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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

Posted in
By: | Jan 7, 2026
This invitation is extended on behalf of Digital Services Group and Canadian Joint Forces Command staff.

Join subject matter experts from industry, academia, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Department of National Defence for a panel discussion designed to foster meaningful dialogue on modern technologies, operational challenges, and collaborative solutions.

Canada has faced ongoing supply chain challenges since 2020, from COVID-19 disruptions to global conflicts. These challenges are prompting a re-evaluation of traditional defence supply assumptions, including the increasing role of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) and Military Off the Shelf (MOTS) solutions.

The distinguished panel of experts from Canadian industry, academia, and DND/CAF will explore critical challenges in defence supply, discuss strategies to strengthen Canada’s readiness and resilience through domestic manufacturing and innovation, and examine how we can nurture Canadian volume leaders to meet defence supply demands.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
  • Time: 13:00 – 16:00
  • Location: 7 Bayview Station Rd, Bayview Yards, Ottawa, Ontario
  • Virtual: Online attendance available (link will be shared with registered participants)
  • Format: Panel discussion with Q&A

Why Attend In-Person:

  • Gain insight into current and future defence capability requirements
  • Share and hear innovative ideas and solutions
  • Strengthen partnerships between industry and defence

RSVP by January 14, 2026

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Posted in
By: | Dec 25, 2025

Jan 29 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Employment Law 101 (Virtual)

About this workshop:

Join employment lawyers Travis Ujjainwalla and Lori Philpott of Mann Lawyers to learn about employment contracts in Ontario and key considerations for employers.

What you will learn:

  • What are the key terms of an employment contract?
  • Are employment contracts necessary for my business?
  • What does a contract need in order to be enforceable?
  • How might employment contracts impact my business?
  • Employee vs contractor – what are the main differences, and which is better for your business?

Whether you are in the process of hiring employees or are curious to learn more about recent developments in employment law that may impact your current employees and your business, this workshop will help you navigate these situations to help ensure your employment relationships start on the right foot.

REGISTER HERE

 

Posted in
By: | Dec 24, 2025

Jan 23 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Grow Your Leads – Client Acquisition Strategies (Virtual)

About this workshop:

Join us for Grow Your Leads: Client Acquisition Strategies, a practical workshop designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to attract better leads, convert more customers, and grow sustainably.

This session will explore the power of 360° marketing – a holistic approach that connects your digital presence, social media, email marketing, content, and offline efforts into one seamless customer journey. Instead of chasing leads across disconnected channels, you’ll learn how to create a unified strategy that works together to drive consistent results.

You’ll discover how to:

  • Build omnichannel marketing campaigns that meet customers where they are
  • Use data-driven insights to attract higher-quality leads
  • Create personalized engagement that increases trust and conversion
  • Align online and offline marketing to maximize reach and ROI
  • Turn prospects into loyal, repeat customers

Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an established business, this workshop will give you actionable strategies you can apply immediately – without needing a massive marketing budget.

REGISTER HERE

Posted in
By: | Dec 24, 2025

Jan 15 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Introduction to Bookkeeping: Logan Katz Learning Series (Virtual)

About this workshop:

Proper record keeping and effective financial organization are critical pillars of business success, no matter the size or stage of your enterprise. As part of the Logan Katz Learning Series, this interactive and practical workshop is designed to equip business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring bookkeepers with the foundational skills needed to manage financial information with confidence.

In this engaging session, participants will learn:

  • The key principles and terminology of bookkeeping
  • How to set up and maintain a simple, efficient record-keeping system
  • Best practices for organizing receipts, invoices, and financial documents
  • Techniques for tracking income and expenses accurately
  • How to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to errors or missed opportunities
  • When and how to delegate bookkeeping tasks effectively

Whether you’re managing the books yourself or supervising someone who does, this workshop will provide you with the tools and clarity to stay on top of your financials and make informed decisions for your business. Designed to be accessible and actionable, the content is suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge.

REGISTER HERE

Posted in
By: | Dec 23, 2025

Jan 26 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Starting a Business in Ottawa: Rules, Resources & Roadmaps (Virtual)

About this workshop:

Have a business idea but aren’t sure how to take the first step? This engaging and informative webinar is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of exploring business ownership. Whether you’re considering a side hustle, launching a startup, or turning a passion into a full-time venture, this session will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to get started confidently and compliantly.

Led by experts from Invest Ottawa, this beginner-level seminar will introduce you to the key regulatory requirements and business considerations at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. You’ll learn about:

  • Municipal Requirements: Understand business licensing requirements and zoning considerations in Ottawa.
  • Provincial Regulations: Explore different business structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation), how to register your business in Ontario, and what structure might be best for you.
  • Federal Obligations: Get an overview of federal requirements including HST registration and obtaining a Business Number (BN).

In addition to regulatory basics, the webinar will highlight valuable resources available to entrepreneurs, including:

  • Support Services & Community Resources: Discover how Invest Ottawa and its partners can support your entrepreneurial journey through mentorship, networking, training, and more.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the path to launching your business and where to find the support you need every step of the way.

Who Should Attend:

  • First-time entrepreneurs
  • Individuals with a business idea but no prior experience
  • Anyone looking to understand the business startup landscape in Ottawa and Ontario

About the speaker:

Paula Hopkins is a passionate entrepreneurship advocate. She is the Director of the Entrepreneurship Team, and has worked with Invest Ottawa for over 10 years to help people start and grow their businesses.

REGISTER HERE