Purpose, Resilience & Building a Business with Conviction

Celebrate International Women’s Month with an inspiring afternoon focused on resilience, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and building a business against the odds. Designed for women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those leading product- and service-based businesses, this in-person event offers real stories, fresh perspective, and meaningful inspiration.

Through an honest and powerful conversation, we’ll explore what it truly means to build with conviction, navigate adversity, and lead with purpose even when the path forward is uncertain. Guests can expect an inspiring keynote and moderated discussion, practical insights on purpose-led entrepreneurship, and opportunities to connect with fellow founders, business owners, and ecosystem partners. The afternoon will also include a tradeshow-style showcase, networking reception, and complimentary catering.

This event will be hosted in person, with a live stream option available for those unable to attend onsite.

Emily O’Brien | Founder of Comeback Snacks

Emily O’Brien is the founder of Comeback Snacks, a purpose-driven popcorn company rooted in creativity, quality ingredients, and second chances. While incarcerated as a first-time offender, Emily observed women creating popcorn recipes with limited resources, sparking the idea for a business that would later become a nationally recognized brand.

Today, Comeback Snacks works to reduce stigma surrounding prior convictions while empowering individuals through employment, training, and education. Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and conviction can fuel both personal transformation and business success.

Join us for a conversation that challenges assumptions, celebrates women’s leadership, and proves there is no single path to entrepreneurship.

Date: Monday, March 23, 2026

Time: 2:00 to 4:30 PM

Location: The RBC Foundry, Bayview Yards
In-person event with live stream available

Tickets: Free admission
Tickets may be available at the door (if not sold out)

As part of the event, we will host a curated SME tradeshow featuring women-owned businesses, predominantly based in Ottawa. This marketplace will showcase a range of services, unique goods, and thoughtfully made products from local entrepreneurs.

The tradeshow offers attendees an opportunity to discover emerging businesses, connect directly with founders, and help support women building and growing their ventures. The SME Tradeshow is hosted by Invest Ottawa’s Small Business Enterprise Centre, which supports entrepreneurs through advisory services, programs, and resources designed to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed.

Learn more about the Small Business Enterprise Centre
https://www.investottawa.ca/small-business-programs/

2:00 PM Doors and registration open
SME trade show booths open

2:30 - 2:45 PM Opening remarks led by Sonya Shorey

2:45 - 3:45 PM Keynote presentation by Emily O’Brien and moderated Q&A

3:45 - 4:00 PM Closing remarks

4:00 - 4:30 PM Networking and SME trade show

• Complimentary catering will be provided.

• This event is part of Invest Ottawa’s International Women’s Month programming and is open to women entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring founders from across the community.

• Complimentary parking is available onsite. Additionally, Bayview Yards is located 600m away from Bayview Station, the O-Train stop.

• Should you have any specific mobility requirements or accommodations, please contact Jennifer Prevost at [email protected]. Our team will be pleased to work with you to make all the arrangements required for a great experience.

• Special moments and memories will be recorded during this event and shared with our community via our website and social media.

• By registering for this event, you will receive event-related emails and an invitation to subscribe to our IMW official mailing list.

Join the Community - Women United

This year, Invest Ottawa is proud to partner with Women United for International Women's Month 2026

A vital part of United Way East Ontario, is a community of diverse and dedicated changemakers that has, for over a decade, focused on transforming the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse people across our region. They exist because too many people still face barriers like violence, poverty, and systemic discrimination that limit their potential.

Together with their donors, they invest in local programs and projects that:

• Address gender-based violence
• Empower women in leadership
• Support young mothers and their children
• Build an equitable economy

To learn more about Women United visit https://www.unitedwayeo.ca/get-involved/women-united/

As part of our impact-focused programming, we’re hosting an Office Wear Clothing Drive in support of Dress for Success, an organization empowering women and gender-nonconforming individuals with support, professional attire, and development tools to achieve economic independence and thrive.

Throughout the month and at each of our IWM events, a donation box will be available in the Bayview Yards lobby. We invite you to donate suits, blouses, shoes, watches — anything professional and office-ready! Thank you for helping us empower women. To learn more: https://ottawa.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/

Year after year, this event promises to be one that can't be missed. Register now to reserve your free ticket today!

If you are joining us in person, we are delighted to share the information below regarding transportation to our innovation hub and the support available upon arrival.

• Cycling: Located beside the Ottawa River Pathway and many other routes, Bayview Yards is easily accessible via bicycle. We offer ample bike racks at the front and back of our building throughout all seasons.
• Driving: 50 spaces along Bayview Station Road offer 2 hours of free parking, and 27 spaces along Stonehurst and Burnside offer 1 hour of free parking.
• Parking: Complimentary parking is available onsite.
• Transit: Bayview Yards is 600m away from Bayview Station, which serves multiple routes. It is also the O-Train stop.
• Inclusive & Accessible: Should you have any specific mobility requirements, please contact Emily Mckay, Events Lead, at [email protected]. Our team will be pleased to work with you to make all the arrangements required for a great experience.

By registering for this event, you accept that:

• You may be photographed or video recorded as we capture special moments during this event and share memories with our community via our website and social media.
• You will receive event-related emails and an invitation to subscribe to our mailing list.

If you're aspiring, pivoting, or scaling a business, this is the place to be on March 23, 2026. Join us at Bayview Yards or catch all the action virtually; we will share the event streaming link before March 23rd.

No matter where you are, this event is not to be missed. All are welcome, and it's all free!

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