J’apprends le français

The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal is pleased to present the program “J’apprends le français”, carried out with the financial support of the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration as part of Francisation Québec.

BUSINESS

MENTORING

TOOLKIT

J’apprends le français: Language mentoring between business owners and students

This program was created to support business owners and employees of small businesses who speak little or no French in their efforts to learn the language. It offers a unique and entirely free opportunity to develop their language skills in order to improve communication with French-speaking customers and ease workplace integration.

This innovative program allows teams to receive training directly at their workplace without interrupting their daily activities.

Since 2019, it has enabled more than 1,300 successful pairings between business people and students in Montréal, strengthening language skills in a professional and immersive environment.

The program offers:

Icône de lumière au-dessus d'un livre ouvert

Free, tailor-made workshops

Icône d'une boutique avec une porte et une vitrine

Two hours of French lessons per week, directly in the workplace

Icône de deux figures assises à une table, avec des bulles de dialogue au-dessus d'elles

Immersive learning, with active support from the community.

French: A language that unites us

ARE YOU A BUSINESS IN GREATER MONTRÉAL AND WANT TO SIGN UP?

Develop French language skills—at no cost
Support the integration of your team members
Improve customer service in French

Why does it matter?

40% of consumers say they would abandon a purchase if not greeted in French
1.1% increase in annual sales: a real growth lever for businesses
90% of people would choose a business involved in the program

Learn French directly at your place of business—for yourself or your employees—free of charge and at your own pace, with personalized support provided on-site!

Facilitate communication with your customers and give your business new momentum.

WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR?

Develop your professional and interpersonal skills while expanding your network by meeting people from diverse backgrounds.

Why does it matter?

Showcase your skills while contributing to a meaningful cause
Strengthen your sense of belonging to a dynamic community

APPLY

LET’S COMMIT TOGETHER!

Let’s encourage the learning and use of French and support the lasting integration of learners.

By shopping at a business participating in the J’apprends le français program, you’re supporting local entrepreneurs in their French language learning journey.

️Speak only in French to foster belonging and build confidence
️Take your time—slow and kind conversations are more enriching
️Use simple words to support understanding
️Rephrase or repeat to clarify important points

You can share your experiences and recommend participating businesses to others using our outreach toolkit:

French: A bridge between people and opportunities!

TOOLKIT

Interactive map of participating businesses

The interactive map of businesses participating in the "J'apprends le français" program allows you to locate establishments committed to supporting French language learning in the workplace. Encourage them by visiting in person!

Program Distinctions

Icône trophée avec une étoile au centre, dessiné en rouge.

Prix du 3-Juillet-1608 (2019)

Awarded by the Conseil supérieur de la langue française for its contribution to the promotion of the French language and culture in North America

Francization Innovation Award (2018)

Presented by the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Merit Award for the Francization of Immigrants (2018)

Awarded by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion

Testimonials

Becca and Pierre Cardinal in the Mile End

“The program is perfectly suited to my needs and learning pace. It isn’t rigid or predetermined, but flexible, allowing me to progress in the way that works best for me!”

Lam and Agathe Ongles Vert in Ville-Émard

“Thanks to the J’apprends le français program, I can make progress in my professional life while becoming more integrated into my community. It’s a transformative experience.”

Vladimir and Paola Olivia’s Chicken in Ville-Marie

“Thanks to the program and my mentor Paola, I feel much more comfortable speaking French with customers. Paola encourages me to practice with my children, and that really helps me improve. With their support, I’m confident I’ll keep getting better.”