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.

Executive Director – Westboro Village BIA

February 2018 – May 2020

Led one of Ottawa’s most active BIAs, delivering community events, building the brand, vision and community of local businesses who serve Westboro, Kitchissippi, Ottawa and beyond. The voice for over 240 local Westboro Village businesses at City Hall. A collaborator,  bringing local charity and community services into the business area through forming and facilitating partnerships.

For a full account of Michelle’s professional experience, visit her profile and connect on LinkedIn