Ottawa Small Business Summit 2026

No one builds alone.

Building a business takes vision, resilience and hard work, but it also takes the right people, ideas and connections. This interactive program, led by karmadharma, brings Ottawa’s small business community together around a simple idea: we are stronger when we learn from each other, share what we know, and help one another move forward.

The day begins with purposeful networking designed to get beyond the usual introductions. Meet fellow business owners and leaders, talk about what you’re building, share a challenge you’re facing, and discover who in the room might be able to help. Then hear candid stories from Ottawa entrepreneurs about their experiences, lessons learned and what it really takes to build and grow a business.

Throughout the day, you’ll explore the resources and government supports available to small and medium-sized businesses and choose from focused breakout conversations on succession planning or building your client list. Over lunch, connect with peers facing similar business challenges and exchange ideas about what’s working for them.

The afternoon shifts from ideas to action with an implementation-focused AI workshop featuring tactical tools you can put to work in your business, followed by an interactive session that challenges you to rethink your story and identify a concrete next move. 

Because no one builds alone, connection is woven throughout the entire day. You’ll have opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas, share what’s working, find people who can help and offer your own experience to others.

Come ready to learn, contribute, and connect. Leave with practical ideas, new relationships and a next step you can put into action.

A partnership between Invest Ottawa, OCOBIA, and the Ottawa Board of Trade.