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Posted in
By: | Jan 20, 2026
An in-person workshop helping early-stage cleantech founders communicate traction before revenue and clearly define TRL.

Join Lise Beutel, IO Cleantech Advisor, for a practical, in-person workshop on how early-stage cleantech ventures can assess, demonstrate, and clearly communicate meaningful traction before revenue. Founders will learn what proof points matter at each stage of development, how to translate technical progress into buyer- and investor-friendly language, and how to position their companies for funding, partnerships, and commercialization.

This session will include real-world examples, interactive discussion, and time for Q&A to help founders confidently communicate progress and readiness.

What You’ll Learn

  • A clear overview and refresher on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Business Readiness Levels (BRLs)
  • What proof points are required to advance from one TRL to the next
  • How to clearly communicate TRL advancement through de-risking activities,
  • How to translate technical milestones into buyer-friendly value propositions
  • How partners, pilots, and early customers contribute to early traction and investment readiness

About the Facilitator

Lise Beutel, IO Cleantech Advisor, brings over 20 years of experience guiding startups, scale-ups, and industry leaders in accessing public and private funding to fuel growth and innovation.

Posted in
By: | Jan 14, 2026

Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Trans-Pacific Partnership: What’s in It for Canadian Businesses? (Virtual)

About this workshop:

Canada’s newest major trade agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), offers Canadian businesses significant opportunities for growth and diversification. This agreement – signed with 10 Pacific nations (Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam) – reduces trade barriers and opens the door to dynamic international markets.

Join us for this informative workshop to learn what the CPTPP means for Canadian companies, particularly those involved in the trade of tangible goods.

We’ll explore:

  • Key provisions of the agreement
  • How to leverage its benefits
  • Practical strategies for reducing dependence on the U.S. market

Whether you’re currently engaged in international trade or looking to enter new global markets, this session is ideal for importers, exporters, and anyone interested in expanding their business across the Pacific region.

About the speaker:

Following a + 30-year international logistics career, Christian Sivière started a Montréal-based import-export consultancy in 2010, Solimpex, active in two areas:

  • consulting to help SMEs grow internationally; and
  • training on the regulatory, customs and logistics aspects of Importing and Exporting, Free Trade Agreements and Supply Chain Optimization.

Christian is a subject-matter expert and lectures for the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association in Toronto, gives seminars and webinars for various trade organizations like the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Export Québec, Invest Ottawa, Supply Chain Canada and similar, and personalized training for importers and exporters. He publishes articles in Inside Logistics and Supply Professional.

REGISTER HERE

Posted in
By: | Jan 13, 2026

Feb 10 @ 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Winning SEO with Google Business Profile (Virtual)

About this workshop:

Did you know that your Google Business Profile is one of the top things that influence your ranking and how you show up in search engines results?

Indeed, reviews, pictures, categories, and many more Google Business Profile items contribute to your position on Google.

But as you are reading this, maybe you’re wondering “what is this Google Business thing I’ve never heard of?”. If so, we’ve got you covered.

If you have an account, this seminar will show you how to leverage it by learning easy to follow techniques designed to boost your profile so that it can generate awareness and engagement and get plenty of clicks, and ultimately, more leads and sales.

If you don’t a Google Profile account, the session will teach you how to create your free account and get Google to notice it.

What you will learn:

  • How to set up a Google Business Profile account
  • What to do to optimize your account so it is shown more frequently
  • How to increase your visibility on Google Maps

 

About the speaker:

David Bird is the Founder and Principal of Bird’s Eye Marketing, an Ottawa firm that specializes in getting NPOs and other organizations found on Google. He has been managing Google Ads (formerly AdWords) accounts since 2012 and is a recognized digital advertising and promotion expert.

David is certified with Google Ads with specializations in search, display and mobile advertising. He also has a Certificate of Achievement in Web Analytics from the University of British Columbia and has completed coursework in E-Marketing with the Canadian Marketing Association.

REGISTER HERE

Posted in
By: | Jan 12, 2026
Join the Ottawa tech and innovation community (again) to celebrate and connect with our collaborative ecosystem.

We are back!

Let’s “tech“ together again on February 9 to celebrate our collaborative community, meet and greet, and build new relationships and opportunities with innovators, entrepreneurs and business owners right across our region.

Join us to mix and mingle with tech and innovation enthusiasts alike! Let’s raise a glass together to celebrate our collaborative ecosystem. All are welcome:

  • Date: February 9, 2026 (Drop in and out at your leisure)
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: The Standard: 360 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Parking: Ample street parking is available in the surrounding areas.
  • Ticket proceeds will be donated to Chngmker Hub. The Change Mkers Innovation Hub provides personalized business strategy, mental health support, mindset mastery and start-up training workshops for Black entrepreneurs.

Join the Ottawa tech and innovation community for an evening of networking, appetizers and bevvies:

  • You will receive a free drink ticket (redeemable for house wine, draught beer, or soft drinks), and some delicious nibbles while you enjoy an evening of great conversation.
  • Additional drinks can be purchased onsite via credit card or cash.

This event celebrates and is collaboratively hosted together with amazing partners across our ecosystem including: ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub, Algonquin College, ByWard Market District Authority, Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, Carleton University, Capital Angel Network, Chngemker Hub, Innovation Gatineau, Invest Ottawa, Kanata North Business Association, La Cité, Launch Lab, L-SPARK, Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA), Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Board of Trade, Queens University, SheBoot, St. Lawrence College, Techopia – Ottawa Business Journal, Teknowave, University of Ottawa, and Wesley Clover.

What You Can Expect:

  • Conversations with Ottawa’s best and brightest tech, innovation and entrepreneurial leaders from across the region.
  • Cold beverages and light snacks.
  • An agenda-free evening! This night is all about you and opportunities to connect with amazing people across our community.

Sincere thanks to all partners that inspire, build and impact our ecosystem. We are very grateful for all contributions and look forward to achieving even greater impact together in 2026 and beyond! We look forward to welcoming you.

Posted in
By: | Jan 10, 2026
This event will be held in Ottawa, Ontario May 22-24, 2026.

Event fee is $310 plus HST.

All flying portions of this competition will take place at the Area X.O. All other portions will be held at the Carleton University.

Posted in
By: | Jan 9, 2026
Join us as we celebrate Black innovators, founders, entrepreneurs and businesses building Canada’s economy and community today and tomorrow

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.

Posted in
By: | Jan 7, 2026

Jan 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Social Impact 101: Incorporating Social Impact into Your Business Model (Virtual)

About this workshop:

What’s your impact, and how do you know?

In today’s world, businesses and organizations are increasingly expected to do more than just turn a profit – they’re expected to create real, measurable social and environmental value. But how do you track that impact? And why does it matter?

In this foundational workshop, Social Impact 101: Incorporating Social Impact into Your Business Model, you’ll explore the benefits of measuring your social impact and learn how it can help guide decision-making, build trust, and strengthen your mission.

We’ll dive into several practical tools and frameworks used globally, including:

  • B Corp certification
  • Social Return on Investment (SROI)
  • Theory of Change

You’ll also gain insights into how to integrate social impact into your business model, and examine hybrid business structures (like social enterprises, co-ops, and nonprofits with earned revenue streams). Through local and international case studies, we’ll explore what works in balancing profit with purpose.

Whether you’re just beginning your impact journey or looking to deepen your current efforts, this session will give you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.

Join us for Social Impact 101 – and start measuring what truly matters!

About CSED:

The Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED) offers a continuum of support for social enterprises in the Ottawa area, including access to technical expertise, coaching, learning communities, training, and cross-sector partnerships. CSED works with its clients to develop their social enterprise plan and provide them with the tools, strategies and support to perpetuate positive social change and grow profitably.

REGISTER HERE