Twelve Years of Growth Under André d’Orsonnens’s Chairmanship

The École des entrepreneurs du Québec (ÉEQ) is closing an important chapter in its history. June 19 was André d’Orsonnens’s last day as Chairman of the Board. He held this role for 12 years, during which the school’s achievements multiplied. Now, the ÉEQ trains thousands of entrepreneurs across the province each year and provides its expertise in over 20 countries.

In 2011, the ÉEQ—then called the SAJE accompagnateur d’entrepreneurs—was impressed by the energy and creativity Mr. d’Orsonnens exhibited as Cofounder, Chairman and CEO of Druide informatique, the company developing the software Antidote, and appointed him as one of its first three ambassadors. Two years later, the proud Montrealer took over as head of the organization’s board of directors, saying he was “amazed by the deep, wide-ranging expertise that the SAJE has developed since it was founded in 1985.”

The school had been operating in Montréal from the beginning and was aptly renamed École des entrepreneurs de Montréal. Mr. d’Orsonnens’s inspiring leadership resulted in concerted efforts to make the school as accessible as possible. This included taking into account the limited time and means that people going into business often have by offering affordable trainings with flexible schedules, among other things.

As demand was high across the province, the school started operating throughout Quebec. This resulted in a final name change in 2018—École des entrepreneurs du Québec—and an expanding reach, leading the school to train entrepreneurs in 21 countries.

Every year, thanks to its diversified offerings, the ÉEQ coaches 6000 entrepreneurs from varying age groups and industries. With its competency assessments, the ÉEQ guides leaders towards the workshops and career paths that best suit their needs.

“I firmly believe that entrepreneurial success cannot be attributed to only one person,” says Mr. d’Orsonnens. “To succeed, you need to surround yourself with skilled people—it’s a must. My journey at the École des entrepreneurs du Québec is a great example. For all these years, I have had the privilege of working with Michel Fortin, an unparalleled CEO. He and my successor, Sylvain Bertrand, will form a remarkable duo. I’m confident the institution will keep being this cutting edge in their hands. Now on the eve of its 40th anniversary, the École des entrepreneurs du Québec has stood the test of time.”

The École des entrepreneurs du Québec is the gold standard for developing entrepreneurial skills, and it operates in all of the province’s 17 administrative regions. From ideation to growth, it assists thousands of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds every year. With its world-renowned expertise, it supports a myriad of projects in over 20 countries.

Source: École des entrepreneurs du Québec (French only)

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