Ottawa Business Guide

Ottawa's main industries are government and high tech, but business thrives in every sector. This guide will point you towards local business groups, tools for small business owners, and interesting links and information about local shops and services.

Featured Listings

iCourses-Ottawa
Save money by making and maintaining your own blog or website. iCourses-Ottawa offers 2-day Beginner & Advanced WordPress Courses that allow you to build an appealing personal blog or a professional small business website while in class. No previous experience required. We also offer 4-day Beginner & Advanced iPhone Developer Courses & much, much more. Early Bird, Student and Government prices.
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David Meharey
Do you need a website to expand the reach of your business? Do you have a website but don't know if it's performing as expected? Are you getting the most out of your social media? Are you wearing to many hats? Maybe it's time to have a chat. From a simple website audit showing strengths and weaknesses to a complete site design and development, we will work together to ensure that your online and offline marketing efforts are meeting your business needs. Now is the time to take a practical look at your current online presence and marketing. Get started at davidmeharey.com
Ottawa Insurance Broker
Since 1922, Tanner Insurance has been providing the Ottawa area with insurance products with a level of personal service that that has become our hallmark. Our goal is to be the Ottawa insurance broker that you can count on! While we consistently provide our clients with the highest quality products on the market, we manage to do so at the most competitive rates available. Contact us via: Tanner Insurance, 2435 Holly Lane, Suite 200, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 7P2. Email info@tannerinsurance.com or call 613-232-5704.
Taleam Systems - Ottawa Computer Services
We offer computer repair services and training to homes and businesses in Ottawa-Gatineau. Contact us for help with virus and spyware removal, printer and scanner set-up, wireless network set-up, data backups. Also offering complete IT solutions for offices. Fully qualified, user-friendly, fast service and expert support. Book your appointment now.
Telephone: 613-979-0309, Website: http://www.taleamsystems.com/
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Resources for consumers

HST
A resource page from the Ontario Government with information about the new Harmonized Sales Tax.
Better Business Bureau of Eastern Ontario
For 75 years, the BBB in Canada has defined and promoted the standards of excellence that set the best businesses apart from the rest. This fully-searchable web site will help you evaluate local businesses, and lodge a complaint if you experience poor service.
Consumers' Choice Awards
These awards publicly identify businesses who have been voted by consumers as being their choice for excellence.
Do Not Call List
This service, run by the CRTC, allows Canadians to register their phone numbers on a national "Do Not Call" list. Telemarketers will not be allowed to phone the numbers on the list, subject to a few exceptions. More details here...
Do Not Contact Service
Tired of having your evenings interrupted by telemarketers? Canada has a "do not call" service, run by the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). Consumers can register to have their names removed from marketing lists held by members of the CMA. CMA members, who account for about 80 percent of direct response sales in Canada, want to present offers only to those consumers interested in their products and services.
iOptOut
Create & manage your personal Do-Not-Call list. A free public service offered by University of Ottawa professor Michael Geist.

Resources for business owners

AFTER 7
Committed to providing unique, interactive entertaining socials for local professionals and sophisticated downtowners in Ottawa.
BusinessAnts.com
A free bartering site, with a goal "to help small business owners get their businesses off the ground on a shoe string - by exchanging skills, services, and goods with each other."
Canada Business Service Centres
Resources and services for entrepreneurs, from the Government of Canada.
City of Ottawa: Business
Everything you need to know for running your business in the City of Ottawa -- with topics as diverse as graffiti removal, sign permits, bids and tenders, building permits, and more.
Canadian Association of Public Speaking - Ottawa (public speaking)
Entrepreneurship Centre
The Entrepreneurship Centre is an initiative of OCRI, dedicated to helping Ottawa entrepreneurs make educated decisions about starting and growing their businesses. The Centre aims to promote Ottawa's economy, through the development of products and services that encourage entrepreneurship and support business growth.
Ottawa Barter
Ottawa Community Loan Fund
The Ottawa Community Loan Fund provides short-term loans of up to $15,000 to small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, talented individuals with international training and community groups.
Ottawa Freelance
Become your own boss, work your own hours — that's the appeal of freelancing. This site provides resources to make freelancing easier. There are job boards, a message forum, and more. It's operated by local freelancer Harrison Baker.
Our Work Our Lives
Networking site for freelancers, contractors and home-based entrepreneurs
PrescottRusellBusiness.com
Public Sector Marketing 2.0
A blog by Mike Kujawski, who describes himself as "passionate marketing & social media strategist interested primarily in helping public sector and non-profit organizations excel."
Ottawa Business Services
The Ottawa Public Library supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by connecting them with essential information about all aspects of starting and operating a business.
The Ottawa Network

Local Business Media

Boards and Associations

Junior Chamber International Ottawa
This group's goal is to create better leaders and better societies, bringing the best youth business talent between 18-40 years old.
Nepean Chamber of Commerce
OCRI
The Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) is Ottawa's leading member-based economic development corporation for fostering the advancement of the region's globally competitive knowledge-based institutions and industries.
Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
Regroupement des gens d'affaires
Le Regroupement des gens d'affaires de la Capitale nationale Inc. constitue la première force économique francophone. Le RGA regroupe plus de 500 gens d'affaires, entrepreneur(e)s et dirigeant(e)s qui désirent faire des affaires en français, dans l'Est ontarien et l'Outaouais.
Sales Professionals of Ottawa
Holds bi-weekly breakfast meetings and networking events
Women's Business Network of Ottawa
Comprised of businesswoman with diverse backgrounds in senior management, commissioned sales and who are entrepreneurs who own their own business.