Building our Future: Celebrating Black Innovators, Founders and Leaders

• In-person event

Please join us as we come together as a community to honour Black History Month.

We will celebrate current and aspiring Black innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses that drive our economy, enrich our communities and enhance our quality of life. This year’s edition of Building Our Future will explore the vital question of sustaining Black entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving world.

This very special in-person event will feature a roundtable with key leaders in the ecosystem followed by an audience Q&A and collaborative discussion that will focus on:

• Celebrating the talent, thought leadership and achievements of Black innovators, ecosystem leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses
• Tackle pressing questions, solutions and share actionable insights leaving audience members with practical tools and perspectives
• Highlight resources available for Black-owned and led businesses across our region
• Promote Black-owned companies and businesses that are fueling the development of our economy and improving our quality of life

Light refreshments will be served. There is no cost to join us, and all are welcome!

Invest Ottawa, Wesley Clover, and Kanata North Business Association, are honoured to host this special Black History Month event with, and for, our ecosystem, in partnership with The Novas Group.

Agenda

• 8:30 AM: Networking and Showcase of Black-owned businesses and artists
• 9:30 AM: Opening remarks by The Novas Group; Event MC
• 9:40 AM: Roundtable Discussion with Ecosystem Leaders facilitated by The Novas Group
• 10:50 AM: Networking Break
• 11:00 AM: Audience Engagement Session: Reflection and Q&A facilitated by The Novas Group
• 11:30 AM: Closing Remarks
• 11:35 AM: Networking & Showcase

Register now to reserve your free ticket to this special Black History Month event.

Join us in person at the Brookstreet Hotel to enjoy light refreshments, networking, and discussions.

All are welcome – please join us.

If you would like to explore the opportunity to display your business, art or creation, please contact Audrey Willsey, Strategic Project and Operations Lead at: awillsey@investottawa.ca. Please note space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

Important Event Details to Ensure a Great Experience for You

We are delighted to share the following information on transportation to the Brookstreet Hotel and support available upon your arrival.

Parking: Parking at Brookstreet is available in a secure underground garage located to the right of the hotel entrance as well as an outdoor parking lot. The first three hours are complimentary

Transportation by Bus: The closest stations to Brookstreet Hotel are:

• Legget / Terry Fox: 265 meters away; 4 minute walk
• Terry Fox / Legget: 372 meters away; 5 minute walk

Inclusive & Accessible: Should you have any specific mobility requirements, please contact Audrey Willsey at awillsey@investottawa.ca. Our team will be pleased to work with you to make all the arrangements required for a great experience.

By registering for this event, you accept that:

• You may be photographed or video recorded as we capture special moments during this event and share memories with our community via our website and social media
• You will receive event-related emails, as well as an invitation to subscribe to our mailing list