Building Meaningful Connections at the Ottawa Small Business Summit
Earlier this month, the Ottawa Board of Trade and Invest Ottawa hosted the Ottawa Small Business Summit: a day dedicated to connection, learning, and collaboration within our city’s thriving entrepreneurial community.
The event brought together hundreds of local business owners, leaders, and innovators to share insights on growing with purpose and resilience. Among the highlights was the “Networking 101” panel, moderated by OBOT President and CEO Sueling Ching, featuring panelists Ashley Lawrie (Free Form Fitness), Marc Plante (Stray Dog Brewing Company), and our very own Jenniffer Alvarenga, Co-Founder of GoodStory Real Estate.
During the conversation, the panel explored what it truly means to build authentic relationships in business, not just exchanging cards or connections, but cultivating trust, curiosity, and long-term collaboration. Jen shared how her approach to networking is rooted in care and storytelling: seeing each interaction as an opportunity to understand people’s journeys, not just their titles.
“When we lead with genuine interest and kindness,” Jen shared, “networking becomes less about opportunity and more about impact.”
The discussion touched on how small business owners can approach networking with intention, how to nurture meaningful follow-ups, and how local collaboration strengthens Ottawa’s business ecosystem as a whole.
We’re proud to have been part of such an inspiring exchange of ideas and grateful to the Ottawa Board of Trade and Invest Ottawa for creating spaces where connection and community come first.
Until next time, here’s to building networks that not only grow businesses, but also make our city stronger.
