Eight Thérèse-De Blainville businesses take centre stage at Défi OSEntreprendre gala

Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial ambition were in the spotlight last week as eight local businesses were honoured during the local gala of the 28th edition of the Défi OSEntreprendre, held at the Externat Sacré-Cœur in Rosemère.

The March 24 event brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and economic development partners to celebrate businesses that are shaping the economic landscape across the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville. The evening was presided over by Olivier Brault, president and chief executive officer of Gamotech, who served as honorary chair.

Designed to highlight initiative and ingenuity, the gala recognized companies whose work reflects both strong business fundamentals and a commitment to innovation. Organizers emphasized that the selected businesses stood out not only for their ideas but also for their ability to transform those ideas into viable operations that contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

From ideas to impact

Behind each award lies a rigorous evaluation process. Candidates were assessed on multiple criteria, including the strength of their value proposition, operational planning, financial outlook, and long-term potential.

For the eight award recipients, the recognition marks only the beginning of the journey. Each will go on to represent the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville at the regional Défi OSEntreprendre gala scheduled for April 29 at Académie Lafontaine in Saint-Jérôme.

Regional officials noted that entrepreneurship continues to play a central role in shaping the region’s economic future, pointing to the award recipients as examples of resilience and forward thinking within the local business community.

A diverse group of innovators

The range of businesses honoured this year reflects the breadth of innovation emerging across the North Shore.

Among the winners was Les académiques, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and education focused on well-being and the development of transversal skills.

In the commerce category, Frozen Cosmetics captured attention with its CryoZen® method, blending aging science with natural beauty solutions.

Manufacturing was represented by Boîtes PDL, recognized for producing custom corrugated cardboard packaging tailored to the needs of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises.

Technological innovation was also front and centre, with OptiDSS inc. earning recognition for its advanced simulation and optimization tools designed to help manufacturers improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Additional honours went to Jeux Allez inc., which delivers turnkey entertainment experiences for events across the Laurentians, and Rebels Rive-Nord Basketball, a community-focused initiative working to make organized basketball more accessible to youth.

Two supplementary awards recognized Groupe Trusteo inc., whose programs support business growth while encouraging charitable engagement, and OTANTIST, a social platform aimed at fostering authentic connections among neurodivergent individuals.

Experience also recognized

The gala also acknowledged six established businesses participating under the Réussite inc. stream, a category reserved for companies that have maintained sustained operations for more than five years.

These companies, including IDUNN Technologies Inc., Créations Melseb Bonheur, Clinique Multisens Inc., Le Bon Chien, Le Marketing Buzzz! Inc., and Passion Maternité, automatically advance to the regional competition alongside this year’s newly recognized entrepreneurs.

At the regional level, scheduled for April 29, prizes will range from $750 to $3,000. Companies selected there will move on to the provincial finals, set for June 10 in Québec City.

A growing entrepreneurial ecosystem

Beyond the awards themselves, the gala underscored the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem developing across Thérèse-De Blainville.

Organizers credited local partners, jury members, and the MRC’s economic development team for helping bring the event to life and for supporting businesses at various stages of growth.

The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville, home to approximately 168,000 residents across seven municipalities including Blainville, Boisbriand, Lorraine, Rosemère, and Sainte-Thérèse, continues to position itself as a strategic gateway between the Montreal metropolitan region and the Laurentians.

As the eight winning businesses prepare for the next stage of competition, their recognition serves as a reminder that local entrepreneurship remains one of the driving forces behind the region’s economic momentum.