Untapped: Unlocking Youth Potential 2025

• In-person event

Held annually during Ottawa’s National Youth Week, Untapped is more than just an event – it’s a movement.  Since its inception in 2007 as a small student-led showcase called DILA (A Day of Information for a Lifetime of Action), Untapped has grown into Ottawa’s premier youth entrepreneurship and innovation event. Each year, we unite classrooms, educators, and industry leaders in an engaging, hands-on marketplace where students present their social enterprise and active citizenship projects.

We(Youth Ottawa) provide a platform where youth innovation thrives, entrepreneurship is celebrated, and meaningful partnerships are forged. Students see that it is never too early to start their entrepreneurial journey, and educators receive invaluable resources to teach entrepreneurship effectively.

This year’s event will introduce two exciting new additions:

• A renowned entrepreneur sharing insights on resilience, opportunity, and the future of innovation.
• A direct conversation between some of Ottawa’s most successful entrepreneurs and student changemakers.

Why Get Involved?

 We understand that sometimes organizations are cautious about supporting initiatives they didn’t create. This is a natural concern, but we believe that Ottawa’s greatest strength lies in its ability to collaborate and unite for a common cause—especially when it comes to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Leadership in this space isn’t about ownership; it’s about impact.

Entrepreneurship is not a competition—it’s an opportunity for our city’s young people to thrive. By coming together, we can help expand the opportunities available to them, ensuring that Ottawa’s future is driven by innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

Supporting Untapped isn’t just about backing a single event—it’s about being part of a collective effort to foster youth entrepreneurship. By joining us, you can:

• Help expand Ottawa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting young founders with the exposure, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed.
• Champion collaboration over competition, supporting a network where youth can grow and thrive together.
• Open doors to next-step opportunities for students, offering them pathways to further their ventures and connect with key resources.\
• Lead by example, showing that true leadership means actively shaping our city’s future,

At Untapped, we are creating a space where every partner plays a meaningful role in supporting the next wave of business leaders and innovators. We hope you’ll consider joining us in making a lasting impact.

What You’ll Experience at Untapped 

• Student-Run Marketplace: Engage directly with student entrepreneurs and discover innovative products, services, and social enterprises.
• Live Pitches & Showcases: Watch students present their projects and sell to supportive community members.
• Networking & Collaboration: Meet like-minded organizations, educators, and business leaders passionate about youth-led innovation.
• Inspiring Success Stories: Witness firsthand how students are already making a difference in their schools and communities.
• Next-Step Opportunities: Provide students with access to funding pathways, incubators, accelerators, and mentorship programs that turn ideas into enterprises.

Check out past highlights from Untapped: Watch Here

How You Can Support

We invite your organization to take an active role in shaping the future of youth entrepreneurship. Whether through sponsorship, mentorship, or participation, your contribution can make a tangible impact.

✔ Sponsor the Event: Position your brand as a leader in youth innovation.

✔ Mentor Young Entrepreneurs: Share your expertise and guidance with emerging changemakers.

✔ Provide Resources: Help us equip educators and students with the tools needed for success.

✔ Attend & Engage: Be part of the conversation, bring your students, support student businesses, and foster new connections.

Let’s build an Ottawa that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

Register to showcase a project at the Untapped Youth Action Showcase.