Pre-Launch Event
On Monday, May 19, 2025, the historic Norwood Hotel in Winnipeg buzzed with energy as entrepreneurs, innovators, and Chamber members gathered for the exclusive prelaunch of Bota Place, an AI‑driven marketplace designed to help small businesses “list in seconds, get paid fast, and ship with ease”
Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
Time: Doors opened at 12:30 PM; program ran 1:00 PM–4:00 PM CDT
Venue: Norwood Hotel, 112 Marion St, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0T1
Audience & Atmosphere
Local entrepreneurs, chamber members, and media packed the Norwood’s heritage ballroom—mixing over charcuterie while exploring Bota’s intuitive app stations. The buzz was palpable as guests lined up to test the “Snap to Sell” feature and chat with the Bota team about zero listing fees and real‑time payouts
A Glamorous Welcome
From the moment attendees arrived, the red‑carpet reception made clear this was not just another product demo—it was a celebration. Photographers captured the excitement as small‑business owners, artisans, and tech enthusiasts mingled under soaring crystal chandeliers.
Introducing: Bota
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Calgary, Bota Place aims to transform how small businesses monetize excess inventory through an AI‑driven marketplace that “turns discounts into opportunities”. With an emphasis on community building and sustainable commerce, Bota helps sellers free up capital and buyers score great deals—instantly.
Core Features
- Instant Listing: Snap a photo, add a quick description, and publish in under a minute
- Instant Payment: Funds deposited immediately upon sale completion
- Instant Shipping: Pre‑paid labels and built‑in tracking streamline fulfillment
- AI Assistant “BO”: From pricing guidance to optimized descriptions, BO elevates every sale
Launch Highlights
Live Demo
Bota co‑founder Akeem Adebisi walked guests through the “Snap, Describe, Publish” workflow in real time: snapping a photo of a sample item, watching the AI assistant “Bo” generate optimized titles and pricing suggestions, and hitting “Publish”—all in under 3 minutes!
Engaging Q&A with the Founders
The formal program wrapped with a lively Q&A session. Audience members asked everything from “How does Bo handle shipping?” to “What’s next for feature updates?” Bota’s leadership team fielded questions candidly, sharing roadmap insights, like support for bulk‑inventory uploads and deeper analytics dashboards—and inviting feedback to ensure the platform evolves alongside Manitoba’s entrepreneurs.
Impact on Local Entrepreneurs
Faster Turnover, Less Waste
By removing listing fees and automating logistics, Bota enables entrepreneurs, from resellers to home-based makers, to turn excess inventory into revenue almost instantly.
Sustainability & Circular Economy
Bota’s model champions reuse and resale over disposal, aligning with broader goals of waste reduction and environmental stewardship, a win for both businesses and the planet.
Next Steps & How to Get Involved
- Download the App: Available soon on Google Play and App Store—sign up for early access.
- Join the Community: Follow @officialBotaplace on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates and tips.
- Become a Seller: Register at botaplace.com and start listing items in seconds.
We at the Black Manitoba Chamber of Commerce congratulate Bota Place on this exciting milestone. We celebrate not only the innovation Bota brings, but the collaborative spirit of our community—where technology, mentorship, and shared vision come together to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. Together, we look forward to witnessing how their innovation empowers local entrepreneurs and fosters a more sustainable marketplace in Manitoba and beyond.
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