Behind many of the North Shore’s small businesses and social enterprises lies a first step that began not in a boardroom, but in a classroom, a community centre, or a kitchen table. The Défi OSEntreprendre hopes to uncover the next wave of those stories as it launches its 28th edition across the Laurentians, with the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville once again playing a central coordinating role
The annual initiative, which spans from primary school students to seasoned entrepreneurs, is one of Quebec’s largest platforms dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial thinking. According to organizers, more than 47,000 participants take part each year across the province, supported by a network of over 300 local and regional coordinators
At the MRC level, the competition focuses on two streams, business creation and Réussite inc., highlighting both emerging enterprises and established entrepreneurs whose journeys are considered inspiring. To qualify, participating businesses must not have generated revenue before April 1, 2025, and must officially launch no later than December 31, 2026. Registration with Quebec’s enterprise registry is mandatory, ensuring a level playing field
Enterprises are evaluated across a wide range of categories, including social economy, technological innovation, commerce, personal services, business services and production or transformation sectors. Evaluation criteria extend beyond financial projections, emphasizing originality, social impact, sustainability and long-term viability
For Liza Poulin, prefect of the MRC and mayor of Blainville, the challenge is less about trophies than economic resilience. She has described Défi OSEntreprendre as a strategic tool to strengthen the local economy by supporting projects that are innovative, durable and deeply rooted in the community
This year’s honorary president, Olivier Brault, founder of Gamotech, brings a background in environmental technology, with his company focusing on reducing carbon emissions in municipal and commercial fleets. Brault has publicly encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to see everyday problems as opportunities for meaningful change, a message that aligns closely with the challenge’s broader mission
Key dates are already set. Project submissions must be completed by March 11, 2026, at 4 p.m., with the local gala scheduled for March 25, 2026, at the Externat Sacré-Cœur in Rosemère. Winners at the local level advance to the Laurentian regional stage, with the potential to represent the region provincially
For the seven municipalities that make up the MRC, Blainville, Boisbriand, Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, Rosemère, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines and Sainte-Thérèse, the challenge serves as both an economic barometer and a reminder that innovation does not always arrive from outside. More often, it is already here, waiting for the right moment to be noticed.
