In this edition, we celebrate innovation and impactful initiatives within Ottawa’s flourishing business sector. Key highlights include an agtech venture, a community-focused fitness studio, and advancements in defense training technologies.
Growcer, founded by Corey Ellis and Alida Burke, addresses food insecurity through hydroponic vertical farms capable of producing up to 4,500 kg of leafy greens annually. Established after witnessing the accessibility challenges of fresh food in Nunavut, Growcer aims to make fresh produce available to communities across Canada. Currently, 62 communities have deployed over 120 farms, guided by Growcer’s dedicated team.
Recently, Growcer collaborated with The Ottawa Mission to tackle local food insecurity exacerbated by rising costs. This partnership, bolstered by support from organizations like RBC and the City of Ottawa, launches vertical farms at Bayview Yards aimed at producing over 9,000 kg of greens per year. This initiative not only decreases operating costs for The Ottawa Mission but also serves as a scalable model for addressing similar concerns nationwide.
JamFit Energy Studio, led by Lisa Sharpe and her children, is making strides with a new location in Kanata, enhancing its focus on community wellness. This family-oriented fitness studio, known for creating spaces that promote health and joy, opened its second site on June 28. The expansion allows for enhanced offerings, including fitness classes, full-day summer camps for kids, and specialized programs like Kids Jamnastics, focused on fostering confidence and coordination in children.
Lisa credits the Starter Company Plus program from Invest Ottawa as pivotal in establishing JamFit’s foundation, providing essential business skills and mentorship. The studio aims to reach a broader audience, including adaptive programs for persons with special needs, and plans to partner with local initiatives, such as a community farmers market in Kanata.
Babcock recently unveiled the Babcock Immersive Training Experience (BITE) at CANSEC 2025, which aims to enhance operational readiness for the Canadian Armed Forces. This innovative platform simulates high-stress scenarios, offering hyper-realistic training through soundscapes, visual stimuli, and more.
Following its debut, Babcock partnered with Invest Ottawa to introduce BITE to Area X.O, Ottawa's hub for advanced technologies, reinforcing the city’s importance in defense innovation. BITE is designed to adapt to various mission requirements, aiming to elevate training standards for both Canadian and allied forces.
Ottawa's business community showcases a diverse array of initiatives focused on social impact and innovation. From Growcer's sustainable food solutions to JamFit's community wellness expansions and Babcock’s training innovations, there is a collective effort to foster resilience and growth in the region.
For entrepreneurs looking to grow their ventures, Invest Ottawa offers various programs to support businesses at all stages of their lifecycles.
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