Want to learn about business? Look no further

Under the Défi de l’entrepreneuriat jeunesse program, Mr. Grondin is, along with 74 other officers working all over the province, in charge of promoting business starting initiatives and has for mission to inform youths about the business world as a whole. In collaboration with St. Laurent’s Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (CJE), Mr. Grondin visits schools and encourage people to participate in event like the Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest. “When I meet with students, we do workshops, debates and I often invite business people, so they can talk about their experience,” said Mr. Grondin. For the Contest, I help people to write their business plan and I make sure they fill out the forms correctly.”

The officer’s mandate is not only limited to local schools as he also organizes workshops with many community organizations like the Centre d’encadrement pour jeunes filles immigrantes (CEJFI), the Éco-cartier and the Vélogik program. It’s also possible to make an appointment with Mr. Grondin for a private meeting and learn how to start-up a business. “When someone comes to see me with a business idea, we first look at the motivations that pushed him towards the idea of starting a business and we validate them, explained Mr. Grondin. Then, we operate a market research and we start working on the business plan.” In order to receive help from this HEC graduate in management-entrepreneurship, one has to be serious about his commitment and to make sure his client is honest, Mr. Grondin is not afraid to give homework. “Approximately 50% of the people come back after the market research step. Then, I can refer them to other services for financing like the Young Entrepreneur Fund offered by the CLD Centre-Ouest or the Self-Employment Assistance Program offered by SAJE Montréal Centre.”

There are many other ways to learn about the business world. The Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board offers a 330-hour class called Business launching. From August 18 to 20, teenagers aged between 14 and 16 will be able to be a part of the third edition of the Young Montrealers Desjardins Entrepreneurship Camp. Later this year, many activities will be held during the Entrepreneurial Culture Week.

Mr. Grondin is always looking for entrepreneurs who are interested in sharing their experience and knowledge with others, so for those interested, just contact Mr. Grondin at the number or e-mail address below.

(Photo: Martin Alarie)