What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?

My motivation to start Pacific Québec was driven by a deep-seated desire to bridge different cultural and economic landscapes of different regions. I recognized a significant gap in the market: the need to facilitate interprovincial and international business growth by supporting French-speaking companies in their expansion into English-speaking markets, and conversely, helping English-speaking clients navigate Quebec's unique linguistic and cultural landscape. This vision crystallized through my years of involvement in various francophone and anglophone organizations throughout British Columbia. At its core, Pacific Québec embodies an ambitious vision: becoming a significant francophone employer within the Greater Vancouver community. By facilitating the establishment and growth of francophone businesses in British Columbia, we aim to enhance the economic vitality of the francophone presence in Western Canada and create local jobs. Moreover, our efforts will also generate more employment opportunities for anglophones, as our partnerships grow and multiply, fostering mutual benefits and economic expansion. In essence, Pacific Québec is where bilingualism seamlessly meets business, fostering growth and connectivity from coast to coast. Our commitment to bridging cultures and driving mutual economic growth ensures that, as we partner together, we grow together. This unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for both francophone and anglophone communities makes Pacific Québec—and by extension, myself—a deserving recipient of recognition through this prestigious award.

Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?

I believe I deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award for several compelling reasons that underscore my dedication and tangible impact as a young business leader. Since the inception of Pacific Québec just last year, I have showcased a strong command over essential business fundamentals such as operations, marketing, finance, and sales. I am particularly proud that Pacific Québec is fully bootstrapped, having grown entirely through sheer determination and resourcefulness. Within a very short timeframe, we have successfully secured contracts with leading multinational brands and are currently speaking with key international companies. Impressively, this growth has been fueled entirely by referrals and networking, with no expenditure on paid advertising. Our impact transcends business achievements. We are passionately committed to making a positive environmental and social impact. Many of our clients operate within sustainable businesses or the education sector, ensuring that our efforts support industries striving for a better future. This alignment not only enriches our business ethos but reinforces our commitment to a sustainable and socially responsible business model. My esteemed position on the board of directors of the Francophone Chamber of Commerce further strengthens my community ties and underscores my dedication to serving the local business ecosystem. This role enables me to actively contribute to the growth and vitality of the francophone business community in British Columbia. Furthermore, I am also very active in the anglophone entrepreneur community, participating in several entrepreneurial groups and programs. This engagement has allowed me to build extensive networks and foster collaboration between diverse business sectors. Our proven track record, resilience, and unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility make us strong contenders for this prestigious award. I am confident that my journey, coupled with Pacific Québec’s achievements and future potential, makes me a deserving recipient of the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award. Thank you for your support. Together, we can continue driving positive change and fostering growth within our communities.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Pacific Québec is a company born from a dream and forged through resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to bridging cultural divides and fostering meaningful connections. Nearly ten years ago, our founder Marie-Maude Groulx made the bold decision to leave Québec and seek new horizons in Vancouver. Her professional journey, rich with diverse experiences in B2C and B2B sectors, as well as for-profit corporations and non-profit organizations, revealed a gap in the market. A year and a half ago, she made another bold decision: to transform this opportunity into action by launching Pacific Québec with a clear and impactful mission—to bridge the gap between Canada's west coast and the Québec market. Since then, our team has been dedicated to supporting businesses in navigating new markets, forming strategic alliances, and crafting campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Every project we take on is a testament to our belief that when cultures and markets collaborate, remarkable things happen. Our key differentiator is our excellent bilingual team, an invaluable asset in an anglophone province. In an impressively short period, we have secured contracts with major multinational brands and are currently in discussions with significant international companies. Remarkably, this growth was achieved without spending a single dollar on paid advertising, relying solely on referrals and networking. This proves our commitment and involvement in making a great impact and being active in our communities: our organic growth demonstrates the power of genuine connections and our dedication to fostering meaningful relationships. As we continue to grow, our commitment to fostering interprovincial and international business development remains steadfast. We aim to create more opportunities for both francophone and anglophone communities, forging a path of mutual growth and economic prosperity.