Explore business support close to home at the Rural Business Services Showcase

On Saturday, June 20, the City will host its first Rural Business Services Showcase in Carp.

For rural business owners – and those dreaming of becoming one  – the Rural Business Services Showcase offers a chance to connect with the support you need, right in your community. On Saturday, June 20, the City will host its first showcase in Carp.

Rural Business Services Showcase

Date: Saturday, June 20

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

Location: Carp Branch of the Ottawa Public Library, 3911 Carp Road

Built around rural voices

Rural Business Liaison Ian Scott is one of the organizers behind the showcase. He explains how it is making things easier for rural businesses to access the services they need.

“Rural business owners told us that one of the biggest challenges to accessing business services was how far they had to travel to get them,” he notes. “We are piloting a series of pop-up clinics so that rural entrepreneurs can more easily access the same services as other city residents.”

The showcase will bring together a diverse range of business supports all in one place. Participants include: 

• Invest Ottawa’s Small Business Enterprise Centre
• Invest Ottawa’s Innovation Farm (Area X.O)
• Ottawa Public Library
• The Centre for Social Enterprise Development
• City of Ottawa Business Ambassador Service for Food Establishments
• Futurpreneur
• The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Support that builds connections

While the event is for rural business owners, it is also open to those who might be thinking of starting one. As Rural Business Liaison, Ian helps refer current and future rural business owners to the services most appropriate to them.

“My role is really to connect with the business community so that they become aware of what's available to them,” explains Ian. “I've done business consulting and operated my own business so I can help troubleshoot issues, respond to questions, and identify opportunities for growth.”

“When specialized expertise is needed, I connect business owners with the right service organizations and experts ensuring they know where to go, who to turn to, and what things to watch out for,” he continues. “Basically, I’m here to encourage people to get started, get going and develop the ideas that they've always had a passion for but maybe never pursued.”

Learning from rural success stories

The event will be headlined by two keynote speakers: 

• Shaun McEwan, Owner of KIN Vineyards and Twin Muses
• Lisa Kyte, Owner of West Physio Sport Carp and Chair of the Carp Village Business Improvement Area

Both speakers will offer insights about starting and growing a business in rural Ottawa. 

The City is planning more Rural Business Services Showcases for other rural communities across Ottawa, to be announced soon. 

To learn more about how the City is supporting rural businesses, explore our Rural Economic Development Plan or connect with Ian directly at Ian.Scott@ottawa.ca.