Art of the Start

Art of the Start

An Inspiring Event for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Created and hosted by the Ottawa Community Loan Fund, Art of the Start is a must-attend event for people in Ottawa who are fired up about starting their own business.

At Art of the Start you can:

• Hear What It's Really Like To Start A Business -  Entrepreneurs Tell Their Stories.
  
• Find Resources That Can Help You Start A Business - Attend A Mini Trade Show.
• Build Your Professional Network - Meet Like Minded People
  

Free Admission | Free Parking | Complimentary Munchies!

Guest Speakers

These inspiring business owners will be sharing their real-life stories.

Tal Dehtiar, Founder of Oliberté Footwear

• Two time CBC DRAGON'S DEN survivor,
• Winner of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 and,
• Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year

Tal Dehtiar is the founder of Oliberté Footwear, the first premium shoe manufacturing company that is exclusively made in Africa. Prior to launching Oliberté Tal co-founded and led MBAs Without Borders, an international charity that supported socially minded businesses across 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. With an MBA from McMaster University, Tal has travelled, worked, studied or lived in 50 countries. He is a recipient of the International Youth Foundation Fellowship, Ontario Global Trader Award, Arch Award and was nominated for the YMCA Peace Award, Canada's Top 40 Under 40 and Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year. 

Amir Rahim, Owner of Grounded Kitchen & Coffeehouse

For Owner Amir Rahim, Grounded Kitchen & Coffee House is more than just a kitchen and coffee house. It’s a personal expression of who he is and the love he has for the restaurant business. Together with friends he has scraped the ceiling and stained the wood. It’s not just a place of work, but of family. A home away from home and a source of pride in how far he has come and a reminder of the opportunities that lay ahead.

Hendrik Jean-Louis, Owner of Tirenew Recycling

 Hendrick Jean-Louis is the proud owner of Tirenew Recycling, a scrap tire company that transports used tires to be recycled, while exporting those that can be re-used. It’s a competitive business, but Hendrick welcomes the challenge. For him, being his own boss is about more than monetary gain, it’s about the rewards that come from realizing his own vision.

Emma Inns, Owner of Adorit Boutique

Working as a tour guide in Tibet and mingling with local designers was the inspiration for Emma Inns to own a small fashion boutique in Canada featuring Tibetan inspired work. Making it happen was the next step in turning her dream into a reality. Adorit Boutique, based in Ottawa, is Emma’s proud accomplishment and like many business ventures, was the result of collaboration amongst a few groups. The Canadian Youth Business Foundation was instrumental in linking Emma with her community partner, the Ottawa Community Loan Fund. 

Art of the Start Agenda

6pm - 7pm: Mini trade show & munchies

7pm - 8pm: Guest Speaker Presentations

8pm - 8:30pm: Q & A

8:30pm - 9pm: Networking

Art of the Start is generously sponsored by:

About the Ottawa Community Loan Fund

The Ottawa Community Loan Fund turns investments and donations into accessible financing to fuel innovation, expand opportunities and improve lives. OCLF provides loans for small businesses and professional training and is currently building a fund for social enterprise and social purpose real estate loans.

Discover more about the Ottawa Community Loan Fund by visiting www.oclf.org. 

For further information call 613-594-3535 or email info@oclf.org

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