunks myths and misinformation surrounding bankruptcy.