Ottawa Unlimited: Pioneering a New Era of Collaborative Innovation for Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness

On December 5, 2024, a pioneering collaboration was announced in Ottawa, Canada, which brings together three key economic development organizations: Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of Trade. The initiative, named Ottawa Unlimited, is designed to propel Ottawa into the spotlight as a leading destination for business, innovation, talent, tourism, and investment. This groundbreaking partnership aims to spur sustainable economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the city.

Ottawa Unlimited seeks to unify the distinctive strengths of its founding partners. Ottawa Tourism contributes its expertise in destination marketing and enhancing visitor experiences, aiming to showcase Ottawa's vibrant attractions. Invest Ottawa focuses on innovation and economic growth, aiming to foster entrepreneurship, attract international talent, and position the city as a global business hub. The Ottawa Board of Trade offers insight and advocacy representing the local business community, helping to create a flourishing business ecosystem.

The partnership builds on past collective initiatives like the Think Ottawa campaign and community-driven events recognizing International Women’s Month, showcasing a history of successful collaboration. The primary focus areas for Ottawa Unlimited include:

1. Unified Storytelling and Marketing: Developing a compelling narrative to promote Ottawa’s strengths and opportunities on a global stage.
2. Downtown Renaissance: Implementing innovative projects aimed at transforming downtown Ottawa into an inclusive hub of business and tourism.
3. Signature Events: Organizing major collaborative events, including Ottawa Innovation Week 2025, to engage the broader community and highlight the city's wealth of innovation.

Central to the vision of Ottawa Unlimited is a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative aims to create opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring that economic growth translates into inclusive prosperity for all residents.

The formal launch of Ottawa Unlimited happened during a tripartite board meeting at the Lord Elgin Hotel, attended by key stakeholders and city leaders, including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. The initiatives under this partnership are slated to roll out starting in 2025, marking a significant step in Ottawa's evolution toward being a world-class city.

Sonya Shorey, President & CEO of Invest Ottawa, remarked, “Ottawa Unlimited is more than just a partnership—it’s a bold reimagining of how we can unite to fuel inclusive economic growth.” Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism, expressed optimism about the collaborative potential, highlighting the strategic leveraging of expertise across partners. Suiting Ching, President & CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, stated that the collaboration not only enhances economic opportunities but also aims to create a thriving environment for residents and businesses alike.

In summary, Ottawa Unlimited represents a transformative collaboration designed to spotlight Ottawa's potential as a hub for innovation and economic growth while prioritizing inclusive prosperity and community engagement. The commitment from the three entities signals a strong ambition to collaboratively reshape the city's future, providing a vibrant living and thriving business ecosystem for all.