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Ottawa Small Business Summit 2026

October 19 @ 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
$35

No one builds alone.

The Ottawa Small Business Summit 2026 brings Ottawa’s small business community together around a simple idea: we’re stronger when we learn from each other, share what we know, and help one another move forward. Led by karmadharma, it’s a full day designed to leave you with practical ideas, new relationships, and a concrete next step you can actually put into action.

Why Vanier merchants should pay attention

The Summit is a partnership between Invest Ottawa, OCOBIA, and the Ottawa Board of Trade — and as a member BIA of OCOBIA, Vanier BIA is part of the umbrella that helped shape this event. That means it’s built with mainstreet businesses like yours in mind: not just tech founders and venture-backed startups, but the restaurants, retailers, service providers, and independent operators who make Vanier what it is.

What to expect

Morning: Networking + real stories
Purposeful networking designed to get beyond the usual small talk — followed by candid conversations with Ottawa entrepreneurs about what it actually takes to build and grow a business.

Midday: Resources + focused breakouts
Explore the government supports available to small and medium-sized businesses, and pick a breakout that fits where you’re at:

  • 🔹 Succession planning — for owners thinking about what’s next
  • 🔹 Building your client list — for owners looking to grow

Over lunch, connect with peers facing similar challenges and swap what’s working.

Afternoon: AI in practice + your next move
A tactical, implementation-focused AI workshop with tools you can actually put to work in your business — followed by an interactive session that pushes you to rethink your story and identify one concrete next move.

Event partners

  • Program sponsors: City of Ottawa · karmadharma
  • Hospitality sponsor: Costco Wholesale Canada
  • Presenting partnership: Invest Ottawa · OCOBIA · Ottawa Board of Trade

The essentials

  • 🎟️ $35 single ticket — advance online only, no door sales
  • ✉️ Contact: Sharon Diamond, Manager Membership and Events — sharon.diamond@ottawabot.ca

Come ready to learn, contribute, and connect. Leave with practical ideas, new relationships, and a next step you can put into action.

Details

Organizers

Venue