Portraits of Creators / Inspiration by Le Socle In Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, wood carving is a tradition. But some artists have embraced this tradition, looked it in the eye, and decided to nurture it until it reaches for the sky. Today, for our Creator Portraits series, we focus on a gentle giant of our region: Michel Saulnier.

In business, we often talk about "fixed costs" (overhead). For a craftsperson, it's the number one enemy. If your Montreal workshop costs you $1, D'un côté, il y a Montréal. L'effervescence, les galeries, le réseautage, le café au coin de la rue, la proximité immédiate des clients. C'est le pouls culturel. Mais c'est aussi des loyers d'ateliers qui explosent, des espaces de plus en plus petits, le bruit, et cette pression financière constante qui oblige parfois à produire "

When we talk about business accelerators, we immediately think of Silicon Valley. We imagine tech startups in Palo Alto, mobile apps, computer code, and investors in ties (or hoodies) looking for the next global unicorn.

Spring has barely arrived, but at Le Socle, the excitement of summer is already in the air. As an accelerator dedicated to artists and artisans, our mission is clear: to provide solid foundations and growth levers for those shaping the culture and heritage of tomorrow.

In Quebec's entrepreneurial ecosystem, certain figures stand out not just for their personal success, but for their fierce determination to give back to the community. Max Doré, President and Founder of Le Socle, is exactly that kind of leader. A seasoned entrepre Entrepreneur aguerri, expert en marketing de renommée mondiale et artiste dans l'âme, Max est aujourd'hui l'homme derrière la mission du Socle : transformer le talent brut des créateurs d'ici en succès commerci

In the world of creation, raw talent is a spark, but guidance is what transforms that spark into a lasting fire. At Le Socle, our mission has always been clear: to provide artists and artisans with the necessary tools to transition from passion to a sustainable profession. Today, we are taking a crucial step in this journey with the official launch of our Mentorship Network.

Le Socle is gaining momentum. In this year of 2026, our mission to accelerate the development of artists and artisans in the region is taking on a new dimension. It is with immense pride and overflowing enthusiasm that we announce the arrival of a major creative force within our team: Charlotte Beaudin, who will assume the position of Art Director this coming March.

This is a dilemma that has stayed with us for a long time. How do we help those who don't have access to the full program, but have all the potential to succeed? How can we offer a decisive boost without the traditional administrative burden?

For too long, artistic career development has been synonymous with instability, dependence on government grants, and a glaring lack of entrepreneurial structure. Today, Le Socle is changing the game.

When we say the word "accelerator" in today's business world, a very specific image often comes to mind. We imagine glass-fronted offices in downtown Montreal or Toronto, filled with software developers, artificial intelligence startups, and technology companies looking for their next round of funding.

Choosing a company name is rarely a matter of chance. It's an exercise in identity, a promise made to those we wish to serve. When we founded our accelerator for artists and artisans from the regions of Quebec, several names were considered. Yet, only one stood out as the obvious choice, rooted in both our geography and our business philosophy: Le Socle.

It is with immense pride that Le Socle team announces today a significant milestone in its history. Our accelerator , dedicated to local creators and entrepreneurs of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, officially opens its doors to its inaugural project: NATOO .

It's April 2026. Outside, the St. Lawrence River is beginning to break up its last ice, and here in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, the air vibrates with a new energy. It's not just spring that's arriving; it's the beginning of a new era for Quebec's creators, artists, and artisans.