Empowering and celebrating Ottawa’s small business community

Join Us for the 2025 Ottawa Small Business Summit

Presented by TD Bank, and hosted in collaboration with the Ottawa Board of Trade and Invest Ottawa, the Ottawa Small Business Summit brings together business owners, industry leaders, and community partners for an engaging day of learning and connection.

This event is SOLD OUT!

We look forward to welcoming attendees to this hyper-local Small Business Week event celebrating Ottawa’s small business community.

Stay tuned for post-event highlights and future programming opportunities.

Conference Details

WHEN

Join us on Monday October 20th, 2025, for a transformative day dedicated to empowering your small business.

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM EDT

WHERE

The Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Station Rd
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5

Getting to Bayview Yards

Cycling: Located beside the Ottawa River Pathway and many other routes, Bayview Yards is easily accessible via bicycle. We offer ample bike racks, at the front and back of our building, throughout all seasons.

Transit: Bayview Yards is located 600m away from Bayview Station, which serves multiple routes as well is the O-Train stop.

Driving: There are 50 spaces along Bayview Station Road offering 2HR free parking, and 27 spaces along Stonehurst and Burnside offering 1HR free parking.

Bayview Yards currently offers free on-site parking in a gravel lot.

FEE

This event is now sold out.
Registration is closed.

Ticket fee includes light fare (coffee, tea) & lunch from Chef Ric’s

Our Hosts & Special Guests

Join welcoming remarks and opening addresses from civic and business leaders shaping Ottawa’s economic future.
Expect inspiring insights on collaboration, innovation, and the collective role of small businesses in driving local prosperity.

Michelle Groulx

Chief Advocate, OCOBIA

Nathalie Carrier

Executive Director, Vanier BIA and Vice-Chair, OCOBIA

Sonya Shorey

President & CEO, Invest Ottawa

Sam Laprade

Business Strategist and Radio Host, CFRE

Sueling Ching

President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade

Mark Sutcliffe

Mayor, City of Ottawa

Our Speakers & Panelists

Hear from thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts who are redefining what it means to grow and adapt in today’s business landscape.
From digital transformation and AI to mental wellness and sustainability, our lineup is designed to spark ideas and actionable takeaways.

Richard Waterhouse

Director, Technology Initiatives, Ontario Centre of Innovation

Muskan Kaur

Education & Outreach Specialist, Ontario Centre of Innovation

Lori Philpott

Employment Lawyer, Mann Lawyers

Karen Brownrigg

Founder & CEO, iHR Advisory Services

Austin Perron

Digital Marketing Team Lead, SEOplus+

Chris Doré

CEO, ScarlettNova (The AI Collective)

Sarah Gencarelli

Co-Lead, Ottawa Chapter, The AI Collective

Tanya Farlinger

Owner, exhālō Spa

Sarah Chown

Managing Partner, Metropolitain Brasserie

Peter Georgariou

Founder & CEO, KharmaDharma

Ashley Lawrie

CEO, Free Form Fitness

Jen Alvarenga

CoFounder, Goodstory

Marc Plante

Stray Dog Brewing

Lindsay Appotive

Howard Fine Jewellers and Owner, True Bijoux

Taylor White

Director, Ken White Construction

Natalie Evans, CPA

Partner, Head of Assurance at GGFL, LLP

Anish Mehra

General Manager, East India Company

WHY ATTEND?

The Ottawa Small Business Summit is more than a conference — it’s a catalyst for connection, inspiration, and growth.

Gain real-world insights from business and policy leaders
Build new partnerships and strengthen your network
Explore emerging trends shaping the future of small business
Discover resources and opportunities to help your business thrive

Conference Schedule

Registration & Breakfast

Delicious eats provided by a local Ottawa business

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Welcome by our MC & Host

Michelle Groulx, Chief Advocate, OCOBIA and Invest Ottawa President & CEO, Sonya Shorey

8:55 AM - 9:00 AM

Small Business Week Proclamation

His Worship Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Panel 1: Ottawa’s Small Businesses – Stamina & Sustainability

Lindsay Appotive (Howard Fine Jewellers and True Bijoux)
Taylor White (Ken White Construction)
Natalie Evans (GGFL)
Anish Mehra, (East India Company)

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Break & Transition

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Breakout Sessions – Round 1

Accessing Funding for Small Business – Presented by Ontario Centre of Innovation – Richard Waterhouse and Muskan Kaur
AI for Small Business – Moderated by Ottawa Board of Trade President & CEO
- Chris Dore (AI Collective)
- Sarah Gencarelli (AI Collective)
HR & Employment Law 2026 – Presented by Mann Lawyers (Lori Philpott) and iHR Advisory Services (Karen Brownrigg)

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Break

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Lunch & Presentation

Remarks by Ottawa Board of Trade President & CEO, Sueling Ching
Special presentation by Rogers Sport & Media during lunch.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Remarks by TD, sponsor of Invest Ottawa Small Business Week

12:30 PM - 12:45 PM

Panel 2: Mental Health & Wellness for Small Business Owners

Moderator: Nathalie Carrier, Executive Director at ZAC Vanier BIA

Tanya Farlinger (Exhalo Spa)
Sarah Chown (Metropolitain Brasserie)
Peter Georgariou (KharmaDharma)

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Breakout Sessions – Round 2

Google Reviews & Digital Presence – Presented by SEOplus+ (Austin Perron)
Getting Started with Ecommerce
Networking 101 – Moderated by Ottawa Board of Trade President & CEO, Sueling Ching
- Ashley Lawrie (Free Form Fitness)
- Jen Alvarenga (Goodstory)
- Marc Plante (Stray Dog Brewing)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Closing & Networking

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

This year’s Summit is sold out!

Thank you to everyone who registered. We look forward to a dynamic day of learning, networking, and celebrating Ottawa’s small business community.

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