towards an entrepreneurial ecosystem for and by entrepreneurs

MONTREAL, November 26, 2024 - MAIN takes a decisive step forward by unveiling a new strategic vision to contribute to an entrepreneurial ecosystem where every action brings value to entrepreneurs. The mission of the "movement" initiated almost ten years ago is thus broadened to rally all those who, through their actions, wish to "give entrepreneurs the courage to risk".

This mission is guided by strong principles and already supported by initiatives that demonstrate the value MAIN aims to bring to entrepreneurs, support players and ecosystem partners.

• By and for entrepreneurs: in a healthy ecosystem, entrepreneurs lead at the center, and the actions of all players converge to meet their needs.
• No dependence on government funding: given its strategic importance to entrepreneurs, the infrastructure that supports the ecosystem must be protected from political and economic volatility to ensure its sustainability and autonomy.
• In decentralized mode: the efficiency and resilience of the ecosystem depend on the quality of interactions between network points (collaboration between players and navigability for the entrepreneur), which makes the most of local strengths and expertise while strengthening connections.

1. A new mission

MAIN's Board of Directors, having just welcomed two new members with entrepreneurial profiles — Daniel Valois of ProgressionLIVE and Simon Boulet of Stay22 — presented the bold and ambitious mission that will guide the Mouvement over the coming years: to give entrepreneurs the courage to risk.

2. A portal as proof of concept

Presented as the first step towards a more functional and common informational infrastructure — platform — for entrepreneurs and the players who support them, the portail.mainqc.com microsite aims to make the ecosystem's many resources accessible and easily navigable for all.

3. An independent, highly-engaged committee of entrepreneurs

A 100% independent committee of entrepreneurs is currently being formed, under the leadership of Phil Rivard. By bringing the voice of entrepreneurs to the table, it will ensure that the actions of MAIN — and of all those receptive to its recommendations — meet their needs and preoccupations. It will propose concrete courses of action and help shape the next steps in the ecosystem's development.

"Our movement is beginning a significant phase in its evolution. "Giving entrepreneurs the courage to risk" is a challenge we must take up together. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, structured ecosystem, adapted to the contemporary realities of innovative entrepreneurs. The Mouvement we imagined nearly 10 years ago — MAIN, the nonprofit, shall be its secretary, coordinator and facilitator, rather than its director or conductor. It's up to entrepreneurs to lead the way," says Louis-Félix Binette, MAIN's Executive Director.

MAIN is committed to building an inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem, designed by and for entrepreneurs. Its renewed mission is to give entrepreneurs the courage to risk by promoting simplified, relevant and timely access to support resources, strengthening collaboration between ecosystem players and developing tools that support their long-term impact.

For more information, visit mainqc.com and portail.mainqc.com.