Economic Recovery & Growth
Resources to Overcome Barriers in the New Economy
Ottawa Now, Ottawa NEXT, Ottawa Strong
Today’s businesses must adapt, collaborate and innovate in order to stabilize and grow. Consumer trends, globalization and technological advancements continue to “up the game” and require us to commit to continuous improvement.
The economic, mental and physical well-being of our community rises and falls on our ability to optimize our opportunities and plan for growth. And, we all have a role to play in positioning Ottawa as a global iconic city.
Businesses must look outside their traditional models, find new partnerships and leverage key relationships in a timely manner. As the Voice for Business, the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBoT) is pleased to offer programs and services designed to help businesses scale, collaborate, communicate and convene.
Or explore other #OttawaNEXT portal themes: Savings & Discounts — Tools, Resources & Events — Advocacy & Policy Making


Women
The Ottawa Board of Trade is committed to advancing women as a key economic driver for our region. COVID-19 has highlighted and intensified the systemic issues keeping us from achieving gender equality. Now is the time to triple down on our efforts to grow our ability to attract women as business and community leaders for the sake of our economy, our families and creating sustainable prosperity in our communities and our country.
Ontario Chamber Release - Tackling the She-Cession Critical to Canada’s Economic Recovery

6 Hiring Myths
As our economy recovers, immigrants, international students and individuals on temporary visas will be a vital source of talent. Who can you hire and for how long?
Learn 6 hiring ...Read More

6 Hiring Myths
As our economy recovers, immigrants, international students and individuals on temporary visas will be a vital source of talent. Who can you hire and for how long?
It's easier than you think.

Funding & Tax Relief
You're a click away from finding funding and tax relief assistance:
City of Ottawa Property Tax Relief
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC – Support for Entreprene...Read More

Funding & Tax Relief
You're a click away from finding funding and tax relief assistance:
City of Ottawa Property Tax Relief
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC – Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by COVID-19
Export Development Canada (EDC) Programs
EDC – Supports Canadian Exporters Through COVID-19
Canadian Direct Investment Abroad (CDIA)
Account Performance Security Guarantee (ASPG)
Canada’s Economic Response Package: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Supporting Canadian Businesses Through the Canada Account
Helping Businesses Keep Their Workers
Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes

Digital Main Street (Ottawa/Eastern Ontario)
Digital Main Street
If you have a bricks and mortar business and were hit hard by COVID-19, Digital Main Street can help—especially if you are looking for ways to promote yourse...Read More

Digital Main Street (Ottawa/Eastern Ontario)
Digital Main Street
If you have a bricks and mortar business and were hit hard by COVID-19, Digital Main Street can help—especially if you are looking for ways to promote yourself and sell online.
Digital Main Street (DMS) connects main street businesses to the most innovative, affordable digital providers.
Not only will you receive a free digital "how to" guide to help you grow your business, you can also:
— Get an online store built for you, for free.
— Learn digital skills and apply for a $2,500 grant for your business.
— Access free workshops and training on topics relevant to your learning needs and learning curves.
— Get free, dedicated support from a team who will help you complete your assessments, review recommendations, and activate free and easy tools.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and would love the support of a local team that can help you understand what digital products and services are available and most affordable for you, take a look at what free support and grant money are available to you.
Get started with Digital Main Street

Student Placements Magnet
Find great opportunities and dynamic jobs with the Student Work Placement Program
Find student work placements in STEM or business - Canada.ca...Read More

Student Placements Magnet
Find great opportunities and dynamic jobs with the Student Work Placement Program
Find student work placements in STEM or business - Canada.ca


Talent

Supporting Local Restaurants
Our Restaurants
Funding & Programs
Business Reopening Workshop - Restaurants and Food Services (Indoor Dining)...Read More

Supporting Local Restaurants

Buy Local Now!
Local small businesses are the heart of our community. They provide jobs and access to essential services. They are at high risk on the frontline of this war against COVID. Now it ...Read More

Buy Local Now!
Local small businesses are the heart of our community. They provide jobs and access to essential services. They are at high risk on the frontline of this war against COVID. Now it is our turn to support them at every possible opportunity.
Make a difference with the City of Ottawa Buy Local Campaign

Be a Hometown Tourist
The tourism industry is one of the top cultural and economic driver in our community. Tourism businesses and organizations have been the first and hardest hit during the pandemic a...Read More

Be a Hometown Tourist
The tourism industry is one of the top cultural and economic driver in our community. Tourism businesses and organizations have been the first and hardest hit during the pandemic and will be the last to recover as mass gatherings and travel remain highly restricted. Have some fun while supporting our local economy.
Ottawa has so much to offer and now is the time to rediscover the beauty, culture and entertainment in our own backyard by becoming a hometown tourist.
Plan your next weekend getaway or staycation with the help of Ottawa Tourism.
Follow the Ottawa Insider and find out what’s happening here.

Ontario’s Recovery Activation Program (RAP)
The Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is an online workshop program that connects businesses with industry experts for training, mentoring and support. Learn about how your busines...Read More

Ontario’s Recovery Activation Program (RAP)
The Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is an online workshop program that connects businesses with industry experts for training, mentoring and support. Learn about how your business can access digital modernization, technological hardware, structural and regulatory alignment, digital restructure financing, as well as marketing and sales support.
This program is completely free for businesses of any size across Ontario. Sign up for the Recovery Activation Program (RAP)

Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)
The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is a dynamic, hands-on workshop geared to provide companies with access to Canada’s top exporting advisors, resources and contacts, giving the...Read More

Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)
The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is a dynamic, hands-on workshop geared to provide companies with access to Canada’s top exporting advisors, resources and contacts, giving them the training and support they need to become successful international traders in their specific business sector.
Registration is currently open for the cohort of Fall 2020. Click here for more information.

Canadian Business Resilience Network
Where you’ll find the latest information, tools and resources businesses need to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canadian Business Resilience Network...Read More

Canadian Business Resilience Network
Where you’ll find the latest information, tools and resources businesses need to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Promise Canadian Businesses Are Making
People Outside Safely Together (POST)
Aide pour un retour en société (Après)
The POST Promise is a commitment by thousands of businesses across Canada to implement and practis...Read More

The Promise Canadian Businesses Are Making
People Outside Safely Together (POST)
Aide pour un retour en société (Après)
The POST Promise is a commitment by thousands of businesses across Canada to implement and practise five key steps to workplace safety and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Businesses that make the POST Promise will be able to use and prominently display the POST Promise logo, now a nationally recognized symbol. Make the POST Promise today.
Download POST Promise tip sheets for:
- Preventing Stigma
- Reopening Business
- Screening Tool
- Agriculture
- Airline and Groundcrew
- Construction
- Correction Facilities
- Daycare
- Delivery Couriers
- Emergency and Patient Intake
- First Responder
- Food Processing
- Long Term Care
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Transportation
- Work Camp