Karine Cantin, co-owner of Auberge Le Sunshine, was able to benefit from a personal loan through the Youth Strategy program. These funds obtained shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly welcome as they helped reinvest and adapt the business’s services to new realities. Cantin was able to maintain a working capital and carry out certain projects, such as acquiring an oven to be able to make bakery products onsite. In turn, this cut down on transportation costs and, most importantly, it enabled her to provide customers with fresh products on a daily basis. It also served as an opportunity to update the Auberge website and to create an online store where visitors can find a wide variety of local bakery and other products, among other things.

As Cantin explains, “our goal is to diversify our products and services in order to consolidate and develop our business.”

Cantin is very satisfied with the Youth Strategy program. “The procedures are really fast and easy to follow. As always, I received impeccable, personalized service from the advisors at the CAE Memphrémagog. They are true facilitators, quickly answering all our questions and providing outstanding follow-up service. This support has enabled us to keep our business afloat and to look to the future with optimism.”

Auberge Le Sunshine boasts a four-room inn, a café-bistro, and a local products boutique that also offers locally made baked goods.