Welcome to Capital Connect, your source for business insights, community updates, and opportunities shaping Ottawa’s economic future. Want even more access? Ottawa Board of Trade members receive early access to events, exclusive resources, and additional benefits designed to help businesses connect, grow, and lead in a separate, member-exclusive newsletter. | | | | |
Featured Event
Business After 5: Manor Lounge Halloween Takeover
| | October 20, 2026 | Manor Lounge | | |
On October 20, Business After 5 is getting a Halloween makeover at Manor Lounge, and we're bringing Ottawa's business community together for an evening of great connections, friendly competition, and a little Halloween fun.
Your Business After 5 ticket includes:
-
Food & Drink: Enjoy a complimentary beverage, delicious bites, and great company in the lively atmosphere of Manor Lounge.
-
Friendly Competition: Show off your skills at darts and foosball. A little friendly rivalry is encouraged!
-
Halloween Fun: Dress to impress for our costume competition, with special prizes up for grabs. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
-
Photo Booth: Capture the fun with colleagues, friends, and new connections.
- Meaningful Connections: Meet Ottawa business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
-
A Community Celebration: Be part of the special fundraising reveal in support of Ottawa Network for Education.
It's your chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new business connections, and experience one of Ottawa's most exciting venues.
Time is running out to get your tickets! Don't be the one hearing about all the fun afterward. Grab a colleague, get your costume ready, and join us for a Business After 5 to remember!
After networking, why not make a night of it! Manor Lounge is a great spot for dinner, drinks, games, and entertainment. PLUS, on October 20th, the Dueling Pianos with Jeff Rogers and Mellow Dee take the stage at 8:00 p.m. You can make dinner reservations here, and Dueling Pianos reservations here.
| | | | |
Ottawa’s future is on the municipal ballot. Are you ready? | | |
On October 26, Ottawa residents will choose the people who make decisions about our city’s future.
From housing and transportation to infrastructure and economic growth, those decisions affect every neighbourhood, business and community.
More Ottawa is here to help you understand what’s at stake, explore the priorities that matter, and see where municipal candidates stand.
Know the issues. Ask the questions. Make your vote count.
Explore More Ottawa before you vote on October 26.
| | | | |
Ottawa Has the Assets to Win. Now We Need to Build on Them. | | |
The Ottawa Board of Trade is pleased to announce Jessica Sheridan of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) and Dan Doran of KPMG as the inaugural Co-Chairs of our Defence Council!
As Canada advances its defence priorities, Ottawa has a significant opportunity to drive investment, accelerate innovation, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen our national and regional economic competitiveness.
As part of our continued efforts to strengthen Ottawa's role as a national hub for defence innovation and investment, the Defence Council brings together industry leaders to identify opportunities, foster collaboration, and advance shared priorities that will support the growth of our region's defence sector.
From championing Ottawa as the ideal location for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank headquarters to advocating for greater investment in defence innovation, technology, and procurement, OBOT is working with business and community leaders to turn our region's strengths into long-term economic opportunities.
With Jessica and Dan's leadership, we look forward to building on this momentum, amplifying the voice of Ottawa's defence sector, and advancing the partnerships and priorities that will shape its future.
Want to help shape the future of Ottawa's defence sector? Become an OBOT Pillar Partner and join our Defence Council to connect with industry leaders, contribute to strategic discussions, and help advance the opportunities driving our region's growth.
| | | | |
Mark Your Calendars:
Join Us at an Upcoming Event
| | Ottawa Small Business Summit 2026 | | October 19, 2026 | Bayview Yards | | |
Small businesses are the backbone of Ottawa's economy, and we're kicking off Small Business Week by bringing the people behind them together!
Join us on October 19 for the Ottawa Small Business Summit, a day dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs and small business leaders make connections, discover new opportunities, and take their businesses to the next level.
From practical insights and expert-led discussions to valuable networking opportunities and a hands-on AI workshop, this summit will give you the tools, resources, and relationships you need for your next stage of growth.
Whether you want to expand your network, tackle new challenges, or find fresh inspiration, this is your chance to connect with Ottawa's small business community and invest in your success.
| | Mayor's Breakfast with Dan Goldberg | | November 3, 2026 | Ottawa City Hall - Jean Pigott | | |
The Mayor's Breakfast returns on November 3, and we're excited to welcome Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat, for a fireside chat!
Leading one of the world's largest satellite operators, Dan has been at the forefront of global innovation and connectivity for two decades. Under his leadership, Telesat is advancing the next generation of satellite technology through Telesat Lightspeed, helping position Ottawa as a leader in the global space and technology sectors.
Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal for an engaging conversation on leadership, innovation, and the opportunities shaping our economic future.
Taking place just days after Ottawa's municipal election, this edition of the Mayor's Breakfast will also feature an update from the incoming Mayor of Ottawa, along with valuable opportunities to connect with business, community, and political leaders from across the region.
| | December 4, 2026 | HISTORY Ottawa | | |
Celebrate the season in style at the OBOT Holiday Cocktail, an exclusive members-only experience at HISTORY Ottawa, one of the city's newest and most exciting entertainment destinations!
Step inside HISTORY's private VIP Lounge for an unforgettable evening with Ottawa's business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Enjoy delicious bites, refreshments, and great company as we raise a glass to another year of business success, meaningful connections, and new opportunities.
Your evening doesn't end there! Following the Holiday Cocktail, keep the night going with TALK live at HISTORY. Your Holiday Cocktail ticket includes access to the show, giving you the opportunity to experience the venue in action and enjoy an evening of live music after the reception.
Whether you’re celebrating a successful year, growing your network, or simply looking to kick off the holiday season with Ottawa’s business community, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
Connect with Ottawa’s business leaders, increase your visibility, and showcase your organization at one of the season’s most anticipated networking events. Explore our sponsorship opportunities and discover how your business can be part of the celebration. To learn more, contact Kara Higdon, Director, Business & Community Partnerships, at kara.higdon@ottawabot.ca.
| | | | |
Sponsored by: Heart of Orléans | | | | |
Congratulations to the 2026 Newsmaker of the Year - Eliot Pence, Dominion Dynamics | | |
Congratulations to Eliot Pence, Founder of Dominion Dynamics, on being named the 2026 Newsmaker of the Year at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (The BOBs)!
From securing a record-breaking $139-million Series A investment to expanding operations in Kanata, Eliot is making headlines and helping position Ottawa as a leader in Canada's growing defence technology sector.
Through his leadership at Dominion Dynamics and commitment to collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, Eliot is helping strengthen Canada's defence capabilities while creating new opportunities for investment and economic growth in our region.
On November 26, Ottawa’s business community will come together for one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year - the 2026 Best Ottawa Business Awards Gala.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and community, featuring an elegant reception, exceptional dining, inspiring stories, and recognition of the businesses and leaders making an impact across our city.
We look forward to celebrating Eliot alongside this year’s outstanding recipients and the people who continue to move Ottawa forward.
| | | | |
Sponsored by: Enbridge Gas | | | | |
Pillar Partner Spotlight: Spiria | | |
We’re proud to welcome Spiria as a Pillar Partner of the Ottawa Board of Trade!
With deep roots in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Spiria is a Canadian technology company helping organizations solve complex challenges and unlock new opportunities through custom software development, application modernization, and artificial intelligence.
Ottawa is home to one of Canada’s most dynamic technology ecosystems. Maintaining that competitive advantage means continuing to bring together the businesses, talent, and expertise needed to drive innovation, accelerate technology adoption, and strengthen our economy.
Spiria brings that spirit of innovation to the Ottawa Board of Trade community. Through their Pillar Partnership, they are investing in the connections, collaboration, and conversations that help local businesses grow and our region compete.
We’re excited to have Spiria at the table as we work together to build a more innovative, competitive, and prosperous Ottawa.
| | | | |
Sponsored by: Hiboo Networks | | | | |
Celebrate Small Business Month: Opportunities to Grow, Innovate, and Make an Impact
From creating jobs and driving innovation to strengthening our neighbourhoods and communities, local entrepreneurs play a vital role in building a vibrant, competitive, and prosperous city.
Whether you're starting a business, looking to expand, or exploring new opportunities, there are valuable resources available to support your success:
Supporting small businesses starts with all of us. Ahead of Small Business Week, we encourage you to think local. Choose a local supplier, visit an independent business, recommend a trusted service provider, or make an introduction that could lead to a new opportunity.
By supporting local businesses, we're strengthening our economy, creating opportunities, and investing in Ottawa's future.
Let's continue to champion the businesses that make Ottawa a great place to live, work, and invest.
| | | | |
| |
