August 7, 2017
There is no lack of projects or of people willing to carry them through in Quebec! But often, they are faced with the harsh reality of financing. How many ideas, how many projects will lay forgotten, without adequate financing to go forward? La Ruche can help to carry out and eventually sustain projects that can potentially benefit the community.
An original model
La Ruche is first and foremost a non-profit organization (NPO) whose objective is to give a boost to projects likely to contribute to the socio-economic growth of Quebec regions (Quebec, Montreal, Mauricie, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Estrie, for the moment!) In which it is located. The boost in question is obviously financial, since La Ruche allows promoters of projects presented to realize their idea through a crowdfunding platform. The concept is well known today: all are invited to contribute to the project to the extent of their portfolio and in return, the promoter can offer a consideration of any kind (discounts, products in presale, exclusive, or other). The latter will receive the sum thus promised only if the totality of the financing objective is reached, failing which the contributors will not be debited. That’s the end!
But it is far more upstream than La Ruche stands out. The NPO has in fact set up an original structure, the Cell, bringing together a dozen ambassadors, business people and influencers who are firmly rooted in the socio-economic fabric of their region. Within a cell, which can meet once or twice a month, these ambassadors are asked to read the projects submitted by the promoters, while advising them as to the best way to finance their project through their crowdfunding campaign.
Promoters and their projects oriented towards the economic and social development of the community, the financial support of community members and the advice of the ambassadors: this is how La Ruche contributes in its own way to the well-being of the regions of Quebec!
And it works!
When Sophie Reis, director of communications and strategic alliances, and co-founder of La Ruche’s Montreal branch, is asked to point out some particularly compelling projects, she is spoiled for choice! After reflection, she points to the Loubier project, this leather goods workshop created in 2014, which was getting cramped in its workshop. The crowdfunding campaign, successfully concluded last June, allowed Melanie Loubier, the founder of the company, to develop in a better place to support the growth of her workshop. “We will be able to create new jobs and a training center for the future!” All this was made possible by the support of 214 contributors who have extended the $ 14,000 requested. “But our projects are not just entrepreneurs!” says Sophie Reis. This is evidenced by the case of the SABSA clinic (low-threshold accessibility services), a health cooperative providing access to care for nearly 1,500 underprivileged people in Lower Quebec City. Essentially, the mission of this organization will be able to continue thanks to the $ 250,000 generously offered by nearly 900 contributors.
The Hive is alive!
Launched in 2013, in the wake of the festivities of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, La Ruche can now boast of a great success. The organization has raised approximately $ 1.8 million to date from more than 16,000 donors, contributing to more than 160 projects.
Supported by Desjardins, a key financial and organizational partner to carry out its mission and activities, La Ruche intends to continue its expansion in Quebec. Already, several other regions are in the running and will soon be able to use the services of La Ruche. And who knows how far La Ruche can spread? “The support is of course regional, but we want the radiation to be global!” says Sophie Reis enthusiastically. There is no doubt that the original model and the positive spinoffs of its activities could bring La Ruche very far!