Press release – CEIM is proud to to announce that it has been entrusted with the management of the Société d’Investissement Jeunesse (S.I.J.) impact fund providing the organization with an additional financial lever to support innovative young leaders and entrepreneurs.

The announcement was made by Mrs. Hélène Desmarais, President of S.I.J. and Mr. Christian Perron, CEIM’s President and COO, during the S.I.J. board meeting which took place on September 23.

Launched in 1986 by the Desmarais family, the S.I.J. fund is designed to promote entrepreneurship among young people across Quebec by financially supporting their start-ups, acquisitions and investments in the capital stock ventures.

The fund is aimed at tech entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 and offers loans ranging from $ 50,000 to $ 200,000.

With the S.I.J. fund, CEIM, which already plays a key role in supporting young up-and-coming companies and that contributes to local economic growth, will further expand its impact, facilitating access to financing for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The S.I.J. fund is a great tool that is flexible and that has demonstrated tremendous success. It enables us to add yet another string to our bow and to further leverage our collaboration with Quebec financial stakeholders. For our entrepreneurs, it also means a complete range of services (office spaces, personalized coaching, an export program and now financing), all under one roof.
– Christian Perron
President & COO, CEIM

There are very few funds and programs that have managed to stand the test of time in Quebec. The S.I.J. economic development fund, combined with CEIM’s expertise, will continue to act as a catalyst for both entrepreneurship and our innovation ecosystem.
– Hélène Desmarais
CEO, S.I.J.