A strong community of ambitious women entrepreneurs. Those words capture the essence of Cheffes de file, a unique CDPQ initiative designed to support and drive the growth of companies owned by women. Created almost six years ago, the program brings together over 120 business leaders from various regions of Québec. It also mobilizes many of CDPQ’s employees, whose expertise and involvement contribute to its success. To get a look inside this collaboration, we met Sophie Bergeron, Senior Director, Québec and Marie-Pierre Bouchard, Director, Business Relations, CDPQ Global, who are actively involved in the success of the program’s activities.
Sophie Bergeron, Senior Director, Québec
When we ask Sophie what sets the Cheffes de file offering apart, her answer is clear. “Connections and creating business opportunities! At our events and training sessions, we are very careful to ensure cohesion among the participants, so that they can feel free to talk to each other.” And many of these discussions have led to great opportunities. For example, during a community event, discussions took place between the President of Luminaire Authentik, one of the Cheffes de file, and the CEO of Cozey, a CDPQ portfolio company. The result? The discussions led to a business collaboration to open a pop-up store in New York.
She adds that the initiative’s range of support for women entrepreneurs is very broad: “We offer support in digital technology, finance, international expansion and much more.”
Marie-Pierre Bouchard, Director, Business Relations, CDPQ Global
Marie-Pierre agrees, adding, “The quality of CDPQ’s network is a highly enviable competitive advantage. We don’t hesitate to put women entrepreneurs in touch with our network when an opportunity arises. All too often, they don’t know the players in Québec’s entrepreneurial chain who are focussed on business growth here and abroad. Our aim is always to refer them to the person who can make a difference.”
Needs change, challenges remain
First introduced in 2018, Cheffes de file is as important and relevant today as it ever was. To achieve that, the program evolves at the same pace as general entrepreneurial business needs. For Marie-Pierre, it’s all about context and synchronicity. “The environment has really changed in the last five years, as has the economy, the geopolitical climate and technology. This can either benefit or challenge our Cheffes de file. What’s important is to maintain our relationships with them, to help them keep moving forward.”
Catherine Samson, Senior Director, Business Relationships, Québec
“In response to the evolving needs of women entrepreneurs, we have recently developed an offering with themed cohorts. These select cohorts, focussed on specific themes such as financial strategy, strategic planning and expansion into new markets, enable the participating women leaders to move quickly from theory to action. In addition to co‑developing solutions during interactive sessions, the Cheffes de file receive coaching from our in‑house experts, which adds significant value to their involvement.”
Enthusiasm that goes beyond capital
Sophie and Marie-Pierre are in total agreement about the motivation and enthusiasm they get from contributing to Cheffes de file. “When we mobilize women entrepreneurs with the right support, the value we’re able to create is fantastic! When we get back out in the field, we see that something beautiful has happened,” says Marie-Pierre. And for Sophie, the motivation lies behind all the women she meets: “All the Cheffes de file I’ve met so far are big-hearted women. With big ambitions for their company’s growth, they manage to demonstrate humility while they’re breaking glass ceilings. They’re truly inspiring!”
