Downtown Ottawa businesses impacted by demonstrations can apply for Government support as of March 15

Businesses in Downtown Ottawa were hit hard by the demonstrations in our nation’s capital. Many businesses were unable to open their doors and as a result suffered financial losses. The application portal for the Downtown Ottawa Business Relief Fund will open on March 15, 2022.

With this FedDev Ontario funding, Invest Ottawa, in collaboration with key partners in the region, including the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) and the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT), will provide non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 for costs not covered by other federal programs.

This contribution will ensure that businesses can recover costs such as utilities, insurance, bank charges, loss of inventory (e.g., spoiled food), wages, rent, and other extraordinary costs related to the repair or protection of a business due to the demonstrations.

To support the most vulnerable small businesses, eligible businesses impacted by the demonstrations will need to:

  • Be located in the central districts of Ottawa
  • Have at least one and fewer than 100 employees in downtown areas
  • Have been unable to operate their business at normal levels from January 22 through February 2022
  • Have intended to provide in-person client services during the demonstrations and could not transition to virtual services in the short-term
  • And be fully open, operating and providing in-person services at the time of application.

Additional details on eligibility criteria will be available on the Invest Ottawa website when the application intake opens. Interested stakeholders can subscribe for updates on the Downtown Ottawa Business Relief Fund website.
Why Affordable Housing Matters in Ottawa

Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal on Wednesday, March 16 at the Brookstreet Hotel in their stunning Newbridge Ballroom for the next CEO Talk! Your registration includes great networking, a delicious lunch and keynote presentation by Romy Bowers, President and CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Who Should Attend?
  • Mortgage Brokers
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Financial Planners
  • Accountants
  • Lawyers
  • Insurance Brokers
  • Business Consultants
  • Young Professionals
Join Mayor Jim Watson, the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal on Friday, March 25 for an in-person Mayor's Breakfast!
 
Start your morning with a cup of coffee, breakfast and network and connect with colleagues in the business community. Mayor Jim Watson will give an update from City Hall, followed by a presentation by Andrii Bukvych, Chargé d'Affaires at the Ukrainian Embassy
ADVERTISEMENT FROM OTTAWA BOARD OF TRADE MEMBER: CANON CANADA
Calling all women main street business founders, owners, leaders and employees!
 
On March 21, join dozens of inspiring mentors and a supportive community for a dynamic hybrid event aiming to inspire and equip women leaders of main street - and get actionable insights you can put to work to strengthen your business during these unprecedented times and tomorrow.  
 
Connect with other main street women leaders and mentors to discuss key topics and challenges - and get on-the-spot mentorship safely and managed in-person at Bayview Yards, or online.  
You're invited! Join the 2022 Run for Women Ottawa

Calling all Ottawa business leaders! Your Ottawa Board of Trade invites you to join our team for the 2022 Run for Women in support of women’s mental health at The Royal. Your support will help expand access to gender-specific mental health research and care for women in Ottawa. Interested in joining our team? In celebration of International Women’s Day, there is currently a $5 off coupon if you use the promo code: GENGAP22 during registration.

Thank you to the business leaders that have already joined our Team:

  • Co-Captain: Kassondra Walters, Ottawa Board of Trade
  • Co-Captain: Priya Bhaloo, Tag HR
  • Sueling Ching, Ottawa Board of Trade
  • Melissa Howell, Ottawa Board of Trade
  • Andrea Greenhous, Vision2Voice
  • Hailey Hechtman, Causeway Work Centre
  • Linda McCallum, Royal LePage Ottawa
FUN! FAST! FOCUSED!

Grow your business and build your brand by connecting with fellow business leaders with our new member only networking opportunity. Make 5 new connections every month by investing just 30 minutes. Effective, facilitated conversations that will enhance your professional network and strengthen your business community.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Kassondra Walters at Kassondra.Walters@ottawabot.ca for more information on how you can promote your business and support your Ottawa Board of Trade.
Take Advantage of the #1 Group Insurance Plan
for Small Businesses

Employee benefits packages from Chambers Plan have all the essentials, plus so much more. With stable rates and ultra-flexible support services, it’s clear to see why it’s Canada’s #1 Plan. 
Membership Has Its Benefits

Are you interested in learning about your Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT)? Attend a Maximize Your Membership - Membership 101 session with Kassondra Walters, OBOT's Manager, Membership Experience, to learn more about the benefits of membership! Heather Allin, Doucett Insurance, will share an overview and benefits of the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan.

 New members, future members, and existing members are invited to attend as a great information and refresher session.
One Free Month of Virtual Yoga for OBOT Members from Innergy Corporate Yoga

Are you looking to reduce stress and boost energy? Proud Ottawa Board of Trade member, Innergy Corporate Yoga are offering one month of FREE virtual yoga for fellow OBOT members.

  • One class/week - up to four weeks
  • Chair yoga - classic yoga - meditation
  • 15/30 minute health break - One hour session
  • Corporations & Staff - Solopreneurs
  • and more!
Promote Your Business| Build Your Brand | Support Your Community
Special Thanks to our Community Partners!