CBDC Péninsule acadienne - Annual Report 2022-23

The Impact of CBDC Péninsule acadienne: Five Facts to Share

CBDC Péninsule acadienne builds local expertise to develop more wealth in the community and to ensure better resource allocation. Its major decisions are facilitated by the volunteer work of its Board of Directors, whose members are business and community leaders.

Creating Local Jobs: In the past fiscal year, CBDC Péninsule acadienne helped to create and maintain 214 jobs. Supporting small business serves to stimulate the local economy through the creation of jobs that meet the needs of the CBDC Péninsule acadienne.

Maintaining Rural Populations: The CBDC has noted a marked increase in immigration to the Péninsule acadienne, with a positive impact on small businesses Efforts are being made to retain newcomers by connecting them with a variety of associations and other institutions, such as the Université de Moncton, Shippagan campus, with a view to increasing participation in business banquets, networking events, etc

Leveraging Local Resources: In the fall of 2022, the CBDC relaunched the local youth business network (RJAPA). Partnerships are being forged with business and community organizations (please refer to page 6) to boost involvement in activities aiming to promote youth entrepreneurship.

Fostering Cooperation and Solidarity: CBDC Péninsule acadienne’s impact extends to consultations with a broad array of community organizations. Alongside the Péninsule acadienne Regional Service Commission, which includes eight new municipal entities, the CBDC is offering its expertise via its position on one of the advisory committee roundtables.

Improving Living Standards: The CBDC exerts a positive influence on organizations with a direct impact on the region’s economic well-being. In the past fiscal year, two loans were approved for non-profit organizations. The flexibility of the terms helps to improve living standards, especially when community projects are approved for which loan guarantees may be more restrictive. NPOs also received funding to access Consultant Advisory Services involving a wide range of projects (governance improvements, business expansion, marketing and human resources).

From left to right: Anne Jean, Secretary-Receptionist, Joanne-Alice Breau, SEB Coordinator, Frédérick McGraw, Executive Director, Annette Landry, Administrative Assistant, Eric Robichaud, Business Account Manager, and Annie-Claude Dugas, Development Officer

For fiscal year 2022-2023, three lines of business took the attention in the CBDC Péninsule acadienne region

Tourism: bike path project to link the main territories of the Acadian peninsula, which could increase accommodation, service, restaurant or boutique projects.

Fisheries: importance of lobster and oysters with, among other things, processing.

Entrepreneurial succession: challenge to help entrepreneurs who wish to retire to pass on their business to new potential buyers.

Applications received Applications approved Amount invested

Number of sessions

granted

Number of business counselling sessions Impact on businesses

Number

Building strong entrepreneurial leverage in the Péninsule acadienne

region

Total value of assistance from the CBDC and financial leverage over the past five years

The total amounts invested can be explained, among other things, by larger loans during the last fiscal year with a 3% increase in the average size of regular loans.

The number of businesses who received financial assistance over the past five years

Jobs created and maintained in the community over the last five years

The impact of CBDC Péninsule acadienne loan programs on employment remains an important factor in the region's economic vitality.

Message from the President Message from the Executive Director

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of CBDC Acadian Peninsula!

I am finishing up my first year as President of CBDC Péninsule acadienne. I am privileged to hold such a position within an organization that plays such an important part in regional economic development and that is now celebrating its milestone 35th anniversary Over the years, the CBDC has undergone remarkable growth, not only in terms of program and service delivery, but also in light of its pivotal community development role

CBDC Péninsule acadienne takes pride in supporting local entrepreneurs and meeting their needs, whether they are start-ups, acquiring a company or maintaining/expanding their business We are always ready, willing, and able to provide financial and technical assistance, just as we have for the past 35 years

It is worth noting that this past year, CBDC Péninsule acadienne boasted a record-breaking loan portfolio, totalling $17 million. Two things are clear: the CBDC has very deep roots and plays a key role in our community.

Our accomplishments are made possible thanks not only to our magnificent team but also to the leadership of our Executive Director, Frédérick McGraw, who encourages our staff to reach new heights of excellence each and every day.

We are privileged to count on a volunteer Board whose members are committed to regional economic development Drawing on their shared vision, they strive to make decisions based on that premise Our Board members make important contributions, not least by donating both time and expertise to the CBDC, as well as to the community as a whole We would like to extend our thanks to all the Board members for their dedication

I would also like to thank all the volunteers who have served on the Board over the past 35 years, as well as all the CBDC employees both past and present Much effort has gone into building the organization since it was founded; it is thanks to all of you that CBDC Péninsule acadienne has flourished over the decades

I am also grateful to our partners for their longstanding support. They include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which has funded our operations from the outset, and WorkingNB, on whose behalf we have been delivering the SelfEmployment Benefit (SEB) program for the past 34 years We also appreciate the wide-ranging support provided by our other partners and collaborators.

In closing, I would like to thank the CBDC’s clients for placing their trust in us Our ongoing goal is to offer them the very best programs and services Rest assured that CBDC Péninsule acadienne will continue to fulfil its regional economic development role Thanks to our solid position, we are sure to be serving you for many years to come and I am certain that our shared future will be equally remarkable.

Jacques Chiasson, President

Record-breaking loans volume as we mark our 35th anniversary!

As we launch a special celebration to mark CBDC Péninsule acadienne’s accomplishments over the past 35 years, the CBDC continues to have a major impact on regional economic development We are proud to have such a wide range of companies operating in the region, together with a group of entrepreneurs who continue to work hard in their quest for success. That reality provides us with even more motivation, as evidenced by our recordbreaking achievement over the past year: we disbursed more than $4 7 million in commercial loans Over the past 35 years, a total of 1,800 loans have been disbursed, totalling $84.6 million, not including various financial aid programs rolled out during the pandemic.

Under the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) program, we helped 23 entrepreneurs with their business start-ups over the past year Training and consulting were provided under a variety of other programs that exceeded all expectations. This amounted to an $84,842 investment in fees for specialized advisory services and cutting-edge business management training. Local companies are seeking better management tools with a view to boosting profitability and long-term viability.

We are also deeply involved in the community, backed by an array of initiatives. This past year, we proudly launched the Réseau des jeunes en affaires as networking activities resumed. After a two-year hiatus, the annual awards banquet was held to recognize junior and female entrepreneurs In addition, our annual golf tournament drew more than 127 people, while our annual drive benefited local food banks

I would like to thank the wonderful CBDC team, which takes such good care of our clients and works so hard to help local businesses each and every day I am also grateful to the members of our Board and its President, Jacques Chiasson. Your volunteer involvement is one of the keyways to ensure good governance and to contribute expertise to our organization. Thanks as well to all the Board members and employees, both past and present You have all played a major role in building and growing the organization over the past 35 years. Your contributions and the benefits they bring are important for the CBDC and for each community we serve

Thanks to our partners, including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), WorkingNB, the various levels of government, regional financial institutions and all our other partners and collaborators Your partnership is essential!

In closing, congratulations to all the entrepreneurs and SMEs in the region, particularly our clients, for whom we have immense respect in light of their ongoing efforts to achieve business success CBDC Péninsule acadienne has been hard at work over the past 35 years, supporting local companies. Rest assured that we will do whatever we can to continue supporting you in the years and decades to come

Frédérick McGraw, Executive Director

Board of Directors

Réseau des jeunes en affaires de la Péninsule acadienne (RJAPA)

The RJAPA makes it possible to create a calendar of events, which aims to introducing businesses owned by young entrepreneurs from the Péninsule acadienne and to have them participate in activities where they can discuss their challenges and various topics of interests. The events are open to the general population. Created by the CBDC Péninsule acadienne in partnership with the region's chambers of commerce, Phénomène and the RDÉE, the RJAPA has been organizing business activities since 2005, such as an annual golf tournament, happy hours, breakfast-talks, in addition to a Young Entrepreneur and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award banquet.

From left to right, Frédérick McGraw, Executive Director of the CBDC Péninsule acadienne, the winner Anne Sophie Mallet (Young Entrepreneur Award) and Jacques Chiasson, President of the CBDC Péninsule acadienne

From left to right, Frédérick McGraw, Executive Director of the CBDC Péninsule acadienne, the winner Yanetta Basque Thomas (Woman Entrepreneur Award) and Jacques Chiasson, President of the CBDC Péninsule acadienne.

BrunoHolmes, Director Carole McGrath, Director Monik Noël, Director PierreBoudreau,Director

NathalieBasque, Director Patrick Noël, Director MartinNoël,Director Isabelle Paulin, Director

JacquesChiasson, President Jean-Eudes Duguay, VicePresident Jean-Marie Robichaud,Treasurer Paulette Robert, Secretary

CBDC Programs and Services

Who We Are

CBDCs are not-for-profit organizations run by volunteers from the local business community who firmly believe in improving the economic viability of their region. There are 41 CBDC offices in Atlantic Canada dedicated to the development of small businesses and assisting entrepreneurs in accessing financing and other business training and resources.

What We Do

Our objective is to help build stronger communities in Atlantic Canada by stimulating private sector employment in our rural areas. CBDCs work throughout rural Atlantic Canda in the creation, expansion and modernization of small and mesium sized businesses.

What We Offer Entrepreneurs

Youth Loan

Tailored solutions for young entrepreneurs aged from 18 to 34 that are interested in starting, expanding or modernizing their business.

First-Time Entrepreneur Loan

Targeted financing for the first-time entrepreneurs starting or purchasing their first business.

General Business Loan

Designed to assist entrepreneurs when traditional avenues of financing are not available, for either creating, purchasing or succession planning.

Innovation Loan

Assist in the development of the knowledgebased economy, the adaptation and commercialization of technology.

Social Enterprise Loan

Tailored financing designed to assist social enterprises.

Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program*

Provides financial and coaching support to new entrepreneurs during the planning and start-up phase of their new business

Business Counselling

Business counselling in the form of advice to new and established entrepreneur

Consultant Advisory Services

Available to small and medium-sized business, as well as non-for-profit organization, to access technical and financial assistance by engaging consultants to assist them in various topics.

Skills Training

Tailored trainings in specialized areas such as marketing development, bookkeeping, feasibility studies and business analysis

*Please note: Programs and services delivered by CBDCs may vary by region.

*SEB is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Provincial Governments Labor Market Agreements.