IMPACT INITIATIVE

National Bank believes in Natalia

Nicolas Patard, Managing Director and Head, Financial Products, National Bank and Natalia Cuevas Aguilar, Let’s Start Up Pathway Graduate

Turning her entrepreneurial dream into reality in Quebec

National Bank’s Commitment: Empowering women beyond financial support

A key player in economic development, National Bank has chosen to get involved in the IMPACT Initiative to directly support women entrepreneurs in the Let’s Start Up Pathway. By combining its expertise and network with that of Natalia Cuevas Aguilar, the institution reaffirms its commitment to going beyond financial aid by offering meaningful human and professional guidance.

The economic power and impact of women are undeniable. By supporting their autonomy and professional growth, National Bank contributes to a more equitable society. Every woman, through her determination, shapes a better future. I applaud the mission of the Lise Watier Foundation, which strengthens women’s entrepreneurial spirit by providing them with the essential tools to achieve financial independence and realize their ambitions.” – Nicolas Patard, Managing Director and Head, Financial Products, National Bank

Natalia Cuevas Aguilar: A journey of courage and ambition

Originally from Mexico, Natalia Cuevas Aguilar chose to immigrate to Canada. Her early professional experiences in Quebec allowed her to gain expertise in communications management and support for foreign entrepreneurs. However, in search of greater balance and long-term stability, she decided to leave that position to embark on her own entrepreneurial journey. The Let’s Start Up Pathway provided her with a community of women entrepreneurs who helped her gain self-awareness, confidence, and launch her entrepreneurial dream. This led to the creation of Exopreneurs, a company that assists families and foreign entrepreneurs with settling in Quebec.

Exopreneurs: Building bridges between the world and Quebec

With Exopreneurs, Natalia aims to create a bridge between international entrepreneurs and Quebec’s ecosystem. Her vision is to help newcomers build a new life with confidence, compassion, and structure. With support from the National Bank’s Impact Grant, she is currently enrolled in a microprogram in management at HEC Montréal, focusing on entrepreneurship and accounting to strengthen her financial management skills—an area she considers essential for the growth of her professional project.

A grant and mentorship that make a difference

With the grant awarded by National Bank, Natalia has access to specialized training that will help her consolidate the financial foundations of her business and professionalize her offerings. Beyond the courses, it is the mentorship with National Bank that will truly make a difference. By guiding her in structuring financial forecasts, expanding her professional network, and identifying strategic moments to seek funding, this partnership will create favorable conditions for the sustainability of Exopreneurs.

For Natalia, this support is a decisive lever. It not only provides the tools to build a solid business, but also the confidence to face the challenges of being an immigrant entrepreneur. It empowers her to elevate her professional project and inspire other women to believe in their potential.