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IMPACT INITIATIVE

Novacap believes in Stéphanie 

Anastassia Volkova, Partner, Novacap and Stéphanie Cliche, Let’s Start Up Graduate

Boldly redesigning her life in the construction industry

Novacap, a partner investing in people

At Novacap, excellence and an entrepreneurial mindset are central to the company culture. By supporting the Lise Watier Foundation’s IMPACT Initiative, Novacap reaffirms its commitment to women’s financial independence and their vital contribution to a more inclusive society. Supporting professional journeys like Stéphanie’s is a natural extension of this commitment—pairing mentorship with concrete support to help promising, impactful projects take shape. 

At Novacap, we believe that sustainable growth starts with people. Our culture is built on excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and respect. That is why we actively support women in achieving sustainable financial independence a commitment that reflects our ongoing dedication to promoting autonomy, inclusion, and the development of everyone in our community. ’’ – Anastassia Volkova, Partner, Novacap

Stéphanie: The boldness to reinvent herself

After a career in the public sector, Stéphanie felt a strong desire for change. Unwilling to stay in a role that didn’t align with her values, she made a bold move: pursuing a vocational diploma (DEP) in building painting, a field still largely dominated by men. With energy and courage, she founded La Conciergerie, a company specializing in marking, painting, and crack sealing. 

Seeking structure and support to consolidate her project, she joined the Lise Watier Foundation’s Let’s Start Up Pathway, where she found the tools, guidance, and network necessary to build a business aligned with her values. Her journey exemplifies the resilience of a woman who chooses to create a project in line with her vision and values rather than conforming to expectations. 

La Conciergerie: Building differently in a non-traditional field

La Conciergerie is no ordinary company—it operates with a dual mission. On one hand, it delivers high-quality specialized painting and marking services. On the other, it acts as a lever for inclusion by creating accessible employment opportunities and fostering a space where women can thrive in a sector that is often closed to them. Stéphanie also envisions developing an internal training division to share her expertise and offer a springboard for women entering the construction industry.

When Novacap propels a future entrepreneur

With the IMPACT Grant awarded by Novacap, Stéphanie will take an intensive program at the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce to strengthen her skills in management, strategy, and finance. This learning will complement her technical expertise, enabling her to make ambitious decisions and ensure the sustainable growth of La Conciergerie. 

At the same time, Novacap will leverage its network and mentors’ experience to support Stéphanie during this pivotal moment: transforming a young company into a strong, credible player in its sector. Together, this partnership perfectly embodies the spirit of the IMPACT Initiative: a win-win collaboration where the support of a leading organization opens the way to independence and success for a visionary entrepreneur. 

The IMPACT effect: A launchpad toward a promising professional future

The IMPACT Initiative is about stories of resilience, ambition, and renewal.

Discover Stéphanie’s inspiring journey and the tangible impact of the IMPACT Initiative, made possible through Novacap’s commitment.

MARIE-ÈVE

Graduate of the Entrepreneurship Program

The Lise Watier Foundation offers the Let’s Start Up Pathway in Montreal, Quebec City, the Laurentians, Montérégie, Sherbrooke, Drummondville and Toronto. More than 350 women a year are committed to taking action through the Let’s Start Up Pathway. They graduate with a better understanding of their strengths and skills, as well as the knowledge and tools to implement their professional project. Women thus begin a new journey towards financial independence through entrepreneurship, a return to school or a more fulfilling job.

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