Navigating the Future: Innovation and Opportunity in Uncertain Times

Thursday, March 6, 12 PM - 5PM

About UNLEASHED

In a world defined by constant change and unpredictability, businesses and organizations must adapt, innovate, and seize new opportunities whether through bold, transformative initiatives or small, impactful changesto thrive.

Unleashed 2025 is designed to empower leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries with the insights, tools, and strategies needed to excel in an ever-evolving landscape. Through interactive keynote, discussion panels, table breakouts and networking sessions, participants will explore the diverse ways social enterprises and social purpose businesses can lead with purpose, develop sustainable models, and thrive in an era defined by change.

Get ready for a pragmatic and inspiring exploration of the critical factors needed to navigate uncertainty with confidence and make meaningful progress towards a brighter, more caring, and more resilient future.

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Program

Please check back regularly for program updates.

12:00 PM

Conference room opens / Buffet lunch / Networking begins!

1:00 PM

Welcome & Opening Remarks​

  • Michael Murr, Centre for Social Enterprise Development
  • Henry Akanko, United Way East Ontario

1:15 PM

Fireside Chat Keynote​

  • Kelly Storie, Executive Director, La Siembra Co-operative

2:00 PM

Panel Discussion 1​

Navigating Start-Up and Setting the Stage for Success

Early stage enterprises face many challenges and the consequences of failure are high. Hear how leading organizations are innovating to create the conditions for success.

featuring

  • Mike Bulthuis, Executive Director, Ottawa Community Land Trust
  • Charmian Romano, Founder, LaunchPad Kitchens & Immigrant Women Services Organization

in conversation with

  • Drayton Mulingabigwi, CSED Board Member

2:45 PM

Networking Break​

3:05 PM

Panel Discussion 2

Uncovering and Sustaining Opportunities for Growth and Impact

There is significant pressure to find ways to deliver value and grow the impact of our organizations. What new tools can we consider… and what tools might be underused?

featuring

  • Josh McLean, Director of Business Development, Ocean Legacy Foundation
  • Bettina Vollmerhausen, Co-founder & Tool Goddess, Ottawa Tool Library

3:50 PM

Networking Break​

4:10 PM

Table Discussions​

Taking Action on Innovation

Innovation takes many forms (spoiler alert: it isn’t just tech). What does innovation mean to you? And what will you do to advance innovation in your organization starting today?

facilitated by

  • Hai Doan, CSED

4:50 PM

Announcements & Closing Remarks​

5:00 PM

Conclusion of event / Continued networking​

Speakers

Michael Murr

Executive Director, CSED

Drayton Mulindabigwi

Drayton Mulingabigwi

Founder, Novas Group and CSED Board Member

Mike Bulthuis

Mike Bulthuis

Executive Director, Ottawa Community Land Trust

Bettina Vollmerhausen

Co-founder & tool goddess, Ottawa Tool Library

Charmian Romano

Founder, Launch Pad Kitchens

Hai Doan, Manager, Social Enterprise Consulting, CSED

Hai Doan

Manager, Social Enterprise Consulting, CSED

Josh McLean

Director of Business Development, Ocean Legacy Foundation

Conference sponsors

Logo of United Way East Ontario

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