Pursuing your ambitions despite economic uncertainty

Spring is just around the corner, and what a year it’s been so far! Geopolitics are directly impacting everything from our business landscape, supply chains and strategic decisions to what we’re having for dinner. The election of Donald Trump for a second term and his administration’s policy decisions are having very real repercussions for each and every one of us. 

The global economy moves fast. Nagging inflation, trade tensions and the likelihood of an economic slowdown are shaking the apple cart. In times like these, entrepreneurs need to be agile, courageous and highly adaptable. Desjardins understands that behind every tough decision and strategic transformation are people striving to achieve their business’s vision.  

There are headwinds, no doubt about it. But the biggest transformations are born out of adversity. Now’s the time to accelerate, innovate, and reinvent.  

Over the past few months, many of the companies we work with have seized the opportunity to rethink their positioning, explore new markets and modernize their processes. It’s go time for rethinking strategies, diversifying, automating and optimizing. 

That’s the stance we have to take. I encourage you to stay focused on your strategic plan and your digital transformation. Businesses that have achieved digital maturity and productivity gains perform better. They’re more likely to grow faster, export their products and get the financing they need. They’re the ones who will come out of these tough times on top.  

It’s also time to talk to your partners, especially in the United States. You have the power to change things through your relationships, your network and your words. 

Remember, even the little things can have big impacts on the future of your business. Innovation often starts with a simple idea that’s well executed. You can count on us during these pivotal moments. 

Now, as ever, Desjardins is a pillar of economic stability. Our 2024 balance sheet is strong, with over $470 billion in assets under management, record profitability and steady growth. Our Business Services sector now supports more than 420,000 businesses.  That’s an increase of 100,000 over the past five years. This growth is a reflection of your trust. It confirms that we’re a leading business partner that’s dialled into the day-to-day reality of entrepreneurs. 

We’re also celebrating our 125th anniversary this year. Since 1900, Desjardins has been navigating economic cycles with people like you, who dare to build, transform and innovate. And we’re still here to help you achieve your ambitions. 

When we go out and meet with entrepreneurs, we sense their concern. Instability has creeped into every sector, all across the country.  

So we’re doing something about it.  

Over the past few months, Desjardins has identified our business clients with the most exposure to tariffs. We’ve checked in with thousands of business owners and recalibrated our approach and services to meet their needs. 

And when it comes to tariffs, we’re constantly monitoring the situation, both in the US and in Canada. But I think it’s a good idea to tune out a lot of the background noise. The thing you can control is your ability to anticipate, make decisions and take clear and decisive action.  

I regularly break the situation down with my colleague Jimmy Jean, Chief Economist and Strategist at Desjardins, to give you a strategic overview that’s designed to help you make decisions. 

Day in and day out, our local businesses show tremendous resilience. They stand tall and work tirelessly to find solutions to the challenges facing their communities. You and your business are crucial to the development of our socioeconomic fabric.  

At Desjardins, we share your ambition. We have an array of tools to support our members and clients, no matter what their needs are. We can also guide you through all the various support measures announced by different levels of government. Please, reach out anytime. 

Thank you for your trust, your tenacity and your determination. The storm isn’t over yet, but we’ll be here for you every step of the way. 

Jean-Yves Bourgeois
Executive Vice-President Business Services
Desjardins Group