It is hard to identify one recommendation or point in particular. Based on discussions with and surveys of entrepreneurs, if there was only one recommendation to make, I believe it would be that a loan fund should be established. That fund could help entrepreneurs in our province buy businesses, bolster their working capital or start up a new business.
According to survey results, funding is often one of the priorities of our francophone entrepreneurs. This loan fund could be established with the support of institutions or departments such as Western Economic Diversification or the Business Development Bank. Perhaps they could facilitate services to the francophone community in partnership with us.
BDC is already in Alberta and everywhere else in the country. It has several offices. We are close to it and it is involved in our activities. However, I am not sure it can offer service in French or accept business plans or financing applications in French, as I mentioned.