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Vincent Lavoie of Autel-Relais stands out at the national OSEntreprendre gala

Relay Altar

9 juin 2023

Last night was the 25th OSEntreprendre Desjardins Grands Prix gala. The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region was well represented and Vincent Lavoie’s project, Autel-Relais and Saint-Crème Bar Laitier, stood out from the crowd. The 24-year-old entrepreneur is taking home $20,000 in grants.

First, the Autel-Relais project won first prize in the Business Creation-Service to Individuals category. Then, Vincent Lavoie won the 2023 Youth Entrepreneurship Grand Prix.

 

In addition to the scholarships, Vincent Lavoie also won a trip to Lyon for the Grande Rencontre des jeunes Entrepreneurs Francophones. A prize awarded by an association that is a member of the jury.

 

“Being an entrepreneur gives us the freedom to pursue our wildest dreams. It’s the most exciting thing in the world. However, we often have to overcome challenges in this profession and these awards give me a good pat on the back to continue this great project.” Vincent Lavoie

 

The gala host, Anaïs Favron, asked the entrepreneur where this idea came from:

 

“I was in traditional real estate and looking for a more creative idea to work in the sector. So I became interested in churches, because they are buildings with distinct architecture that are always well located. I love history and I thought it was a shame to see churches being demolished. So the challenge of transforming a church to set up businesses there appealed to me.” Vincent Lavoie

 

Construction of the Autel-Relais is in full swing. The ground floor of the establishment will open on July 1, which will allow the Saint-Crème Bar Laitier to resume operations for the summer. For the 10 hotel rooms located upstairs, the company plans to welcome the first customers at the end of August. You can also follow the progress of this atypical construction site via videos published weekly on the Autel-Relais Facebook page.

 

In the photos:

Vincent Lavoie owner of Autel-Relais and Saint-Crème Dairy Bar

Kevin Dugal, Regional Manager Qc, Entrepreneurial Communities, Futurpreneur

Photo credit Dare to undertake: Patric Nadeau

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