Invest Ottawa's extensive range of programs and services to help you launch, grow and scale your business.
Real-world guidance from experienced business experts specific to your business needs and challenges.
A three-month training program for entrepreneurs who have launched or are ready to launch a new business.
Secondary and post-secondary students learn the skills and knowledge needed to start up a successful business.
Validate a tech startup idea and establish a solid foundation to build your business on.
Access to early-stage advisors, cost-saving start-up perks, and a network of like-minded peers.
Expert guidance to help you establish and grow your business in multiple markets.
For high-growth, Ottawa-based technology firms that have reached $2 million in revenue or capital and are on track to generating $100 million or more.
Connect with a community of more than 100 women leaders from Ottawa’s tech ecosystem.
Learn how to pitch your business and secure investment with SheBoot, a women-led program for women founders jointly established by Invest Ottawa and the Capital Angel Network.
Tips, advice, programs, services and other resources to help all women succeed in business.
For businesses seeking to expand their global footprint in Ottawa and those already established in the city scale up their enterprises.
Discover why Ottawa’s multinational giants, homegrown successes, and high-growth startups are the ideal spot to secure your future.
Real-world guidance from experienced business experts specific to your business needs and challenges.
A three-month training program for entrepreneurs who have launched or are ready to launch a new business.
Secondary and post-secondary students learn the skills and knowledge needed to start up a successful business.
Validate a tech startup idea and establish a solid foundation to build your business on.
Access to early-stage advisors, cost-saving start-up perks, and a network of like-minded peers.
Expert guidance to help you establish and grow your business in multiple markets.
For high-growth, Ottawa-based technology firms that have reached $2 million in revenue or capital and are on track to generating $100 million or more.
Connect with a community of more than 100 women leaders from Ottawa’s tech ecosystem.
Learn how to pitch your business and secure investment with SheBoot, a women-led program for women founders jointly established by Invest Ottawa and the Capital Angel Network.
Tips, advice, programs, services and other resources to help all women succeed in business.
For businesses seeking to expand their global footprint in Ottawa and those already established in the city scale up their enterprises.
Discover why Ottawa’s multinational giants, homegrown successes, and high-growth startups are the ideal spot to secure your future.
Our expansive facility at Bayview Yards equips the most promising entrepreneurs and technology firms with technical, business and market capabilities to take on the world.
Accelerate the market readiness of your tech solution at Area X.O, a technology-rich, secure R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies created for all-weather experimentation.
Explore the inspiration, actionable insight and impact that helps make Ottawa a world-class tech hub and thriving, inclusive business community.
Keep up to date with all the industry, startup, and community news, as well as features profiling some of Ottawa's leading success stories.
Invested in Our New Reality features an intimate one-on-one conversations with the leaders of some of the country’s fastest-growing companies
Read about the programs and services that help fuel the growth and success of the entrepreneurs, community and companies we serve, and our collaborative economic impact.
We are here for all women. Invest Ottawa is determined to move the dial and to create long-lasting change.
We are together on this critical journey. Invest Ottawa is here for you and all members of our community.
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If you have an event which may fit, please submit and it will be reviewed within two business days.
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Ottawa offers some of the best tech jobs in the world – and one of these opportunities might be a life-changing career for you.
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Our plan for creating new high-value jobs, attracting new investment, and driving the growth of Ottawa’s economy
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New Frontiers in skin health – with Frontier Skincare |
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Co-founded by Zak Lewis and Andrew MacDonald, Frontier Skincare is making waves in the men’s skincare market with a mission to integrate skincare into every man’s daily routine.
“Our mission is to demystify skincare and empower men to take charge of their routines with confidence,” co-founder Zak Lewis explained. “So, whether you’re new to skincare or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you look and feel your best.”
Since being founded in 2022, its innovative approach, focus on sustainability, and commitment to quality in men’s skincare have quickly earned Frontier Skincare a loyal customer base in Ottawa and beyond.
Next, they’re looking to expand their product line by introducing a high-quality facial sunscreen to further provide products that meet the unique needs of their customers.
“Our ultimate goal is to introduce a high-quality facial sunscreen that’s perfect for active, outdoorsy lifestyles,” Zak explained. “We know how important it is to protect against the sun’s UV rays, which are a major cause of early aging.”
Finding and accessing the entrepreneurial community – through Starter Company Plus
According to Zak, participating in the Starter Company Plus program provided essential knowledge and networking opportunities that have been instrumental to the company in its early stages.
Made possible by the Ontario government, the Starter Company Plus program helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs to start, expand, or purchase an early-stage, non-tech business.
“The curriculum and professional connections were invaluable,” Zak wrote.
“The program structure was fantastic, and the staff were incredible, but the real benefit of the program was the connection with local entrepreneurs,” he added. “We have several small groups that meet regularly to talk about everything from social media strategy to boxing ideas. The community is so supportive and inspiring.”
For any aspiring entrepreneurs that might be on the fence and are considering joining Invest Ottawa’s next cohort of Starter Company Plus, Zak had a few words of wisdom:
“If you can do it, you absolutely should,” he exclaimed. “The classes were informative and forced us to spend some time focusing on aspects of the business that would have otherwise been left by the wayside as we spent our energy on the ‘fun stuff.’ We found the financial planning module and the pitching your business sessions to be particularly useful.”
As for what’s on the horizon for Frontier Skincare, Zak emphasized the company is committed to helping more men understand the need for a good skin healthcare routine – and finding ways to give back to the community.
“Whether it’s through our 1% for the Planet commitment or partnerships with organizations dedicated to men’s health, we want to make a positive impact,” he said.