On October 22, Evol celebrated 30 years of commitment to more inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship with a vibrant event that brought together visionary entrepreneurs, engaged partners, and long-standing allies.
Meaningful connections
Under the theme Paving the way, our 30th anniversary celebration was marked by inspiring encounters and forward-looking conversations where reflection, ambition, and humanity came together. We had the privilege of welcoming two exceptional women entrepreneurs:
Marie Eloy, a journalist by training turned committed entrepreneur, founded Femmes des Territoires and Bouge ta Boîte in France, two networks that bring together thousands of women leaders and help transform the economy. A leading figure in women’s entrepreneurship in France, a Knight of the French National Order of Merit, and recognized by Forbes and the Top 50 CSR, she delivered a powerful keynote on the strength of diversity and the impact of collective action in changing the world.
We were also honoured to welcome Marie-Josée Richer, co-founder of Prana, unanimously selected by Evol’s team for her inspiring journey. In a talk marked by authenticity, she reminded us that it is possible to build a thriving business without ever compromising one’s values, by embracing a deeply human approach.
For the occasion, we also brought together the founding partners of Impact Envelope 1 for an inspiring discussion on the role of impact entrepreneurship as a catalyst for social and economic transformation. Hosted in a format that was both human and dynamic, the panel featured Geneviève Morin (Fondaction), Miguel Barrieras (BDC), Vincent Landry (National Bank), and Julie Morand (Fonds de solidarité FTQ).
The evening was further distinguished by the presence of several notable guests, including Éric Girard, Minister Delegate for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, as well as Françoise Richard, one of the pioneers of our organization. Long before Evol, and even before Femmessor, she was among the women who, in 1995, joined forces and contributed personal donations to create the very first Investment Fund for Women’s Entrepreneurship (FIEF). A founding gesture that paved the way for everything we are accomplishing today.
Voices to transform the future
A panel of inspiring entrepreneurs also took the stage to share their visions and hopes for the future of entrepreneurship. These rich and authentic exchanges highlighted the boldness, creativity, and solidarity that have animated our community for three decades.
This was also the opportunity to launch the Visionaries Collective: a brand-new initiative bringing together 30 entrepreneurs from across Quebec. Together, they will unite their voices to imagine the future of entrepreneurship and help shape a more human and sustainable economy.
Thank you to our event partners
A heartfelt thank-you to our partners, whose support and trust made all the difference in the success of this celebration:
- Gold partners: BDC and La Caisse
- Silver partner: National Bank
- Bronze partners: Fondaction, Ordre des CPA du Québec, and Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Your commitment is the key to our collective success.
“For 30 years, our organization has grown alongside Quebec’s entrepreneurs and built strong relationships with partners who share our vision of a more just and sustainable economy. We have come a long way, but the best is yet to come: continuing, together, to pave the way toward deeply human and meaningful entrepreneurship.”
— Géraldine Martin, President and CEO of Evol
“Celebrating Evol’s 30th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the impact of this trusted long-term partner of BDC: nearly $70 million in financing to more than 1,500 businesses, generating $338 million in investments and contributing to the creation and retention of over 10,000 jobs. We share a commitment to action and to expanding our reach so that more entrepreneurs can contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy. This evening marked a starting point for Evol’s next 30 years—and all signs point to an impact as significant as the first.”
— Miguel Barrieras, Chief Community Banking and Impact Officer, BDC
“For thirty years, Evol has inspired bold and inclusive entrepreneurship, where innovation is reflected in business models, in the values upheld by entrepreneurs, and in the tangible impacts generated within our communities.”
— Catherine Samson, Senior Director, Business Relations, Quebec, at La Caisse
30 years of growth and impact in entrepreneurship
Since 1995, Evol has helped foster thousands of inclusive, impact-driven businesses. Thirty years of growth, collaboration, and inspiring stories demonstrate that together, we can transform the face of Quebec’s economy. Through this commitment, approximately 100,000 entrepreneurs have been reached by our various initiatives over the years.
At Evol, we do finance differently, finance with purpose. The numbers speak for themselves: since the launch of the impact envelope, 82% of our financing has gone to women, 34% to other historically underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship, and 100% of the businesses we support have committed to integrating or strengthening sustainable development practices.
Evol continues on this path of paving the way to help shape a more diversified, equitable, and sustainable economy.