20 November 2014 / #entrepreneur Ottawa launches initiative to bring National Entrepreneurs' Day to CanadaOttawa will be the first Canadian city to celebrate National Entrepreneurs’ Day next year. The day-long celebration will occur in November 2015 and will be styled after a similar and successful campaign in the United States where President Barack Obama declared the third Tuesday in November to be National Entrepreneurs’ Day. “This is a great opportunity to showcase local businesses and what they mean to our community,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “It’s an exciting time in Ottawa, from construction to professional services to technology; there is a lot of action for our local entrepreneurs and businesses.” The announcement was made at City Hall and included dozens of representatives from local businesses and prominent groups such as the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and Invest Ottawa. Today’s kickoff is part of a national initiative to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and showcase what it does for this country, with Ottawa leading the charge. “As a local businesswoman, I’m thrilled that Mayor Watson got behind the idea,” said initiator Joelle Parenteau from local firm Epic Perks. “The support of the city means we can lead the movement on a national scale.” In the United States, there is currently a bill before Congress to make it an official and permanent American honourary day. Leaders from the Ottawa group are preparing to approach the Canadian Federal Government to get on board and hope to inspire other cities to start their own day after Ottawa sets the course. “We’re happy to lead the parade in promoting all that entrepreneurs do for Ottawa,” said Kimothy Walker from the Ottawa Media Group and one of the promoters of the event. “It will be our pleasure to celebrate the men and women who promote entrepreneurship, business and innovation throughout this great city of ours.” More information about the movement can be found on [ www.entrepreneurshipday.ca ](http://www.entrepreneurshipday.ca/) .