The Caisse awards bursaries of $10,000 to two students from the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce

The Caisse is pleased to announce its intention to award two $10,000 bursaries to students from the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce (EEB). The RÉGION ÉLOIGNÉE DE LA BEAUCE (Beauce-remote region) bursary was awarded to Lilianne Savard of Groupe P.O.G. inc., a Chicoutimi-based company specializing in the construction industry and industrial maintenance. The CRÉATION D’ENTREPRISE (business creation) bursary, which aims to recognize the founder of a company created at least five years prior, was awarded to Patrick Sirois of Ido Triode, a Québec City-based innovation consulting firm.

“The École d’Entrepreneurship empowers Québec’s succession so our entrepreneurs may distinguish and position themselves in this highly competitive world. Of course, value-added products and services are essential, but what is also – and especially – required is visionary business leaders who are capable of taking the right risks and seizing opportunities that arise,” stated Caroline St-Jacques, General Manager, Public Affairs and Community Relations, Québec City region, at the Caisse de dépôt et placement. “The bursary program that we have developed in conjunction with the EEB is precisely intended to give an additional boost to this new generation of entrepreneurs that will be instrumental in building the Québec of tomorrow.”

“Our aim is to contribute to the development of entrepreneurship in all regions of Québec. These bursaries make a real difference to our entrepreneurs by giving them easier access to the EEB. We are proud to create this new educational institution for Québec in partnership with the Caisse de dépôt,” stated Nathaly Riverin, General Manager of the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce.

Since the bursary program was created in fall 2010, the Caisse has awarded six bursaries totaling over $65,000. Four bursaries are awarded annually; two in the fall session and two in the spring.

ABOUT THE ÉCOLE D’ENTREPRENEURSHIP DE BEAUCE

The École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce (EEB) is the only school in Québec dedicated to training entrepreneurs from all sectors, thanks to the expertise of high-level business leaders. In addition to obtaining major support from several entrepreneurs active in the Beauce region, the school has benefited from a key partnership with two Québec institutions, namely, National Bank of Canada and Desjardins. Located in the Beauce, a mecca of entrepreneurial culture, the EEB aims to build Québec’s entrepreneurial elite. For information on the EEB (various challenges launched to participants, registration procedures, selection criteria, candidate submission process, etc.), consult the EEB website at www.eebeauce.com.

ABOUT THE CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2010, it held $151.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada’s leading institutional fund managers, the Caisse invests in major financial markets, private equity and real estate. For more information: www.cdpq.com.