Ottawa Business Journal

Founders Dinner Ottawa
2026-04-14 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
Founders Dinner in Ottawa – Tuesday, April 14th
Connect with Founders Who Get It
Join us for real conversations and real growth.
This evening is designed to bring together a curated group of founders to share real stories, connect meaningfully, and discuss what’s happening in our businesses and industries right now. We’ll kick things off with a seated dinner and flow into an open discussion around growth, challenges, and opportunity.
Who It’s For
​✅ Company founders, exited founders, VCs and similar
​✅ Actively building or scaling something ambitious
​✅ Down to skip the small talk and have real conversations
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We’re curating a diverse room across industries, stages, and experiences — apply and tell us why you should be in the room.
To apply to join us, sign up here – https://www.graemebarlow.com/foundersdinners

Kinnect Ottawa: Healthy Minds, Stronger Family Firms
2026-04-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Rideau Club, 99 Bank St, 15th floor, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Open to Guests & all FEC Members — Join us in Ottawa!
Please join our growing community in Ottawa for a dynamic ‘Kinnect’ event focused on strengthening both people and performance within a family enterprise. This interactive gathering brings together family business leaders, next-generation members and trusted professionals to explore how healthy, resilient minds contribute to stronger family firms and enduring success.
Facilitated by Dr. Liz Tetzlaff, this session moves beyond theory to deliver practical, real-world insight. Together, we will examine the unique pressures facing multigenerational families and explore strategies to enhance personal resilience, strengthen family dynamics and sustain effective leadership across generations. When individuals thrive, family enterprises flourish!
Please note: This is a relationship-building event focused on peer connections and learning. No solicitation or selling of services is permitted, particularly for any advisors attending the event.
Register now.

Y Embassy Chef Showcase
2026-04-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON, Canada
The Y Embassy Chef Showcase is the culinary event that could only be held in Canada’s Capital! Enjoy authentic dishes and beverages created by talented chefs from around the world in the spirit of friendly competition, cultural diversity, and inclusion. Guests will sample authentic and unique chef-crafted signature dishes and vote on their favourites. The event creates a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere where diplomats, business leaders, and community members connect.
100% of the proceeds raised by the Y Embassy Chef Showcase will be put to work helping those who need it most within the National Capital Region. Your support helps our Y continue to provide vital programs and services to the families and children in our community who rely on them.
Tickets are $125 and include unlimited food and beverage from all participating embassies and a $50 charitable tax receipt. Purchase your ticket at ymcaottawa.ca — this event sells out quickly, so don’t miss your chance to experience this year’s Y Embassy Chef Showcase!
Get your tickets now.

Fashion for Futures
2026-04-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, K2P 2R1, Canada
For the first time, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa will bring the Ottawa community to the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Rotunda for a night of networking & slow, sustainable fashion with Fashion for Futures Ottawa on Friday, April 17th. It’s slow fashion, with a fast fashion feel!
This one-of-a-kind Fashion Show will feature some of Ottawa’s most fashionable celebrities from diverse communities, with business, political, influencer, and media backgrounds, for a thrifted fashion show powered by BBBSO’s Social Enterprise, Thrive Select Thrift! All proceeds will be going towards providing life-changing support for youth in our community.
All funds raised from the Fashion for Futures Ottawa will go directly to creating mentorship matches in Ottawa and Renfrew County.

Mayor's Breakfast with the Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria
2026-04-21 07:00 - 09:00 | Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1, Canada
The Mayor’s Breakfast is one of our most popular events, bringing together the region’s top business, community, and political leaders. This monthly event features valuable networking opportunities, a City Hall update from the Mayor, and high-profile speakers addressing issues that are vital to our city, province and country. Join us and stay informed on key issues impacting the prosperity of our city and get connected with Ottawa’s business community.
Agenda:
7:00 a.m. – Networking and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – Update from City Hall + Fireside Chat
9:00 a.m. – Event Conclusion
Special Guest: Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
Prabmeet Sarkaria is the Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South.
He has served as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South since his election in 2018 and has held several key positions in the Ontario government, including Minister of Transportation, President of the Treasury Board, and Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.
Before his political career, Prabmeet worked as a corporate and commercial associate at Miller Thomson LLP. He holds a law degree from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he majored in Finance. Prior to practicing law, he worked at TD Securities.
Passionate about community service, Prabmeet has been an active volunteer, serving on the City of Brampton’s Property Standards Committee and the Board of Directors for Hockey for Humanity and KarmaGrow. He is also an avid sports fan who enjoys playing and watching hockey, basketball, baseball, and football.
Prabmeet lives in Brampton, Ontario, with his wife, Sarpreet, and their three children.

The Bootstrap Awards
2026-05-05 17:30 - 19:30
The Annual Bootstrap Awards celebrate the achievements of self-capitalized businesses that have successfully grown with little to no external funding. These awards recognize the resilience, creativity, and determination of founders who have “bootstrapped” their ventures to commercial success.
Presented by The Ottawa Network, the Bootstrap Awards honour early-stage companies across all industries, both for-profit and non-profit, through a range of distinct, criteria-based categories.
Eligible recipients are entrepreneurs and organisations based in Eastern Ontario or Western Quebec that have been in operation for fewer than seven years and have raised no more than $750,000 in external funding (excluding non-convertible debt and grants).
Event Details:
This year’s Bootstrap Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 from 5-8pm as part of Tech Tuesday with generous support from event sponsor Wesley Clover.
Award Categories
GREEN AWARD
The winner demonstrates how their company or organization is striving to improve the environment or contribute to environmental health or awareness through a combination of environmental and economic (commercial) sustainability.
INNOVATION AWARD
The winner demonstrates how their company has applied scientific and/or engineering expertise and technology to solve a problem in a way that is unique and innovative.
AI IN ACTION AWARD
The winner demonstrates how their company uses AI First and/or Agentic AI to provide a future-resilient product that has customer uptake and enthusiasm as shown in creative use of AI, number of customers, and/or growth.
MARKETING AWARD
The winner demonstrates how they used innovative marketing strategies to attract media attention and stakeholder involvement while cost-effectively acquiring customers and clients.
BOOTSTRAP CAPITAL AWARD
The winner demonstrates their ability to self-finance and “bootstrap” their enterprise with limited or no help from Angel or Venture Capital investors, and grow their business while remaining economically viable and profitable.
DISRUPTOR AWARD
The winner demonstrates how they are boldly trying to turn a business or paradigm on its head or changing an industry and have received some early traction from supporters. This award celebrates those who have a big vision and are taking a risk to make their vision a reality.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The winner demonstrates how their efforts or organization has had an impact on the community in terms of social good by improving diversity, providing a service or product to an under-served community, raising awareness of a cause or initiative through a unique event, campaign, or fundraising program and by using innovative and/or entrepreneurial techniques. This award may be given to an individual entrepreneur or company.
FOUNDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
This winner demonstrates exceptional leadership and ability to grow their company and build their business through stakeholder engagement and networking, and/or shown themselves to be a leader and influencer in the business community, acting as a peer role model for other founders.
Apply Now.

Spark Soirée 2026
2026-05-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Drive, Ottawa, K1V 2L9
Join the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) for the 2026 Spark Soirée, presented by TAAG. This fundraising evening brings together community leaders and supporters to raise funds for ONFE’s School Breakfast Program. The night features live entertainment, auctions, and a breakfast-inspired culinary experience.
Tickets: www.sparksoiree.ca
Contact: mmiller@onfe-rope.ca | 343-809-3405)

Phoenix Rising
2026-05-11 08:30 - 15:30 | The Brookstreet Hotel, Newbridge Ballroom (2nd floor), 525 Legget Drive, Kanata, ON, K2K 2W2, Canada
Phoenix Rising, presented by Dare to Be Vulnerable, takes place May 11 at the Brookstreet Hotel as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
This full-day experience brings together real, lived stories in the morning and practical mental health tools in the afternoon, creating space for honest conversation, reflection, and meaningful takeaways. Attendees can join on their own, come with a friend, or bring their team to share in the experience.
Phoenix Rising – presented by Dare to be Vulnerable
May 11th | 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | The Brookstreet Hotel
Investment | Individual Seat: $175 | Table of 10: $1500
*early bird pricing in effect until March 31st.
Register now.

Evening in the Maritimes
2026-05-14 17:30 - 21:30 | The Westin Ottawa, 1 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9H4, Canada
Over the last 29 years, Evening in the Maritimes guests and sponsors have helped to raise funds to support people with disabilities in Ottawa. Support from event attendees, donors and sponsors empower people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy.
This unique event is a sell-out every year bringing together hundreds of high-profile guests from many sectors, including the most prominent business and community leaders, government, media, and prestigious social figures in Ottawa/Gatineau.
To receive updates about EiTM, when ticket sales go live, and other news, subscribe to our mailing list (listed on the event webpage).

OBOT Experience Lab: AI Speed Learning (Member Exclusive)
2026-05-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Ottawa Board of Trade, 275 Slater St, Ottawa, K1P 5H9, Canada
Step into a dynamic, hands-on AI learning experience created exclusively for OBOT members – specifically designed for business leaders who want practical tools they can apply immediately, not abstract theory.
This AI session features interactive Speed Learning Stations, each focused on a key business need aligned with real-world AI tools and applications. Participants are guided through all four stations, with each stop offering a focused mini-presentation, discussion, and actionable takeaways.
To keep the energy high and maximize engagement, each participant receives a unique station order. This rotation encourages meaningful networking and ensures you connect with a range of fellow OBOT members while learning alongside peers that face similar challenges.
Learning Stations:
– Understanding Generative AI and LLMs What they are, how they work, and how businesses are using them today to boost productivity.
– Business Planning How to align AI tools with your goals and choose what you need to reach them.
– Operational Excellence AI tools that improve systems, efficiency, workflows, and day-to-day operations.
– Funding How AI can support funding strategies, grant writing, investment readiness, and growth planning.
As a members-only experience, AI Speed Learning offers a focused environment to learn, connect, and grow. You’ll leave with new connections, practical insights, and a clear understanding of how AI can support your organization today.
The OBOT Experience Lab is a member-exclusive series designed to strengthen Ottawa’s business community by addressing real challenges with practical, innovative solutions.
Each Experience Lab brings OBOT members together for hands-on learning, collaboration, and meaningful connection. The program is intentionally responsive – supporting entrepreneurs and business leaders across all industries and stages – while fostering deeper relationships and stronger collaborations across the OBOT community.
Meet Your Experts:
– Christopher Dore, CEO, ScarlettNova
– Isabelle Perreault, Founder and CEO, Differly Inc.
– Gio Pizzoferrato, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, BDO Canada

Give to Get Art Auction
2026-05-21 17:30 - 20:30 | Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave., Ottawa, K1N 6E2
The Ottawa Art Gallery’s signature Give to Get Art Auction returns on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the stunning Alma Duncan Salon. For over 20 years, this celebrated fundraising event has brought the community together in support of local artists and OAG programming.
Presented by TD, the evening features live music, interactive art experiences, and exceptional culinary offerings, all while guests bid on artwork from talented Ottawa-Gatineau artists. Proceeds support free admission, exhibitions, community programs, and the growth of emerging arts professionals.
The accompanying exhibition runs May 16–21 at the Ottawa Art Gallery. Tickets are on sale now.

2026 FEI Canada Conference: Stronger Together. Bolder Than Ever. Building Canada’s Economic Future
2026-05-25 08:00 - 2026-05-28 13:30 | Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8S7, Canada
Join 350+ senior finance leaders for Stronger Together. Bolder Than Ever. Building Canada’s Economic Future — Canada’s largest must-attend event for CFOs and senior executives. Earn up to 14 CPD hours while connecting through high-impact networking, peer discussions, and world-class insights.
Highlights
Opening Keynote: Jim Balsillie, Retired Co-CEO of BlackBerry
Closing Luncheon: Vision for the Future – Supporting the next generation, sustaining growth, and building confidence in Canada’s economy featuring: Michael Rousseau (Air Canada) & Hon. Rod Phillips Phillips (Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. Genuity / Toronto Global) & Vicki Saunders, Founder, Coralus
Networking & Socials: Golf Tournament Camelot Golf & Country Club, curated evening experiences, and Gala Night at the Canadian Museum of History
Featured Sessions
• Venture Capital, Private Equity, Partnerships & Investing in Canada – Access to capital, Indigenous partnerships, and scaling Canadian success.
• C-Suite Panel: What Keeps You Up at Night — and How Do You Manage Through It? – Leading through risk and uncertainty.
• AI & Innovation – Moderated Panel Discussion
• Exploring Canada’s AI and data-sovereignty landscape, with key insights for CFOs and organizations managing sensitive information.
• Mental Health Opening Keynote: Stories from Unsinkable – Resilience, wellness, and high-pressure leadership.
• Economic Panel Unplugged – Macroeconomics, market risks, currency trends, and CUSMA insights.
Speaker Lineup Highlights
• Vishar Yaghoublan – CEO & Founder, Toothpod
• Tyson Jones – Senior Vice President Ontario, BDC
• Stephen Berna – Managing Director, National Bank
• Dominic Grimard – Chief Financial Officer, Power Sustainable
• Karl Schamotta – Chief Market Strategist, Corpay
• John Shin – Senior G10 FX Strategist, Bank of America Securities
Why You Can’t Miss This
• Connect directly with Canada’s top CFOs and finance leaders
• Gain insights from innovators, economists, and seasoned entrepreneurs
• Network in intimate sessions and dedicated networking blocks
• Ottawa locals: this elite national conference is coming to you — no travel needed!
Location: Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa
Dates: May 25–28, 2026
Register here: https://feicanadaconference.ca/
