HERE’S ANOTHER FUN FACT you might not know. In the not-so-distant past, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded Ottawa the #1 spot on the list of Business-Friendly Cities. I wasn’t sure what business-friendly meant, so I decided to investigate.
I met with four small business clients of mine who used to own businesses in other cities before starting a business in Ottawa. I asked them if our ‘friendly’ rating made it easier and more attractive for them to move business to our city.
They said that Buy Local Ottawa, and so many local business support organizations, have really helped set our city apart as a vibrant place where entrepreneurs can make a significant impact on our local economy.
Something they all noticed was that the pressure valve on finding talent has finally started to release.
One of the business owners said, “Isn’t it bizarre that despite Ottawa being recognized for having the highest number of residents with post-secondary education in Canada, there simply hasn’t been enough talent to meet demand.”
So why has the pressure valve on finding talent finally started to release? Simply put, it’s because our local businesses are finding ways to reinvent their talent pool.
Each of the business owners I spoke with have tapped into Hire Local Ottawa for co-op students. They said: “It’s the ultimate pool of talent that bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to my business.”
I spoke with another business owner who was worried that 80% of her workforce will reach retirement age in the next two years.
She decided to face the challenge head on and created a mentoring program to pair up new hires and co-op students with members of her aging workforce to start that knowledge transfer. She also tapped into a non-profit organization called Connected Canadians who provide free technology training and support for older adults.
She said: “Let’s face it, my workplace is likely no different than that of many other businesses. Our economy is going to take a serious hit if we don’t find innovative ways to provide older adults with the opportunity to remain in the workplace longer and continue to contribute in ways that they never thought possible.”
Each of these small business owners came from different sectors of our business community and they all found ways to tap into the systems and supportive programs that make our city a friendlier place to start a business.
When I reflect on the conversation we had that day, I think of one of my very favourite quotes from Stephen Hawking. He said: “We are very, very small, but we are profoundly capable of very, very big things.”
Hmmm, Small but mighty. That’s what small businesses are in Ottawa.
Trending Now
The OBoT Perspective
