The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville proudly honoured ten standout local businesses during the 27th edition of the Défi OSEntreprendre local gala, held on March 26 at the Centre de formation professionnelle des nouvelles technologies of the Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles in Sainte-Thérèse. Presided over by Patrick Gharzani, CEO of SBB, the evening recognized the exceptional achievements of the region’s entrepreneurs and highlighted their impact on the local economy and community.
The annual gala celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and sustainable development across the MRC. This year’s event spotlighted ten businesses that distinguished themselves through creativity, economic impact, and resilience. These winners will go on to represent the MRC at the regional gala, scheduled for April 24, 2025, at the Complexe Val-d’Espoir in Mirabel. Winners at the regional level will be eligible for monetary prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with the provincial gala to follow on June 11 in Quebec City.
The award-winning businesses span a wide array of sectors, from social economy and personal services to commerce and technological innovation, demonstrating the diversity and strength of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Among the recognized businesses were:
- L’Avant-Champ (Boisbriand), recognized in the Social Economy category.
- Les Thés frais et Boba inc. (Blainville), in Business Services.
- Convalescence inc (Rosemère), in the Commerce category.
- Clinique Hormo-Nova (Blainville), for Personal Services.
- Gamotech and Morpho Gym/9448-8731 Québec inc. (both from Blainville), awarded in the Technological and Technical Innovation category.
- PAM métal inc (Blainville), in the category of Production and Transformation.
- In the “Doing Business Together” stream, three businesses stood out: Marché Damitio (Sainte-Thérèse), Grillage Bolar (Canada) inc (Blainville), and La Station Vrac (Rosemère).
These businesses not only stood out for their economic viability but also for their commitment to community values, sustainability, and innovation. Their stories offer a glimpse into a region alive with potential and brimming with entrepreneurial talent.
“We are extremely proud to recognize local entrepreneurs who are actively contributing to the vitality of our economy,” said Éric Westram, Warden of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère. “These businesses are not only models of innovation but also key players in job creation and sustainable solutions for our community. Their accomplishments inspire and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions with passion and perseverance.”
Kamal El-Batal, Director General of the MRC, echoed the sentiment, adding, “This gala is a unique opportunity to spotlight the excellence and creativity of our region’s businesses. We are thrilled to see so many entrepreneurs whose initiatives help energize the local economy and uphold the values of collaboration and sustainability that are at the core of our mission. Congratulations to all the winners, and to those who will continue to make our region shine.”
The ten winners were selected through a rigorous review process based on criteria such as business impact, value proposition, innovation, financial outlook, and the inspiration they bring to their respective fields. Each submission was thoroughly evaluated to identify the most promising and deserving candidates in each category.
The upcoming regional gala in Mirabel marks a key milestone for these entrepreneurs as they prepare to compete on a larger stage. A successful showing there will secure their spot in the provincial gala in June, offering another opportunity to showcase the excellence and dynamism of businesses from Thérèse-De Blainville.
The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville, located on Montreal’s North Shore, is part of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) and serves as a gateway to the Laurentians. With nearly 165,000 residents spread over 207 square kilometers, the MRC encompasses seven municipalities: Blainville, Boisbriand, Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, Rosemère, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, and Sainte-Thérèse. Known for its mix of metropolitan accessibility and natural charm, the region benefits from commuter rail access, major highway connections, and proximity to the Mille Îles River, making it a desirable place to live and work.
As the gala concluded, a clear message resonated: innovation is thriving in Thérèse-De Blainville, and the future of entrepreneurship in the region looks bright.