The 17 regional arms of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ invested a record $241 million in Quebec small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with more than half of the capital directed toward business succession deals.

Many of the businesses have ties to commercial real estate, including industrial properties.s

The investment total supported 91 business transfers across Quebec, reflecting what the organization described as a growing focus on succession planning to preserve regional economic activity and keep businesses under Quebec ownership, the company said Tuesday.

“This record level of investment reflects our sustained presence on the ground. Across Québec, our teams work alongside entrepreneurs on projects that help grow their businesses and strengthen their regions,” said Luc Pinard, president and CEO of the Fonds.

Pinard said the number of annual succession investments is now eight times higher than in 2015.

“These results demonstrate our commitment to accelerating succession. The long-term viability of Québec SMEs, the vitality of our regions and the province’s economic future depend on it,” he said.

Among the investments highlighted by the organization were financing for the management-led succession of Laboratoire de porcelaine dentaire Longueuil, backing for the acquisition of restaurant chain Normandin by the Blais family and management team through Chêne Blanc, productivity investments at packaging manufacturer Faspac and working capital financing for Constructions Cotton.

“Our role goes beyond financing,” Pinard said. “We work closely with entrepreneurs at every stage, providing guidance and practical advice. In a business transfer, the human dimension is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful handover.”

The organization also said it continued a regional outreach tour focused on business succession, attracting nearly 230 buyers and sellers to events held in nine regions since fall 2024 in partnership with the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce and EntreChefs PME.

The 17 Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ are part of the broader Fonds de solidarité FTQ network and provide unsecured loans and equity investments to SMEs through 17 offices across Québec. The network channels savings from more than 816,000 Quebecers into regional economic development and business- financing initiatives.

Pictured: Faspac facility.

Photo: Faspac