The SIJ (International Youth Service) is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering young people by offering them opportunities for personal growth, intercultural exchange, and community engagement. Through various programs and initiatives, SIJ encourages youth to develop their skills, broaden their horizons, and become active contributors to society. View SIJ's website for more information.
The mission of Société d’Investissement Jeunesse (S.I.J.) is to promote entrepreneurship, contribute to economic development, and create jobs by supporting young entrepreneurs in launching their businesses. SIJ specifically encourages business projects led by individuals aged 18 to 40, helping them start or acquire innovative and technological companies throughout Quebec.
SIJ provides loans ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 to businesses run by young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40. These loans support both the founding and acquisition of companies, focusing on innovation and technology. The organization’s financial strength comes from its Financial Assistance Fund, and each business project is carefully evaluated based on a business approach and market realities. Sustainable economic impact and job creation are key selection criteria, ensuring that SIJ’s investments help communities grow.
For over 38 years, SIJ has granted more than $13 million in loan guarantees and has supported over 460 entrepreneurs. Notable recent funding includes:
SIJ’s board of directors and investment committee consist of highly regarded figures in the business community, such as:
Many entrepreneurs have benefited from SIJ’s support, and recent milestones include the appointments of Kim Pasquin and David Parent to the board, and significant financial awards to startups and established companies alike. The consistent investments in innovative projects and technology-driven businesses underline SIJ’s commitment to fueling Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.