November is Social Economy Month in Quebec. It is a time when communities can look at how the social economy can offer an alternative to the North American economic context, where large chains and multinationals are the driving force in the commercial landscape.
Over 200 social-economy enterprises are active in Montérégie-Ouest, including businesses that are collectively owned by members, employees, or a community, such as cooperatives, non-profit organizations, or solidarity-based enterprises. These enterprises employ thousands of people in the region and generate millions of dollars that stay in the area.
The Pôle d’Économie Sociale Vallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent hub has an online list of resources at economiesocialevhsl.org/repertoire, where residents of the region can discover new businesses that support the cause. There is also a series of free webinars being offered by the hub, including Social Economy 101, Business Models in the Social Economy, and Emerging Businesses, as well as a webinar on resource sharing on November 27.
On November 20, the public is invited to a celebration with the partners at the LBA hall at the Ormstown fairgrounds from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration is mandatory, though the event is free. (CF)
To register for the event or webinar, visit www.economiesocialevhsl.org.