Last year, I made my first investment: joining Ottawa Rapid FC as a founding community owner in Canada’s new Northern Super League.
By most traditional measures, it was modest. I wasn’t leading a round, nor did I have the experience or confidence of a seasoned private equity investor. In fact, I often felt out of my depth — navigating unfamiliar terminology, complex structures and admiring the quiet confidence of those who have done this many times over.
And yet, it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made.
I’m the founder of a growing business, Differly Inc., and a mother of three teenage daughters, two of whom are competitive soccer players. Like many Ottawa families, our lives revolve around training schedules, tournaments and long drives across the province. Youth sport at this level is not a hobby, it’s a full-time commitment — financially, logistically and emotionally. For years, I wrestled with what that commitment could realistically lead to. The pathway for Canadian girls in soccer has historically been narrow. If you are among the very best, you might secure a U.S. scholarship or pursue opportunities overseas. The ceiling was not only unclear, it also seemed out of reach.
The Northern Super League is starting to change that. Led by Diana Matheson and Thomas Gilbert, the league represents a long-overdue investment in women’s professional sport in Canada. It is also a reminder that markets don’t just appear, they are built, often by those willing to take risks.
And I felt compelled to help in any way I could.
Despite years spent advising startups, stepping into the role of investor required a different mindset. It was a steep learning curve. I relied heavily on advisers — legal, financial and strategic — to navigate everything from corporate structuring to due diligence. More importantly, I learned to listen, ask questions and embrace the discomfort of entering a new domain — something I’ve often done as an entrepreneur. That discomfort is, in fact, part of the process. Ottawa has no shortage of successful entrepreneurs, gutsy startups and community leaders with the means to support. However, many remain on the sidelines, unsure of where to start or hesitant to enter a new market.
However, the emergence of the Northern Super League, now six teams strong, is not just a sports story, it is an economic and cultural one, with implications for talent retention, community engagement and the growth of women’s professional sport. Players are returning from Europe to compete in Canada, and a new generation of athletes sees a future that doesn’t require leaving home.
For me, the return on this investment is already clear.
It’s in the possibility it creates for my daughters and others like them. It’s in the knowledge that I played a small role in building something that expands opportunity in this country. And it’s a reminder that meaningful investment isn’t always about scale, it’s about intent.
As Ottawa continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and inclusive growth, there’s a broader lesson here. We need more business leaders to step forward — not just in technology or R&D, but in initiatives they care about and those that will strengthen our communities.
The Northern Super League will kick off its second season this spring, with Ottawa Rapid FC hosting its home opener on May 2.
The invitation to the Ottawa community is simple: show up. Support. Engage. Because building a stronger, more inclusive city is not just the work of institutions, it’s the result of individuals deciding to participate.
Sometimes, the most impactful investments are the ones where you know you’re making a small difference — the return takes care of itself.
Isabelle Perreault is the founder and CEO of Differly Inc. and a founding member of the ownership group of Ottawa Rapid FC.
