Gatineau youth power seven new business launches

Tashi Farmilo

Seven new businesses are now up and running in Gatineau, thanks to the support of the Carrefour jeunesse emploi (CJE) de l’Outaouais. The entrepreneurs behind these ventures were honoured during the 14th annual Cuvée des entrepreneurs (Entrepreneurs’ Vintage), a key event during Global Entrepreneurship Week that highlights youth-led innovation and enterprise.

Eight local entrepreneurs were featured this year, each having developed their business with help from CJE’s personalised coaching and advisory services. The organisation assists over 180 entrepreneurs every year in starting, growing, or reviving their projects, making it a central player in the region’s economic and social development.

The event took place in a relaxed 5 à 7 format, where attendees could meet the entrepreneurs, explore their products and services, and build connections with community members, elected officials, and business partners. The setting allowed for direct conversations and showcased the determination and creativity driving these new ventures.

The businesses launched this year include Atelier AR+V by Geneviève Boulay, which offers furniture upholstery services in the MRC-des-Collines; BKE Massage by Noah Girard, providing equine massage therapy; and Co·daz by Jade Lemieux Leclerc, which delivers psychosocial services to individuals and communities. Also featured were Jado la nutri by Jade Grenier, focused on inclusive nutrition coaching; KP Auto Mobile by Karolane Labbé and Philippe Arsenault, a mobile mechanic service; Metamorph Design by Jean-Benoît Soucie, a bilingual digital arts school; and Services virtuels Madore by Léticia Madore, offering administrative support to non-profits throughout Quebec.

Serving as honorary president for the evening was Alexandre Goyette, business advisor with Desjardins Entreprises Outaouais. He praised the participants’ ambition and courage, stating, “Behind every business, there is an idea, a passion, and a person who dared to try. These entrepreneurs perfectly represent what entrepreneurship means: believing in yourself and building the future of our region.”