Québec, the November 21, 2024 — Le Grand Saut brought together more than 100 entrepreneurs, mentors, experts, and decision-makers on November 21 as part of a major event aimed at breaking the taboo surrounding mental health in the world of innovative entrepreneurship.
This major event took place in a spirit of support, collaboration, and awareness, offering participants a special opportunity to discuss the psychological and emotional challenges that are often ignored or downplayed in their daily lives.
A Look Back at an Event That Brought People Together
The goal of Le Grand Saut was to give entrepreneurs—who are often seen as unshakable “superheroes”—the opportunity to share their personal experiences and challenges regarding mental health without fear of judgment. Given the demanding nature of their professional lives, the event thus represents an essential step toward creating a space where entrepreneurs can speak openly and be heard.
In addition to conferences, panels, and workshops, the event also served as a forum for collaboration to chart a path toward a future in which the overall well-being of entrepreneurs would be placed at the heart of Québec’s economic priorities. Attendees contributed to the discussion aimed at avoiding duplication of efforts and working in silos.
Le Grand Saut was made possible thanks to the entrepreneurial vision Québec 2026, driven by the Capitale-Nationale Region Fund, and the financial contribution of the Québec Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE).
The Big Leap: the flagship event of the Le Parachute project
This event marks an important milestone for the Le Parachute initiative, which aims to raise awareness among innovative entrepreneurs about the key role that good mental health plays in achieving their projects’ business goals and to highlight mental health challenges within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Founded in 2020 in the National Capital, Le Parachute is now led by the accelerators Innovation MovementQuébec Innovation Movement, which has expanded this initiative to 13 regions of Québec thanks to the involvement of 48 organizations that provide psychological support to the businesses they mentor. Since last May, Le Parachute has enabled more than 70 innovative entrepreneurs to receive 275 hours of free psychological support.
In addition, Le Parachute carries out concrete initiatives throughout the year to equip and support entrepreneurs as they face the demanding realities of their profession. Through online resources, workshops, conferences, and peer support groups, Le Parachute continues its mission to break the isolation of entrepreneurs, provide them with opportunities for exchange, and raise awareness throughout the entire ecosystem about these critical issues.
In addition to providing direct support to entrepreneurs, Le Parachute also aims to train and equip support professionals so they can recognize signs of distress in the entrepreneurs they mentor and provide appropriate assistance before a crisis arises.
For more information, visit leparachute.ca
“Mental health is everyone’s business. Thanks to Le Parachute and events like Le Grand Saut, we’re taking concrete action to support a stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial community. Because a healthy mind is an essential pillar of our businesses’ success.”
- Christopher Skeete, Deputy Minister of the Economy, Minister in Charge of Combating Racism, and Minister in Charge of the Laval Region
“Québec is proud to host events like Le Grand Saut that redefine the boundaries of entrepreneurial success. Since entrepreneurship is one of our economic priorities, it is important to make the mental health of our entrepreneurs a top priority in order to support our city’s vitality and prosperity.”
- Bruno Marchand, mayor of the City of Québec
“An entrepreneur’s most valuable asset is their mind. Without good mental health, even if you have the best innovation to solve society’s biggest problems, it will be impossible to succeed. By pooling our strengths and resources, we can build stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial communities and a richer, more competitive ecosystem on the global stage.”
- Louis-Félix Binette, Executive Director, accelerators Innovation Movement of Québec