Quebec is home to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs who play an important role in the economic development of the province and the country. Local entrepreneurship is essential for job creation, in addition to generating wealth and boosting the gross domestic product (GDP). Knowing that success does not come overnight, FedEx once again held its annual contest #PropelSMEswhich awarded a total of $150,000 in cash prizes to 16 small businesses across the country. A look at two Quebec small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that were crowned at the 2024 edition.
Published at 7:30 a.m.
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Company Wins $10,000 Cash Prize Awarded in Competition #PropelSMEs:
Walk
Located in Dorval, Promenaid specializes in designing balustrades for people with mobility issues, as well as others for the general construction sector. A reliable shipping service is essential for the company to stand out from the competition, and this contest winner #PropelSMEs FedEx’s CEO emphasizes the crucial role the service provider plays in supporting small Quebec businesses like his. “Shipping quickly and reliably is not a business goal these days, but rather a standard for companies that deal directly with consumers,” says Kell Warshaw, founder of Promenaid.
A FedEx customer since its early days in business, the company is now taking on larger projects, such as hospitals and airports. The $10,000 cash prize will be a big help. “We are investing every resource we can in product development, customer service and factory automation to create more value for our customers,” Warshaw said.
Company Winning 5 Cash Prize $000 awarded during the competition #PropelSMEs :
Zilux
Company winning the $5,000 cash prize awarded during the #PropulserLesPME competition: Zilux.
Quebec City, Quebec
Based in Quebec City, Zilux is a growing company specializing in the design and manufacturing of street furniture and lighting with custom printing. It integrates advanced digital printing techniques to create light-emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions adapted to parks, streets and urban spaces. The SME collaborates with urban planners and landscape architects throughout Canada and the United States.
For her, delivering to customers across both countries has been essential to her growth strategy. “Shipping is essential to the growth of our business in order to promote our products in a tangible way, by sending samples and documentation to our customers,” explains Louis-André Gaudreau, co-founder of Zilux. Having done business with FedEx for many years, she has been able to count on this service provider on many occasions to quickly deliver materials to her customers, whether they are nearby or far away.
Having won a $5,000 cash prize, Zilux now plans to invest in its product offering. “With the cash prize received from the competition, we will invest in marketing to better promote our innovative products,” says Gaudreau.
Turning dreams into reality
The importance of SMEs to Quebec’s local economy and a forward-thinking entrepreneurial community cannot be underestimated. Quebec small businesses are doing incredible things, and FedEx is proud to support local entrepreneurs in achieving their greatest ambitions. That’s why, in addition to the cash prizes awarded during the annual contest #PropelSMEsit provides tools and resources throughout the year, and will continue to highlight Canadian businesses that are making an impact in our communities.
Find out more about the winners of the 2024 edition of the competition #PropelSMEs
