As we start off the new year, it’s natural to want to turn the page on 2024. On the economic uncertainty surrounding interest rates and inflation. On the political uncertainty created by changes in policy at home and a shifting geopolitical landscape abroad. But the fact is, that uncertainty is here to stay, at least in the medium term.
The good news is that Canadian business owners are resilient. You are where you are because of your determination and your focus. Because of your commitment to your business; to your idea for a better product or a solution in your community.
Last year I met with hundreds of entrepreneurs across Canada, and it became clear to me that you’re adapting to this new reality. That you’re analyzing your operations and identifying opportunities to improve productivity. That you’re reviewing your game plan and integrating digital solutions.
It’s an excellent reflex, and the right one. My message to you this year is to continue trusting your instincts. Believe in your vision and the roadmap you’ve laid out. But be ready to adjust when you need to. Changing course doesn’t mean admitting defeat. It only means you recognize a new reality and can adapt to it.
That’s a skill, and not all your competitors have it. So, hone it. Believe in the team you’ve put around you. Talk to your employees and help them focus on what they do best.
We’re going to continue to support you as leaders and give your business every opportunity to succeed. Our account managers will continue to focus on giving you the tools you need, and we’re ambitious about financing innovative companies and pursuing opportunities in capital markets. We’re here to help you develop ideas, deliver them to market, and go public, if that’s your goal.
We live in uncertain times. But you are no stranger to uncertainty. Over the next several months, it will be essential to focus on what provides real value to your business and your customers. You can’t control the headlines, so tune out the noise and trust in your people to do the right thing. Desjardins will be there with you.
Jean-Yves Bourgeois
Executive Vice-president, Business Services Desjardins Group
Jean-Yves Bourgeois is Executive Vice-President of Desjardins’s Business Services Group. His responsibilities include supporting the Desjardins caisse and business centre network in providing financing and other business solutions to enterprises of all sizes. He’s also responsible for the capital markets, international trade, venture capital and employer solutions groups. The Business Services group has more than 4,500 employees in Canada and abroad and serves more
Jean-Yves earned a master of business administration at McGill University. He joined Desjardins Group in 2010 and has since made his mark in finding creative financing solutions that meet businesses’ needs. Over the years, he’s forged strong relationships with entrepreneurs, investors and partners in a wide array of sectors including technology, biotechnology, telecommunications, industrial products, agri-food and, of course, finance.
