When we talk about entrepreneurship at Québec, we often discuss innovation, growth, the next generation of entrepreneurs, and business succession. However, there is far less discussion of a crucial issue: the psychological and financial survival of those who are already in business and are navigating a period of turbulence.
That is precisely the playground of Nathaly Riverin, founder of Entrepreneurial Perseverance. His message is clear:
“We in Quebec can’t afford to lose the entrepreneurs we already have.”
A shrinking pool of entrepreneurs
Nathaly begins with an alarming observation: the numbers show a significant decline in entrepreneurship. By 2025–2026, we could end up with fewer than 100,000 Quebec entrepreneurs who live here, run a business here, and employ at least one person.
At the same time, several factors are at play:
- less profitable companies;
- higher debt;
- a series of crises.
This combination places enormous pressure on entrepreneurs and creates a blind spot: struggling businesses.
A safety net for people and businesses
The Entrepreneurial Perseverance program supports entrepreneurs for one year, guided by a very clear principle: people are more important than the business.
Specifically, the program combines coaching, co-development, training, and access to approximately 25 experts to clarify specific challenges.
Following this program, the majority of participants regain a sense of well-being and, above all, the ability to make clear-headed decisions.
Persévérance Entrepreneuriale provides what is most needed: a neutral, confidential, and empathetic space.
During a focus group with the participants, the words that emerged to describe the program speak volumes: “safe space,” “a place to be authentic,” “stop feeling guilty,” “let off steam,” “empathy,” “the right to say ‘I don’t have the answer.’”
As part of the Parapluie campaign, Persévérance Entrepreneuriale is contributing a very practical offering: the Clarifier program. It is a 2-hour financial assessment designed to:
- present the correct figures;
- identify some potential solutions;
- reduce financial stress, which takes a heavy toll on mental health.
Don't trivialize suffering; don't normalize exhaustion
Entrepreneurial Perseverance and Parapluie converge around the same insight:
“If we want entrepreneurs to continue creating wealth in two, five, or ten years, we must take care of those who are on the front lines today.”