Québec business receives over $80,000 in financial assistance from CED.
QUÉBEC, QC, June 25,
2024 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for
Quebec Regions (CED)
Indigenous entrepreneurs play a crucial role in Canada's economic development.
In the wake of National Indigenous
History Month, CED wishes to showcase Indigenous
entrepreneurs' leadership and know-how, which are essential in
building a stronger, more resilient, more inclusive economy
in Canada.
That is why the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada,
Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, is
today taking the opportunity during a visit to the business to
announce a non‑repayable contribution of $88,000 for 9358‑3433 Québec Inc. -
MOS, an SME whose primary shareholder is a young Indigenous
person of Atikamekw origin. This CED support will enable the
business to implement a market development strategy and marketing
activities.
MOS is an SME that designs and markets an innovative automobile
roof rack, the MOS UpLift. This roof rack is
designed to simplify the loading and unloading of sports and
outdoor equipment and stands out for its patented assisted lifting
mechanism that makes it possible to safely install a variety of
items at the same time on a vehicle roof. CED's assistance
will enable the SME to attend trade fairs and adapt its
digital marketing and promotional tools, aimed at increasing its
capacity to market its products and open up new markets.
The Government of Canada
recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a
source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic vigour relies on strong
industries with organizations rooted in the regional economy.
Indigenous entrepreneurs are major contributors to growth, as
well as key assets in building a stronger, more resilient, greener,
and more inclusive economy.
Quotes
"SMEs are key drivers of our economy, and I am particularly
delighted, during this National Indigenous History Month, with the
announcement of CED's support for MOS, an innovative business whose
primary shareholder, Joey Hébert, comes from an Indigenous
community. The success and spin-offs of this marketing project
will undoubtedly contribute to economic vitality in the Québec
region and across Quebec
and Canada."
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada,
Minister of Tourism and
Minister responsible for CED
"It has taken us six years to finalize the research and
development phase of our product and to establish a reliable supply
chain. Innovation, safety, and simplicity are at the heart of our
mission at MOS. We are committed to making the loading of
equipment onto cars accessible to everyone, regardless of the
outdoor activity being practised. It is also essential for us to
integrate the notions of social and environmental responsibility
into all of our operations. In recent years, we have focused on
integrating the principles of inclusion, diversity, eco-design, and
lifecycle analysis of our products to reduce our ecological
footprint and make a positive contribution to our society. We now
have an innovative, sustainable product that complies with car
industry standards, ready to conquer the North American market.
Thanks to the support of CED and our other business partners, we
have developed a sales force and a solid marketing team to boost
our growth. We are also developing other complementary
products and accessories to the MOS UpLift, aimed at enriching
users' experience as they load their equipment. As an entrepreneur
from a First Nations community, I am proud to build with my
team and our various mentors a Quebec business with international reach and
to thereby showcase Indigenous entrepreneurship."
Joey Hébert, President and Co-founder, MOS
Quick facts
- The funds have been granted under CED's Regional Economic
Growth through Innovation program. This program targets
entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and
increase their competitiveness, as well as regional economic
stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment
conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all
regions.
- CED is the key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. Thanks
to its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses,
supporting organizations, and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.
- In 2009, the House of Commons designated the month of June as
National Indigenous History Month. It is an opportunity to learn
about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First
Nations, Inuit and Métis. It is a time to honour the stories,
achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived
on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to
impact an evolving Canada.
- The 2024 federal budget proposes a section entitled A Fair
Future for Indigenous Peoples aimed at helping to ensure First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have what they need to grow
and succeed on their own terms, and thereby continue to make
meaningful progress in the journey of reconciliation.
- Throughout the month of June, individuals, communities and
organizations will showcase First Nations, Inuit and Métis historic
figures, leaders and cultures on social media with the hashtag
#NIHM2024.
Associated links
- MOS
- CED funding initiatives and programs
- About National Indigenous History Month
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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions