Together, we look forward to celebrating current and aspiring Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses whose leadership and creativity is helping to build Canada’s future by driving economic growth, enriching our communities, and enhancing quality of life across our country.

This year’s edition of Building Our Future entitled Build. Buy. Believe explores the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in Canada’s Build Canada movement.

This special in-person event will feature a roundtable with key ecosystem leaders, followed by an audience Q&A and collaborative discussion focused on:

• Building up Canada by celebrating the talent, thought leadership, and achievements of Black innovators, entrepreneurs, ecosystem leaders, and businesses in the ecosystem.
• Buying Canadian by spotlighting Black-owned and Black-led companies that are strengthening Canada’s economy and driving regional and national growth.
• Believing in Canadian founders by tackling pressing challenges, sharing solutions, and offering actionable insights that leave participants with practical tools and new perspectives.
• Highlighting Canadian resources, networks, and opportunities available to Black-owned and Black-led businesses across our region.

Light refreshments will be served. There is no cost to join us, and all are welcome!

Invest Ottawa, Wesley Clover, and Kanata North Business Association, are honoured to host this special event with, and for, our ecosystem, in partnership with The Novas Group, and community partners including Chngemaker Hub and Jaku Konbit.

Agenda:

9:00 AM: Networking and Showcase of Black-owned businesses and artists.

10:00 AM: Opening remarks by The Novas Group; Event MC & Event Partners including Invest Ottawa, Wesley Clover, and Kanata North Business Association.

10:05 AM: Roundtable Discussion with Ecosystem Leaders facilitated by The Novas Group

11:00 AM: Closing Remarks followed by Networking and Showcase of Black-owned businesses and artists.

12:00 PM: Event Ends.

Important Event Details to Ensure a Great Experience for You

We are delighted to share the following information on transportation to the Brookstreet Hotel and support available upon your arrival.

Parking: Parking at Brookstreet is available in a secure underground garage located to the right of the hotel entrance as well as an outdoor parking lot. The first three hours are complimentary

Transportation by Bus: The closest stations to Brookstreet Hotel are:

• Legget / Terry Fox: 265 meters away; 4 minute walk
• Terry Fox / Legget: 372 meters away; 5 minute walk

Inclusive & Accessible: Should you have any specific mobility requirements, please contact Audrey Willsey at [email protected]. Our team will be pleased to work with you to make all the arrangements required for a great experience.

By registering for this event, you accept that:

• You may be photographed or video recorded as we capture special moments during this event and share memories with our community via our website and social media
• You will receive event-related emails, as well as an invitation to subscribe to our mailing list

The Brookstreet Hotel is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory and come together as a community.