Rural Business OrganizationsThe city of Ottawa is distinct in that it features a large agricultural base with an agricultural economy larger than any major city in Canada, with rural land comprising over 90 per cent of its land area. Agriculture is clearly a key element of Ottawa’s economy, representing 10,021 jobs (2.5 per cent of the city’s labour force). There are a variety of key organizations and associations that assist rural businesses in the marketing and promotion of the larger agricultural and tourism sectors. They include: Ottawa’s CountrysideOttawa’s Countryside is a grassroots organization whose goal is to effectively market and promote one of Ottawa’s fastest growing industries – the rural tourism industry. Some of the benefits of being part of a larger network of tourism operators include the ability to cost-effectively market the tourism industry as a whole, as well as develop projects and initiatives, such as a webpage devoted specifically to rural tourism in Ottawa, a rural tourism signage program, and a rural tourism day drive map. The Ontario Rural CouncilThe Ontario Rural Council (TORC) originated in 1998 as a means for members to discuss and understand the changes and issues facing rural Ontario, and to work together to take action. TORC is comprised of members representing non-profit rural organizations, private sector corporations, the public sector and individuals who bring specialized expertise and resources to the table. Each year, TORC hosts a conference and schedules half-day events to develop a blueprint for rural Ontario. Ottawa Stewardship CouncilThe goals of the Ottawa Stewardship Council are to: provide a central source of comprehensive local information from all groups with an interest in environmental stewardship; and improve the capacity for local groups to collaborate, and to access and share products and services they need. The Ottawa Stewardship Council is composed of up to 15 individuals, from farmers to urban residents, who are committed to the stewardship ethic of advancing knowledge, learning through demonstration projects, and accessing community resources so that the land is passed along to future generations in a better state than it was before. Rural Women’s Business NetworkThe Rural Women’s Business Network (RWBN) is a resource network for potential entrepreneurial women whose mandate is to help women promote their businesses through networking and the sharing of ideas and resources. RWBN holds quarterly dinner meetings in various locations throughout their coverage areas of Russell, Metcalfe, Greely, Edwards, North Gower, Kemptville, Merrickville, Oxford Mills and Burritts Rapids. The network dinners typically attract about 50 to 60 women, some of whom are involved in running farm operations or rural small businesses. Osgoode Ward Business AllianceThe Osgoode Ward Business Alliance (OWBA) supports economic and community development within the City’s Osgoode ward. OWBA initiatives include:
For more information on the OWBA, visit the website of the National Capital Business Alliance. |
WD023351