The Stittsville Business Association (SBA) was formed in 2017, when a group of the town’s longstanding business owners saw a need to bring together the local business community. Initially, there was discussion of forming a Business Improvement Area (BIA), but that idea was rejected after consultations with business owners. Instead, the SBA—a more informal and locally operated entity—was created.
The intention was multifaceted: They wanted to create an organization that gave business owners a way to meet other Stittsville-based professionals, a means to support one another, a sense of voice in matters relating to the town, and a means to better integrate their businesses with the rest of the town.
As well, forming an integrated network of Stittsville businesses was a way to bring wider attention to what this small town offers. Included in this was a website with member business directory and shop local campaigns.
On February 13, 2018, the SBA became a registered Not-for-Profit.
The SBA proudly promotes the business community in Stittsville. Pictured here are Councillor Glen Gower and SBA Board members Wesley Smith and Andrea Greenhous. Photo source: glengower.ca
Since its inception, the organization has been known for several of its regularly held events. First was a yearly golf tournament, sponsored by local businesses with some of the proceeds being donated to charity. Second was an awards ceremony presented by Cavanagh Construction, showcasing local businesses. And third is an ongoing series of monthly networking events: the morning Coffee Collabs and the evening After 5 Exchanges.
The SBA is also proud to be able to promote its members across its social media channels, and works with government officials such as town Councillor Glen Gower and MPP George Darouze to further bring attention to Stittsville’s shops.
Fundamentally, we aim to be there for each other. This was exemplified during the COVID pandemic when, for example:
- a local construction company donated materials to restaurants to help them create outdoor dining spaces so that they could continue doing business;
- a local family worked with the SBA to provide thank-you gifts to the town’s frontline workers; and
- the SBA invited businesses to join free of charge, so that they could receive as much help as the organization was able to offer during a challenging time.
The staff at Stittsville Villa show their appreciation for the ‘thank you’ lunch provided by the Stittsville Business Association. Photo and caption credit: Stittsville Central
Today, the SBA is continuing to grow, to build its relationships amongst our members, and to contribute to our town. Here are a few highlights:
- In 2021, the SBA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Ottawa, allowing the organization to hang banners on 20 of the flag poles lining Stittsville Main Street, to advertise local businesses.
- In 2025, the organization—together with Councillor Gower’s office and Postcard Perfect—launched the flower baskets initiative: inviting business owners to contribute to the beautification of the town by sponsoring flower baskets that hang along Stittsville Main Street.
- Each year, the SBA has a presence at many of the town’s festivals and events, such as the Multicultural Festival, the Canada Day celebration, and the West Side Pride Festival.
The installation of the business banners supported by the Stittsville Business Association along Stittsville Main Street took place September 9, 2021. Present for the installation of the first banner were: l-r, Luc Therrien, owner of Stittsville Glass & Signs; Mayor Jim Watson; Wesley Smith; Councillor Glen Gower; Adam Kittle; Allan Ryan; and, Phil Sweetnam. Photo and caption credit: Stittsville Central
Read more about the SBA’s history in the following news articles:
New Stittsville Business Association meets for breakfast on November 14 (October 24, 2017)
Stittsville Business Association launches survey to decide direction (November 16, 2017)
Businesses partner with Lions Club to hang Christmas lights at Village Square Park (November 25, 2018)
SBA hosting small business virtual discussion on government support during COVID-19 (April 24, 2020)
Essential workers supported by local businesses and SBA (April 29, 2020)
Annual business award named in honour of Thomas Cavanagh (November 18, 2020)
Taxes, parking tickets and OC Transpo operating costs a concern for SBA during meeting with Councillor Gower (March 3, 2021)
Stittsville Business Association golf tournament set for September 24 (August 19, 2021)
SBA promotes local businesses with lamppost banners along Stittsville Main (September 10, 2021)
Stittsville Village Association and Stittsville Business Association co-hosting municipal all-candidates Q&A September 26 (September 25, 2022)
Brew Revolution welcomes Stittsville Business Association for first in-person Meet ‘n Greet since pandemic began (December 11, 2022)
SBA Stittsville Spree Launch Party – Handfashioned Fine Craft (November 20, 2024)
Read more about the history of the Town of Stittsville by visiting the Goulborn Township Historical Society’s page.
