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• Membership Maximization Meeting

  • When
    16 Jul 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Maximize your WBN membership benefits and elevate your connections!
  
  Encouraging all existing Members and Future Members to attend (SHARE invite with colleagues and friends)! These recurring virtual workshops provide an ongoing, engaging, and interactive environment designed to help you make the most within your WBN community.
  

  A glance at what we cover together:
  

  • Tour of exclusive benefits – Spotlights, Offers, and Directory listings
  • Tips to optimize your WBN member profile and grow your network
  • Ways to connect with members that best fit your needs and objectives
  • Overview of Programming, Speaking opportunities, and Events
  • Volunteer and Leadership opportunities to strengthen connections and grow professionally
  • Navigation of the WBN website and social media communities

  
  Scheduled every 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of the month - daytime and evening for your preferred availability!

  Show details
• Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections

  • When
    30 Jul 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EDT)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)
  • Spaces left
    26

  Register

  

  Branding with Heart: Led by Real Stories, Inspired by Purpose

  Explore how authentic storytelling and mission-driven values can shape powerful, trust-building brands, especially in the nonprofit and social impact sectors.

  This session will unpack how real stories of resilience, community, and transformation can elevate messaging, deepen donor engagement, and foster long-term loyalty. Francesca will share two real-life heart-centred marketing campaigns that not only delivered strong results but are actively transforming the lives of our clients/residents at Harmony House.

  Take aways:

  - Real Stories Drive Real Results:

  Discover how centering your brand around genuine client and community stories builds trust, sparks emotion, and leads to meaningful engagement, turning supporters into lifelong champions.

  - Purpose Driven Branding Has Power:

  Learn how branding rooted in heart and mission not only sets you apart but also fuels action, connection, and impact—for your clients, your cause, and your business.

  

  With Guest Speaker - Francesca Davila 

  
  

  As a Director of Development, Francesca spends her days connecting with supporters, volunteers, and community partners to raise the funds and awareness needed to create lasting change. Her work is driven by a deep passion for empowering women and children fleeing violence, and she's committed to ensuring they have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope and contribute to ending the cycle of abuse.

  With over a decade of experience in marketing, fundraising, and development, Francesca brings a thoughtful, creative approach to donor stewardship, events, and legacy giving programs. She leads strategic fundraising plans, strengthens brand identity, and drives initiatives that contribute to long-term growth, visibility, and impact.

  She hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Javeriana University. Her mission is to collaborate with leaders and supporters to expand capacity, build sustainable revenue streams, and foster meaningful social impact.

  What Francesca loves most about her work is building relationships—whether through events, storytelling, or community engagement. She's energized by the opportunity to blend strategy and creativity to inspire generosity and connection.

  Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she's called Canada home since 2007. Outside of work, you’ll find her spending time with her family, exploring nature, dancing, or staying active!

  

  Location
  Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre
  215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

  Parking is available in the lot behind event center building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is July 29 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the event to be eligible for a credit. No credits will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event. However, tickets may be transferred to another person at any time at no additional cost. Please note that registrations cannot be transferred to a different event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• REDBLACKS Summer Rush – A WBN Partnership Event

  • When
    06 Aug 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Infinity Convention Centre & TD Place Stadium

  
  

  Get ready for an unforgettable evening of high-energy networking, community connection, and CFL excitement!

  The Women’s Business Network (WBN) is thrilled to partner with the Ottawa REDBLACKS for the Summer Rush - Ottawa’s premier summer networking event. Join hundreds of business professionals for an inspiring experience that blends curated networking with the fun and flair of a REDBLACKS game night.

  
  

  Whether you're looking to expand your professional circle, deepen existing relationships, or just enjoy a summer evening with incredible women in business - this event is for you.

  
  

  

  Evening Highlights:

  Dynamic networking tables hosted by community leaders

  Pre-game mixer and engagement activities

  Reserved group seating for the REDBLACKS home game

  A fun, social atmosphere designed for connection and celebration

  Support for the REDBLACKS Back-to-School Community Benefit Program

  

  

  

  Ticket Details:

  • WBN Members: $60 with promo code WBN
  • ️ General Public: $75

  A portion of every ticket directly supports local students heading back to school - so your attendance makes an impact beyond the event.

  How to Register:

  Visit the event Website: REDBLACKS Summer Rush - and enter promo code WBN at checkout to unlock your member rate.

  
  

  Show details
• WBN August Wind-Down: Transformational Games Night

  • When
    12 Aug 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)

  Register

  
  

  Join us for our August Wind Down!

  LET THE GAME BEGIN - AND STEP INTO TRANSFORMATION!

  The Women Business Network, in collaboration with the North American Association of Transformational Game Practitioners (NAATGP), invites you to a unique and interactive experience designed to inspire clarity, connection, and confidence in your business and life journey.
  

  What are Transformational Games They’re not regular board games or roleplay - they are structured, certified facilitator-led experiences that combine business techniques, coaching tools, psychological methods and group dynamics to help you see your challenge from a new perspective. Here’s how it works Each player enters the game with a specifiс professional or personal challenge they experience in real life and want to tackle. As the game unfolds, players gain helpful resources, ideas and information to help better understand the situation and find solutions. Every participant leaves the game equipped with a clear action plan, they can start implementing right away. What to expect 3 in 1 experience: fun, networking and self-development Gain fresh insights about your current challenges or decisions Experience deep reflection and breakthrough moments - all in a supportive, playful format Connect with like-minded women through shared discovery and real conversation Build the action plan and roadmap navigating your next steps with clarity and confidence. Important Note  Four transformational games will be available. Each participant can choose one game to experience -  with options focused on personal marketing, financial mindset, goal setting or personal development. Location The event will be held at Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre 215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1 Parking is available in the lot behind the event centre building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.

  Let the games begin - and step into transformation!
  
  With Event Host - Liliya Ishkaeva

  Liliya Ishkaeva is the Co-Founder and Director of the North American Association of Transformational Game Practitioners (NAATGP) and a seasoned personal brand strategist at the helm of I Brand Agency. She helps entrepreneurs, experts, and community leaders grow their business visibility, influence and impact by developing personal brand strategies and facilitating self-marketing systems.

  She holds two Master’s degrees in Economics and Cross-Cultural Communications - and brings her 20 years of experience in project management, marketing and international relations.

  Liliya is also an active mentor with Invest Ottawa, N.E.W. Venture, OCISO, where she supports aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging business owners as they launch and grow their ventures.

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is August 11 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. If you need to cancel you will be issued a credit to use toward a future event. If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• August Lunch and Learn

  • When
    20 Aug 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  

  Business Development Done Smarter: A Personality-Based Approach to Building Your Client Base and your Team

  Join Louise Mercier, a celebrated senior procurement executive from the defense sector who has secured billions of dollars in contracts for her clients, for an interactive and empowering workshop that's all about business growth and increasing your probability of win of key clients and “must-win” projects.

  Learn how to develop and scale your business through a deeper understanding of how people make decisions. Drawing on decades of battle-hardened experience in business and in high-profile industry associations, Louise will share a framework for understanding decision-making-behaviors of your clients and yourself. She'll then show you how to use these insights as part of a strategic approach to business development.

  With Guest Speaker - Louise Mercier

  
  

  Louise Mercier, President of FMJ Solutions, is a high-profile Canadian senior industry procurement consultant, recognized for her expertise in Canadian government and defense procurement practices and policies.

  She specializes in creating national and international industrial win strategies with value propositions to each investor and stakeholder. She brings three decades of experience to Canadian acquisitions culminating in her ability to execute partnerships and grow partnership bases.

  Named as one of Canada’s Top 10 Defence Lobbyists, in 2015 and more recently again in December 2024 by CDR Magazine, she is best known for providing strategic counsel to win complex multi-million-dollar military equipment and C4ISR programs with modern partnerships and alliances. She is linked to the Canadian defence industrial complex, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian media, Canada’s political landscape and Canada’s military.

  A well-known face in the defense industry, Louise is a past National President of the Navy League of Canada, founder of Canada’s Women in Defence and Security (WiDS), and former Executive Board Member of the Canadian Defence Association Institute (CDAI). In cooperation with the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, Louise formerly managed and Chaired CADSI’s annual Navy Outlooks for 12 years. Louise is currently the Past-Chair of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Foundation and remains on the National Board of the Navy League of Canada as the VP Maritime Affairs and serves on the Board of St John Ambulance.

  In February 2013, she was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and in 2022, she was awarded the Admiral’s Commendation in 2024 in recognition of exceptional service to the RCN. In 2024 she was admitted into the order of St. George as a member at the rank of Dame, and was awarded the King’s Coronation medal in February 2025. In April of 2025 she was inducted into the order of St. John’s.

  

  Please register by the event start time ​to confirm your attendance.

  

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. If you need to cancel you will be issued a credit to use toward a future event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca

  Show details
• Membership Maximization Meeting

  • When
    20 Aug 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  Maximize your WBN membership benefits and elevate your connections!
  
  Encouraging all existing Members and Future Members to attend (SHARE invite with colleagues and friends)! These recurring virtual workshops provide an ongoing, engaging, and interactive environment designed to help you make the most within your WBN community.
  

  A glance at what we cover together:
  

  • Tour of exclusive benefits – Spotlights, Offers, and Directory listings
  • Tips to optimize your WBN member profile and grow your network
  • Ways to connect with members that best fit your needs and objectives
  • Overview of Programming, Speaking opportunities, and Events
  • Volunteer and Leadership opportunities to strengthen connections and grow professionally
  • Navigation of the WBN website and social media communities

  
  Scheduled every 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of the month - daytime and evening for your preferred availability!

  Show details
• Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections

  • When
    27 Aug 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EDT)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)
  • Spaces left
    29

  Register

  Show details
• WBN September Wind-Down: Sip, Savour & Socialize

  • When
    09 Sep 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Domaine Perrault Vineyard, 1000 Perrault Road, Navan, Ontario (K4B 1H8)

  Register

  
  

  

  WBN September Wine Down: A Taste of Summer in the Vineyard

  Ready to sip, savor, and socialize?

  This month’s gathering invites you to unwind over five delicious local wines, perfectly paired with artisanal charcuterie boards. It’s the perfect way to catch up, make new connections, and discover a few new favorites for your wine list.

  What’s On the Menu?

  Five hand-picked local wines – thoughtfully selected to delight your palate

  Artisanal charcuterie boards – meats, cheeses, and all the little extras you love

  Plenty of time to mingle – relaxed, unstructured conversation and connection

  
  What to Expect:

  A guided (but not stuffy!) tasting led by a wine expert

  A fun, casual vibe

  Great food, great wine, great women

  Just bring yourself and your curiosity. Sip, snack, laugh, connect – the perfect recipe for a lovely evening

  
  

  The Details:

  Date: September 9, 2025

  ⏰ Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

  Location Domaine Perrault (1000 Perrault Road, Navan, Ontario K4B 1H8) Free parking at Vineyard

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is September 2 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. If you need to cancel you will be issued a credit to use toward a future event. If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections

  • When
    24 Sep 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EDT)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  

  Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections
  

  Start the day with purpose. These morning gatherings create a space for professional women to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from inspiring speakers. With a focus on leadership, business strategy, and personal development, these events energize attendees before the workday begins, fostering meaningful relationships and actionable takeaways.

  Location
  Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre
  215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

  Parking is available in the lot behind event centre building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is September 24 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the event to be eligible for a credit. No credits will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event. However, tickets may be transferred to another person at any time at no additional cost. Please note that registrations cannot be transferred to a different event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• October Lunch and Learn

  • When
    15 Oct 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  

  Brand Your Brilliance

  These midday sessions bring women together for education, empowerment, and networking. Each session is designed around key topics, such as financial literacy, negotiation skills, career growth, personal branding, and more. Attendees leave with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose, all while engaging with a community of women committed to mutual success.
  

  

  Please register by the event start time ​to confirm your attendance.

  

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. If you need to cancel you will be issued a credit to use toward a future event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca

  Show details
• 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards Gala

  • When
    16 Oct 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1V 2L9

  Register

  
  

  42nd Annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards Gala

  Since 1983, the Businesswoman of the Year Awards (BYAs) has been the WBN’s signature event to recognize the outstanding achievements of women in the Ottawa business community. Over the past 40 years, it’s become a must-attend event for Ottawa’s business elite.

  The Businesswoman of the Year Awards (BYAs) recognizes the amazing women selected as finalists in the Entrepreneurial Leader, Enterprise Leader, Lifetime Achievement, and Community Impact categories for their expertise, business acumen, and notable accomplishments as well as being a role model for the businesswomen of today and tomorrow.

  Come be part of the BYA Gala at the luxurious Infinity Convention Centre where we’ll shine the spotlight on our inspiring finalists and award the recipients of the Businesswoman of the Year in each of the five categories.

  

  **Pay It Forward Fund**

  This initiative aims to inspire and support new businesswomen and female students.  Pay It Forward Fund tickets are added to a pool of tickets and given to qualifying individuals who might not otherwise have the chance to attend the gala. Recipients of these tickets receive valuable networking opportunities, introductions to industry leaders, and the motivation to pursue their dreams. Pay It Forward Fund tickets are not available for purchase for specific individuals and will be distributed by the WBN.

  
  

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. Cancellations must be requested in writing at least 14 days before the event to be eligible for a credit. No credits will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the event. However, tickets may be transferred to another person at any time at no additional cost. Please note that registrations cannot be transferred to a different event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections

  • When
    29 Oct 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EDT)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  

  Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections
  

  Start the day with purpose. These morning gatherings create a space for professional women to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from inspiring speakers. With a focus on leadership, business strategy, and personal development, these events energize attendees before the workday begins, fostering meaningful relationships and actionable takeaways.

  Location
  Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre
  215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

  Parking is available in the lot behind event centre building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is October 28 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the event to be eligible for a credit. No credits will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event. However, tickets may be transferred to another person at any time at no additional cost. Please note that registrations cannot be transferred to a different event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections

  • When
    26 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EST)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  

  Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections
  

  Start the day with purpose. These morning gatherings create a space for professional women to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from inspiring speakers. With a focus on leadership, business strategy, and personal development, these events energize attendees before the workday begins, fostering meaningful relationships and actionable takeaways.

  Location
  Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre
  215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

  Parking is available in the lot behind event centre building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is November 25 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the event to be eligible for a credit. No credits will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event. However, tickets may be transferred to another person at any time at no additional cost. Please note that registrations cannot be transferred to a different event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections

  • When
    17 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EST)
  • Location
    Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre (215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1)
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  

  Rise & Thrive: Morning Power Connections
  

  Start the day with purpose. These morning gatherings create a space for professional women to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from inspiring speakers. With a focus on leadership, business strategy, and personal development, these events energize attendees before the workday begins, fostering meaningful relationships and actionable takeaways.

  Location
  Sala San Marco Event And Conference Centre
  215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

  Parking is available in the lot behind event centre building off Balsam Street between Preston and Rochester.

  

  If you are a WBN member, please LOG IN to your account to register for the event at the member rate.
  

  

  
  

  Deadline to register is December 16 at 5pm.

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the event to be eligible for a credit. No credits will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event. However, tickets may be transferred to another person at any time at no additional cost. Please note that registrations cannot be transferred to a different event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

  Show details
• December Lunch and Learn

  • When
    17 Dec 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  

  Holiday Spark: Celebrate, Reflect & Connect

  These midday sessions bring women together for education, empowerment, and networking. Each session is designed around key topics, such as financial literacy, negotiation skills, career growth, personal branding, and more. Attendees leave with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose, all while engaging with a community of women committed to mutual success.
  

  

  Please register by the event start time ​to confirm your attendance.

  

  Please note, we do not offer refunds. If you need to cancel you will be issued a credit to use toward a future event.

  If you are having difficulty registering or if you have inquiries about our membership, please contact info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca

  Show details