Montreal: CELEBRATION Gala IDEE 2023 with Groupe 3737

Montreal – In an evening filled with pride and celebration, Groupe 3737 brought together entrepreneurs, institutional partners, and community leaders to highlight the achievements and impact of the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem in Montreal. The event, held recently, was an opportunity to celebrate more than a decade of innovation and investment in the community.

“All the women present in the room, everything we have done in our company over the past few years and everything we will undertake in the future is for you,” said one of the speakers, expressing gratitude and recognition toward the attendees.

Among the guests, Benjamin, Member of Parliament for the Viot constituency, recalled his historical connection with Groupe 3737: “Ten or eleven years ago, I witnessed the birth of this group and saw its many positive impacts on the community. Tonight, we celebrate the entrepreneurs and everything they accomplish to create wealth and foster the growth of businesses in our communities.” He praised the work of Jean-François Lugar and the entire Groupe 3737 team, as well as the founders Fran Saint-Elmi and Vicky Joseph.

Osna, National Market Head for Business at the Bank of Montreal, also shared her enthusiasm: “This is a truly special evening. We celebrate Montreal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and I am proud to represent an institution that supports the growth of businesses owned by Black individuals.”

The gala showcased entrepreneurs whose innovative projects have both local and international impact. Olivier described the experience with a mix of admiration and wonder: “There is a wonderful community here tonight, passionate people and innovative projects influencing lives around the world, in Africa, the United States, and Europe. It’s magical.”

For Modenen, the event was an opportunity to celebrate the act of giving back: “It is very rewarding to be able to support entrepreneurs and invest in our communities. Groupe 3737 embodies this philosophy of giving back.”

Daphné, lawyer and Senior Advisor in Regulatory Compliance at Banque Laurencienne, expressed her inspiration: “Seeing Black communities stand out through entrepreneurship and witnessing the commitment of multiple banks to support these entrepreneurs is truly inspiring.”

The speakers also emphasized the importance of diversity and collaboration. The director of Lac Montréal highlighted Groupe 3737’s key role: “Showcasing diversity and entrepreneurial impact across all disciplines demonstrates how cultural communities can transform our society.”

Academic actors, such as representatives from the University of Montreal, underscored the importance of training and supporting entrepreneurs: “We had the privilege of collaborating with Groupe 3737’s mentors for our first cohort. They were extraordinary and contributed to the success of our young entrepreneurs.”

MP Franz stressed the responsibility of giving back: “Once one succeeds, it is essential to open the door for others and pave the way for the next generation. Tonight, I see people who do not only aim to succeed but also want to ensure continuity and support for future generations.”

Finally, Luis Edgar highlighted the international reach of the ecosystem: “Our entrepreneurs must understand that their product can be offered anywhere in the world. Internationalization is the key to maximizing opportunities and having a global impact.”

Groupe 3737 concluded the evening with a message of hope and continuity: “See you next year, with even more impact, resources, and reinvestment to support entrepreneurs from Black communities.”

The event thus confirmed Groupe 3737’s central role in Montreal’s economic, social, and cultural development, while inspiring new generations of entrepreneurs to continue their journey toward excellence and community impact.