Who are we
The Société de développement économique de la C.-B. (SDÉCB) is a non-profit organization working in the economic field since 1998. It was created following a community consultation conducted by the Federation of Francophones of British Columbia as part of its Global Development Plan, with the support of the Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). In 2023, the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary!
Our Vision :
The SDÉCB is the leader in economic development for the Francophone community of British Columbia.
Our Mission:
Foster a flourishing economic and professional future for Francophones in British Columbia.
Our Values :
We are pleased to present these values which reflect the very essence of the SDÉCB, as well as its Board of Directors and employees.
Innovation :
Being creative and adaptable to meet current and future needs.
Sustainability :
Aiming for a positive long-term impact on clients and the environment.
Partnership Promotion :
Supporting collaboration that is essential for driving action and achieving results.
Community Engagement :
Supporting individuals in their economic integration and the community in its development initiatives.
Our Clients :
Our clients include immigrants, women, youth, and English speakers wishing to offer services in French.
Our Story :
Budget & Funding
Between 1998 and 2023, the SDÉCB’s annual budget increased from $300,000 to nearly $3 million. Its growth results from the remarkable work of its employees and exceptional relationships with its main funders :
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC),
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Economic
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
Human Resources
The SDÉCB is administered by volunteers who rely on a permanent team of around twenty employees, all loyal, supportive, and very involved in programs and projects. They come from different countries: Canada, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity and heritage.
Areas of Expertise
The SDÉCB’s main achievements are related to economic immigration, business services, youth economic development, community development, sustainable development and tourism. However, the SDÉCB is open to working on any initiatives that promote the Francophones’ economic development.
Key Moments in SDÉCB's History
1998
Incorporation
1999
Memorandum of Understanding – RDÉE-Canada
Creation of Business Services Sector
First Contribution Agreement – Western Diversification Canada
First Contribution Agreement – Human Resources Development Canada
Creation of Community Economic Development Sector
2000
Recruitment of 5 regional development officers
Creation of Tourism Sector
2003
Partnership with Tourism BC and Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat – Francophone Affairs
2004
Creation of SDÉCB – Women in Business Sector
Opening of SDÉCB Office – Kelowna
2006
First Mentorship Program
Partnership with Canadian Tourism Commission
2007
First SDÉCB Mission in France – Skilled Worker Recruitment
Memorandum of Understanding – SDÉCB & Small Business BC
Memorandum of Understanding – SDÉCB & Community Futures Development Association of BC
Memorandum of Understanding – SDÉCB & Women’s Enterprise Centre
2009
Hosting – 'Western Francophone Tourist Corridor' Project
2010
Francophonie Place – 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver
Project – Économusées Network
2012
First Business Mentorship Program for Women – Women’s Enterprise Model
Participation – Employment Forum – Destination Canada
2014
Survey – Needs Evaluation of Official Language Minority Communities – OLMCs
Collaboration – Creation of Executive Committee of Pan-Canadian Forum on Economic Development in Canadian Francophonie
2015
Collaboration – Project – Direct Flight between Vancouver and Paris by Air France
2017
First Contribution Agreement – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Organisation of the first Speed-Jobbing: Recruitment Event
First participation in Liaison Tour organized by the Embassy of Canada
Launch of the new Townsite Brewing Économusée® in Powell River and completion of Wayward Distillation House Économusée® in Courtenay
2018
Celebrations of the SDÉCB's 20th anniversary & Élan Economic Symposium
Implementation of the Francophone Immigrants Economic Integration Program (PIEI)
2019
Launch of the Bilingual Explorer Pocket Guide
2020
Participation in the Early Childhood Partners Committee of BC
Implementation of a contingency plan to address the pandemic
Adaptation of entrepreneurship consulting services and activities to online platforms.
Transition of the Speed-Jobbing event to a 100% online format
Management – Applied Skills Curriculum to Empower Newcomer Development - ASCEND Program
Creation and launch of the program: Feeling Good in your Body, your Mind, and your Business
Creation and launch of the Women's Leadership Program
Creation of the Francophone Western Economic Development Fund – FDEFO
2021
Management – LENA Program – Business Launch for Newcomers
Campaign to promote careers of the future among young people
Management of the ProAction Pan-Canadian Program – Structured Mentorship and Canadian Experience Program for Candidates and Employers
Creation of a position and recruitment of a dedicated resource for youth economic development service
Launch of Individual Business Mentorship for Entrepreneurs – Mentorship Network Model
Creation of the Jobs and Careers Forum with the CSF’s schools
Creation of the Careers Exploration Program – Étincelle
2022
Inauguration and opening of new more spacious offices in Kelowna to address the employees increase
2023
New strategic planning and programming for 2023-2028
Completion of the first levels of Ecocert certification
Member of the National Network of RDÉE Canada
The SDÉCB is proud to be part of the national network of RDÉE Canada, which includes 12 members present in each province and territory, with the exception of Quebec. This network is committed to promoting the economic development of Francophone and Acadian communities by supporting collective initiatives of its members, while ensuring national leadership focused on collaboration and partnerships.
