Your Guide to Business Expansion
Big Plans for Ottawa? You’re in Good Company. Companies set up here because Ottawa combines something rare: deep technology expertise and direct access to the people shaping global policy, regulation, and networks.
From operating costs and commercial real estate to infrastructure, research partnerships, and talent, Ottawa’s got you.
Business Climate
A Stable and Trusted Place to Build
Ottawa is known for its economic stability, strong public institutions, and ambitious, collaborative tech ecosystem. The region benefits from a diverse economy, predictable operating conditions, and a supportive network of industry, government, and research partners.
Ottawa’s economy grew 2.5% in 2024, outperforming the national average
A resilient economy supported by public and private sector strength
Frequently ranked as one of the most business-friendly cities in North America.
A mature technology ecosystem with global and scaling companies
Cost of Doing Business
Competitive Operating Costs That Make Cents
Ottawa offers competitive operating costs other North American tech hubs. Companies benefit from balanced labour costs, accessible commercial real estate, and reliable infrastructure that supports day-to-day operations without the price volatility seen in many major markets.
- Accessible commercial space, with office and industrial lease rates 50-90% lower than major North American tech hubs
- Salaries for in-demand tech positions in Ottawa are approximately 8–12% lower on average than in Toronto and Vancouver due to lower costs of living.
- Ottawa has a lower employee turnover rate, which reduces recruitment and training expenses.
- Stable operating costs, including predictable utilities and municipal services
- Government incentives, including federal and provincial tax credits that support R&D, innovation, and investment
Strategic Location
The Power of Proximity
Ottawa’s location provides all the advantages of a national capital with strong connections to international markets. Companies benefit from access to policymakers, research institutions, and transportation networks that support North American and global operations. Ottawa is both the Silicon Valley of the North and the Gateway to Canada’s North.
Travel by car, air or rail to Toronto, Montreal, and to New York in just a few hours or less
20+ million people within a 400 km radius
Ottawa International Airport connecting to global hubs daily
Direct access to 130+ federal agencies and 130+ international embassies
Infrastructure and Utilities
Reliable Systems That Support Business Growth
Great technology companies need more than talent. They need infrastructure that can keep up.
Ottawa runs on the kind of systems modern tech companies depend on like high-capacity fibre networks, reliable energy, and transportation systems that connect people and businesses across the region. From global data networks to expanding rapid transit, the capital region is built to support companies developing and deploying advanced technologies.
- Connected integrated regional transportation system and logistics corridor between provinces and countries.
- North America’s largest Tech Park with 540+ companies, 30,000 jobs on 550+ hectares
- Extensive fibre connectivity and major internet exchange infrastructure
- Reliable and scalable energy systems
Innovation and Research
Where Ideas Get Tested
In Ottawa, innovation doesn’t stay in the lab for long. But if needs a lab – we’ve got hundreds. The city brings together federal research labs, leading universities, applied AI institutes, and advanced testing environments where companies can move ideas into real-world deployment. Researchers, engineers, scientists and innovators, and policymakers often work within the same networks — which means collaboration happens quickly and commercialization moves faster, safely.
65+ federal labs and research facilities
Home to Area X.O, North American’s only all-weather, ITB-certified R&D complex for emerging technologies
Home of the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
4 NATO Diana test facilities
Multiple Living Lab facilities throughout the city including Bayview Betaworks
80+ research labs associated with the four post secondary institutions
The Ottawa Academic Health Network is the 2nd largest life science research ecosystem in Ontario hosted by the University of Ottawa
20,000+ sq ft of new wet and modern lab space at Pìwànak — Algonquin College’s Centre for Science and Innovation (PACSI)
Talent and Workforce
A Skilled and Educated Workforce
Ok, engineers aren’t the only talent in the region, but Ottawa does have a lot of them. In fact, Ottawa has the most educated workforce in the country.
The city has one of the most technically skilled workforces in North America, shaped by decades of leadership in telecommunications, software, and advanced research. Companies hiring here tap into a deep pool of engineers, developers, scientists, and skilled professionals who know how to build, deploy, and scale complex technologies. And to top that off, with major post-secondary institutions and 168,000 students there is an unparalleled talent pool to draw from.
- 60% of residents hold post-secondary credentials
- Top 10 tech talent market in North America
- 80,000+ tech workers
- 28,000 students in STEM
Connect
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