Professional Experience
For a full account of Michelle’s professional experience, visit her profile and connect on LinkedIn
Michelle Groulx is a Chief Advocate dedicated to strengthening Ottawa’s mainstreet businesses and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities citywide. With over 25 years of experience bridging the private, non-profit, and civic sectors, Michelle works to empower entrepreneurs, influence policy, and drive positive change that supports local economic growth and strengthens our communities.
Chief Advocate – Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA)
The Voice of Ottawa’s 18 Business Improvement Areas who are home to over 7,200 businesses. Michelle is the champion for Ottawa’s mainstreet communities, 15 minute neighbourhoods and local businesses.
Previously Executive Director at OCOBIA (2021-2024)
Michelle has been a leading voice for Ottawa communities; notably during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery (2020-2023), the Convoy occupation (2022), the derecho (2022), and on social issues since 2021 (community safety and well-being, homelessness, mental health and addictions, supportive and affordable housing, accessible employment, poverty reduction), working across municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
Mentor– Invest Ottawa
Mentor for the Invest Ottawa Starter Plus entrepreneur program: supporting Ottawa-based non-tech businesses with interactive training and dedicated mentorship.
Providing knowledge and guidance to entrepreneurs to confidently launch their business.
For a full account of Michelle’s professional experience, visit her profile and connect on LinkedIn
Community & Civic Engagement
Michelle’s professional work is closely tied to long-standing community involvement, including:
- Poverty Reduction Advisory Group, City of Ottawa – Member
- Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Advisory Committee, City of Ottawa – Past member
- Ottawa Film Office – past Vice-Chair
- Be Cruelty-Free Campaign, Humane Society International – Partner
- Starts with Home, Housing affordability – Endorser
Advocacy in Action
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