Samuel Cloutier-Garneau

Business Development Advisor - Youth Strategy Funding

As a business development advisor for the CAE Memphrémagog, I am responsible for the Youth Strategy Fund, offering coaching and financing to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39. This program is particularly relevant because it is often difficult for young people to obtain financing from financial institutions. Through the Youth Strategy Fund, they can get a personal loan and use this cash to start their business or as a down payment to access other sources of financing. This opportunity encourages young entrepreneurs to start, develop or acquire a business in the Memphremagog RCM and is consistent with the general aims of the fund that are to attract, maintain and develop businesses in the region.

I worked for 8 years as a financial advisor in the banking sector. I learned to ask the right questions to accurately target the financing needs of my clients and help them find solutions when faced with difficulties. The expertise I have developed means that I have the ability to make financing recommendations that meet both the needs of the entrepreneur and the financing requirements of their business. I also have an excellent network of contacts in the banking sector. I work in collaboration with several partners in our region who support local businesses, so my expertise and network of contacts allow me to offer a complete range of services.

I love meeting new and enthusiastic people and being a witness to their ideas and projects. I especially like the fact that, at the CAE Memphrémagog, our intervention is not limited to financing. I have the opportunity to coach my clients in the realization of their project and to follow up with them to ensure the development of their business. Thanks to the financial analysis that we provide throughout the process, together we can anticipate certain difficulties and be proactive about possible solutions rather than just reacting to events. My main source of motivation is to see the projects I support come to fruition. Nothing is more energizing for me than to see the concrete outcome of a project in which I have participated.

Samuel C G