SUMMERSIDE – Sept. 18, 2025 – “Dreaming in French, Succeeding in Business: My Life as a Movie!” will be the theme of the inspiring conference hosted in French by producer and documentary filmmaker Hélène Lebon during the Entrepreneurs’ and Co-operators’ Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m., at the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside.

All co-operators, entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and interested individuals who understand French are invited to attend this annual luncheon free of charge. It is organized and hosted by the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, in collaboration with CBDC Central PEI, RDÉE PEI’s Solution Succession program, and the Wellington Rural Action Centre. The event will last a maximum of two hours.

Lebon, owner of Productions LTDU Inc. in Bonshaw, was the winner of the 2025 Francophone Ignition Competition, through which she earned a $25,000 investment from RDÉE Prince Edward Island to further develop her business.

During her talk, she will recount her journey as a Francophone entrepreneur—from France to Quebec, then to Prince Edward Island—and share how her integration challenges, financial choices, and the power of teamwork have shaped her path. Through her experiences and successes, Hélène will show “how to turn your story into a powerful tool to convince, build relationships, and grow your business”.

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During the event, Natalia Saldarriaga will launch the 2025-2026 edition of the Francophone Ignition Contest, which will offer a $25,000 investment into another innovative entrepreneurial project. Acadian Chamber spokesperson Janine Arsenault will also give a presentation on the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards Competition to remind people to submit nominations.

Representatives from event sponsors, CBDC Central PEI and the Solution Succession program, will also give words of welcome. And to wrap up the luncheon, there will be draws for great door prizes.

Registration is free and must be completed by Oct. 7 by contacting Raymond J. Arsenault at raymond@rdeeipe.org or 902-960-1285.

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PHOTO MONTAGE: From left: During the 2025 Entrepreneurs’ and Co-operators’ Luncheon on Oct. 14 in Summerside, Natalia Saldarriaga will launch the 2025-2026 edition of the Francophone Ignition Contest, which she coordinates. Documentary film producer Hélène Lebon will be the guest speaker. Janine Arsenault, spokesperson for the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce, will present the 2025 edition of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards Competition.

 

For more information:
Alecia Arsenault
Event Coordinator
Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI
alecia@rdeeipe.org
902-432-2026