{"id":136058,"date":"2026-02-05T12:34:04","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:34:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.investottawa.ca\/eventbrite-event\/purpose-resilience-building-a-business-with-conviction\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T12:34:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:34:04","slug":"purpose-resilience-building-a-business-with-conviction","status":"publish","type":"eventbrite_events","link":"https:\/\/www.investottawa.ca\/fr\/eventbrite-event\/purpose-resilience-building-a-business-with-conviction\/","title":{"rendered":"Purpose, Resilience & Building a Business with Conviction"},"content":{"rendered":"
Celebrate International Women\u2019s Month with an inspiring conversation on resilience, entrepreneurship, and building against the odds.<\/div>\n
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Celebrate International Women\u2019s Month with an inspiring afternoon focused on resilience, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and building a business against the odds. <\/strong><\/strong>Designed for women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those leading product- and service-based businesses, this in-person event offers real stories, fresh perspective, and meaningful inspiration.<\/p>\n

Through an honest and powerful conversation, we\u2019ll explore what it truly means to build with conviction, navigate adversity, and lead with purpose even when the path forward is uncertain. Guests can expect an inspiring keynote and moderated discussion, practical insights on purpose-led entrepreneurship, and opportunities to connect with fellow founders, business owners, and ecosystem partners. The afternoon will also include a tradeshow-style showcase, networking reception, and complimentary catering.<\/p>\n

This event will be hosted in person, with a live stream<\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/em>option<\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/em>available for those unable to attend<\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/em>onsite.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

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Featured Speaker<\/h3>\n

Emily O\u2019Brien | Founder of Comeback Snacks<\/h4>\n

Emily O\u2019Brien<\/a> is the founder of Comeback Snacks<\/a>, a purpose-driven popcorn company rooted in creativity, quality ingredients, and second chances. While incarcerated as a first-time offender, Emily observed women creating popcorn recipes with limited resources, sparking the idea for a business that would later become a nationally recognized brand.<\/p>\n

Today, Comeback Snacks works to reduce stigma surrounding prior convictions while empowering individuals through employment, training, and education. Emily\u2019s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and conviction can fuel both personal transformation and business success.<\/p>\n

Join us for a conversation that challenges assumptions, celebrates women\u2019s leadership, and proves there is no single path to entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

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Event Details<\/h3>\n

Date: Monday, March 23, 2026<\/p>\n

Time: 2:00 to 4:30 PM<\/p>\n

Location: The RBC Foundry, Bayview Yards
In-person event with live stream available<\/p>\n

Tickets: Free admission
Tickets may be available at the door (if not sold out)<\/p>\n

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SME Tradeshow<\/h3>\n

As part of the event, we will host a curated SME tradeshow featuring women-owned businesses, predominantly based in Ottawa. This marketplace will showcase a range of services, unique goods, and thoughtfully made products from local entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

The tradeshow offers attendees an opportunity to discover emerging businesses, connect directly with founders, and help support women building and growing their ventures. The SME Tradeshow is hosted by Invest Ottawa\u2019s Small Business Enterprise Centre, which supports entrepreneurs through advisory services, programs, and resources designed to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the Small Business Enterprise Centre
https:\/\/www.investottawa.ca\/small-business-programs\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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Agenda<\/h3>\n

2:00 PM Doors and registration open
SME trade show booths open<\/p>\n

2:30 – 2:45 PM Opening remarks led by Sonya Shorey<\/a><\/p>\n

2:45 – 3:45 PM Keynote presentation by Emily O\u2019Brien<\/a> and moderated Q&A<\/p>\n

3:45 – 4:00 PM Closing remarks<\/p>\n

4:00 – 4:30 PM Networking and SME trade show<\/p>\n

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Additional Information<\/h3>\n