Ottawa Business Success Highlights, November 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, celebrating Ottawa’s vibrant entrepreneurial community becomes essential. The November edition of the Ottawa Business Success Snapshots highlights three local companies — Solink, Wind River, and Shop ANTHONIA — showcasing their successes and contributions to the business landscape.

Solink Innovates in Video Surveillance with AI Upgrades

Ottawa-based Solink has made significant strides in the video surveillance industry, recently introducing new AI-powered product enhancements designed to elevate security and operational insights for businesses. With the launch of Sidekick AI, users can receive real-time alerts and interface with the system using plain language, enabling effortless queries regarding top-selling products and compliance with safety protocols. Founded in 2009, Solink has grown into a global leader in cloud-based software that integrates with over 300 business solutions, catering to sectors like retail and manufacturing. Their platform allows users to review video footage from digital security cameras, correlating it with point-of-sale data to investigate incidents of fraud and inefficiency. With a client base surpassing 30,000 locations across 32 countries, Solink’s AI advancements underscore the innovative spirit of Ottawan businesses on the global stage.

Wind River’s eLxr Pro Leads in AI and Critical Workloads

Wind River’s eLxr Pro platform is another highlight, developed with expertise from its Ottawa team. Established primarily in Silicon Valley, Wind River utilizes its Ottawa base to enhance its offerings in software solutions for critical industries like aerospace, defence, and healthcare. Launched in September, eLxr Pro is specifically designed for secure and efficient processing of AI and machine learning applications within Linux systems. The Ottawa team has played a vital role in its development, maximizing the platform's capabilities to support complex tasks securely, reinforcing Ottawa's position in industry-leading tech innovation and development.

Shop ANTHONIA: Empowering Beauty Through Education

Shop ANTHONIA, founded and led by Anthonia Bejide, exemplifies a personal journey transformed into a successful business. From her beginnings at MAC Cosmetics, Anthonia pursued her passion for beauty as a makeup artist and educator. In 2020, she launched her line of high-quality synthetic makeup brushes, fulfilling a long-held dream. With plans for 2024, she aims to broaden her reach by introducing online beauty courses and specialized workshops, especially designed for underserved groups, including Black women.

Support from initiatives like Invest Ottawa’s Starter Company Plus program helped Anthonia gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to craft a solid business plan, securing funding for her product launch. In her vision for 2025, she plans to expand her freelance services and incorporate her photography skills into her makeup artistry, signifying her growth as an entrepreneur.

Furthermore, Anthonia is currently focusing on holiday promotions, including a 40% discount on her brush line and hosting engaging makeup workshops, such as a themed session combining makeup artistry and wine for busy women.

Overall, these flourishing businesses signal Ottawa's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation and community empowerment. The government-backed initiatives provide essential support for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, making Ottawa a burgeoning hub for diverse industries. As the new year approaches, these companies set promising trajectories, showcasing the heights that passion and support can help achieve in the business landscape.