“For over 20 years, I have worked as a manager in different industries, transforming business models. I have always had hundreds of business ideas since I was young. For me, it happened at age 40 with JUST BITE, which specializes in creating and delivering healthy and nutritious snacks. One thing is certain: I would never have been able to launch and survive my first year in business without my network or my experience. It is thanks to this that I was able to navigate more effectively through all the steps. When you start a business later, you know yourself better, but it is also very confronting, because you put yourself in danger and you leave your comfort zone. I am learning to rediscover myself through entrepreneurship. Today, I get up every morning with the goal of doing good in people's lives.” – Mélanie Grenier, president of JUST BITE Snacks

“I worked in film and television for a good 10 years before starting my business. Like many mothers, I did it after having my children to spend more time with them. I was 34. One more year and I wouldn’t have been eligible for a multitude of subsidies. So you’re considered a “young entrepreneur” until you’re 35. However, I don’t think age should be an obstacle to achieving your dreams. Today, the market, commerce, business models and consumer habits are constantly changing. Starting a business is not a long, quiet river. You have to adapt all the time. I surrounded myself with competent people and I learned gradually. Since I sometimes put the brakes on growth, my business grew slowly, but I liked the way I did things. It’s been 11 years and today, I’m in my element. My human-scale business is consistent with my values.” – Alexandra Pagé, founding president of Glup bébé inc.

“I immigrated here from France in the 90s and worked in press relations for many years. At 40, I wanted to do something else and I trained in cabinetmaking. I became a craftsman and at 48, I created the company AMIK Ébénisterie. Then, at 50, in my workshop, I created Picolo Vélo, a wooden bicycle manufacturing company, with two partners. Now, when I think back, this is probably what I should have done at 20, because it is truly what I am passionate about. My days follow one another and are never the same. You never get bored as an entrepreneur! However, I recognize that it is my journey that led me to where I am. I am certainly more mature and more aware of my abilities, even if there are always things to learn.” – Loïc Dehoux, co-partner and co-founder, Picolo Vélo

“I have always had this curiosity about entrepreneurship that was inspired in me by my brother who had success with his company. However, being in a certain comfort zone with high-level jobs, the timing was never ideal, not to mention that I was a little financially insecure. Until life shook me up in my early fifties, after being laid off from a job as general manager after more than 14 years with the same employer. I held other positions afterwards where I had difficulty fulfilling myself. I started in business 3 years ago at age 56 and I have never looked back. Age really has nothing to do with self-fulfillment. I am very proud to have thought outside the box and to be able to share my experience today within our consulting and talent prospecting firm.” – François Lachaîne, president and partner, BLV Besner Lachaine Valiquette Inc.

“At 52, I bought the company I had been working for for seven years. The opportunity presented itself and I said yes without thinking too much about it. I thought it was a great opportunity to grow and surpass myself! I believed I could make a difference with the company, particularly by saving jobs. I have always admired people in business, the “ go getters” who have a lot of courage, initiative and energy. Today I feel like them (a little!) and I want to succeed! I like the challenge even if it scares me…” – Nathalie Gauthier, Senior Associate, Sales & Marketing, VSM Marketing