Develop. Share. Prosper. These are the objectives of the District Central’s Connector of Opportunities project.  After a few years of going out in the community to identify opportunities for local businesses, the SDC would like to present a portrait of the successful connections made, all of which promote the development of the District Central and facilitate the economic growth of its members.

Cédric Moindrot and Nicolas Loiselle

MTL Balance Board and My Cantine are two young start-ups that are growing in the District Central. MTL Balance Board manufactures balance boards used for leisure and cross-country training. The design and manufacturing takes place entirely in Quebec using 100% recycled wood.  My Cantine is a high-quality catering solution using a connected and intelligent fridge available 24/7, allowing caterers and restaurant owners to diversify their points of sale and overcome labour shortages, while enabling companies to improve their employer brand by financing a portion of their staff’s meals.

It was following an exploratory meeting between the SDC District Central and Cédric Moindrot, the co-founder of  My Cantine, that the desire to create a shorter production circuit was born. Having imported his fridges from Europe, he wanted to have their wood shells made in Montreal. “We were looking for local suppliers such as cabinetmakers,” explain Cédric Moindrot. Shortly thereafter, the SDC newsletter included his search for a partner and expertise. “I came across the newsletter and realized that I could perhaps help them produce their products with the wood that I am using,” explains Nicolas Loiselle, founder of MTL Balance Board. The two businessmen were introduced by the SDC and were able to develop a collaboration for local production. This connection continues to grow. “It opened our eyes to the possibility of collaborating with other businesses and being more proactive in the entrepreneurial support that we can develop,” says Nicolas Loiselle. “A real community of entrepreneurs is flourishing in the District Central. As soon as we get in touch with each other, a ball of energy is instantly created, as if we all wanted to help our neighbour,” adds Cédric Moindrot.

Nicolas Loiselle with Marie-France Richard and Mia van der Heyden of the SDC District Central

For both these business founders, other collaborations are on the table. “The SDC has put us in contact with four or five other businesses that could meet our needs. I’m still in discussions with some of them,” adds the founder of My Cantine. For MTL Balance Board, other networking opportunities are also on the horizon. “A neighbour has a laser machine and will most likely start customizing my boards and products, which I normally have done elsewhere. We are still in talks, but it is more than likely that it will lead to a partnership,” says Nicolas Loiselle. Shortening the production circuit is an objective that these two entrepreneurs perhaps did not even realize was within their reach! “The connections made through the SDC are incredible. They provide us with many opportunities to meet people, make and attend presentations. Through these connections, a synergy is created between members,” explains the founder of MTL Balance Board. “Our account manager at the SDC District Central is always quick to get us in touch with the right people.  The Société de développement is very strong, very present,  as much as a club for entrepreneurs,” adds Cédric Moindrot. You should be seeing more cute My Canteen fridges appearing in various workplaces and schools, and you can now participate in the crowdfunding for a brand new product from MTL Balance Board, a 360 degree balance board!

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Translated from an article by Elizabeth Pouliot