Support Available for Businesses Navigating CUSMA and Trade Tariffs

Canadian exporters face evolving requirements under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), particularly around rules of origin, customs procedures, and certification. Businesses in Sarnia-Lambton can access guidance and federal support resources through SLEP’s trade tariffs information page, designed to help companies better understand compliance and reduce export risk.

📞 Call 1-833-760-1167 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET) 

Western Ontario Fall Funders Forum Connects Businesses with Funding Programs

Last month, the Western Ontario Fall Funders Forum brought together local businesses, organizations, and municipalities to hear directly from provincial ministry representatives about current grant and incentive programs. Attendees gained practical insight into funding options that support business growth, innovation, and workforce development, along with a clearer understanding of application processes and eligibility requirements. The forum also created space for regional networking and knowledge sharing across sectors.

National Post Feature: Sarnia-Lambton leads Ontario’s energy transition

Sarnia-Lambton was recently featured in the National Post, highlighting the region’s leadership in Ontario’s evolving energy landscape. The article explores how existing infrastructure, industrial expertise, and a collaborative approach are positioning Sarnia-Lambton to support both traditional energy and emerging low-carbon opportunities. This national profile reinforces the region’s role as a practical, investment-ready hub for energy transition and long-term industrial growth.

Lambton College Recognized Among Canada’s Top 5 Research Colleges for the 10th Year

Lambton College has once again been named one of Canada’s Top 5 Research Colleges by RE$EARCH Infosource Inc.. This marks the 10th consecutive year Lambton College has achieved this national recognition, and it remains the only college in Canada to hold a Top 5 ranking for a full decade. The designation reflects the college’s continued focus on applied research and strong partnerships with industry.

View the full Research Infosource rankings here.

SkillUP Industry Innovation Challenge Connects Students with Local Employers

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, in collaboration with Lambton College, hosted the SkillUP Industry Innovation Challenge on December 3, bringing together 100 Grade 11 and 12 Specialist High Skills Major students from construction, manufacturing, and agriculture programs. Students worked in teams to tackle real-world challenges provided by local employers, strengthening their problem-solving and communication skills while gaining insight into career pathways available in Sarnia-Lambton. The event highlighted the value of connecting youth with industry mentors and helping students understand how classroom learning translates into real workplace expectations.

IDEA Leadership Academy Webinar: Practical Workforce Leadership for Employers

• Thursday, February 26, 2026
• 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
• Free SLEP Training Webinar. A training certificate will be provided upon completion.

The IDEA Leadership Academy is offering a live, two-hour online session designed for employers and people leaders navigating today’s workforce challenges. This practical webinar focuses on real leadership decisions that influence recruitment, retention, collaboration, and long-term workforce stability.

Designed to fit busy schedules, the session provides actionable tools rather than theory, and participants will receive a training certificate upon completion. Time spent in the session can also be applied toward CPHR Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

EmployerOne Survey Now Open for Sarnia-Lambton Employers

The Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board is inviting local employers to participate in the 2026 EmployerOne Survey. The survey gathers confidential employer insights that support local labour market research, workforce planning, and evidence-based decision-making across Sarnia-Lambton.

Employer participation helps ensure future workforce initiatives reflect real business needs and local conditions.

Business Retention and Expansion Support for Local Companies

Every business reaches a point where questions about growth, workforce, infrastructure, or future plans need a sounding board. Through SLEP’s Business Retention and Expansion consultations, local companies can have confidential, one-on-one conversations focused on their priorities and challenges. These free consultations help connect businesses with resources, partners, and opportunities that support stability, expansion, and long-term success in Sarnia-Lambton.

Photo: BR&E consultation with Purity Salt cave & Healing Spa

Foodpreneur Advantage Startup Seminars for Food and Beverage Businesses

Foodpreneur Advantage offers a series of startup seminars designed to help food and beverage entrepreneurs understand what it takes to launch and grow a compliant, market-ready business. These sessions cover key topics such as regulations, product development, pricing, and go-to-market planning, helping entrepreneurs move forward with greater confidence and clarity. The seminars are well-suited for early-stage founders and those preparing to bring a product to market.

Register for the Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series:

• Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance 
• How to Sell Your Food Product
• Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
• Marketing & Branding your Food Product
• Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
• Food Safety Fundamentals for Startups

Online Workshop Series Supporting Franco-Ontarian Women Entrepreneurs / Série d'ateliers en ligne soutenant les femmes entrepreneures franco-ontariennes

Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA) is launching the fifth edition of its Programme d’ateliers pour l’entrepreneuriat féminin (PALF), a series of eight online workshops designed to support Franco-Ontarian women entrepreneurs in their growth and expansion. The program focuses on helping participants clarify their vision, strengthen their market positioning, and build their businesses in a strategic and sustainable way. These sessions offer practical guidance and peer learning for entrepreneurs at various stages of development. /

La Fédération des gens d'affaires francophones de l'Ontario (FGA) lance la cinquième édition de son Programme d'ateliers pour l'entrepreneuriat féminin (PALF), une série de huit ateliers en ligne conçus pour soutenir les femmes entrepreneures franco-ontariennes dans leur croissance et leur expansion. Le programme vise à aider les participants à clarifier leur vision, renforcer leur positionnement sur le marché et développer leur entreprise de manière stratégique et durable. Ces sessions offrent des conseils pratiques et un apprentissage par les pairs pour les entrepreneurs à différents stades de développement.

Sarnia Saves: For Your Home

Up to $15,000 in rebates for homeowners in Sarnia, Brights Grove and Point Edward.

Improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency with energy-saving home upgrades from Enbridge Gas.

Homeowners in Sarnia, Brights Grove and Point Edward are eligible for exclusive, limited-time rebates, including free home energy assessments, insulation, draft proofing and electric heat pumps when they work with a program-approved contractor. Rebates are also available for windows and doors, heat pump water heaters and more.

Sarnia Saves: For Your Business

Exclusive, limited-time offer for Sarnia, Brights Grove and Point Edward.

Get up to 100% funding for natural gas equipment upgrades, as well as expert technical support at every step. Any size and type of business can qualify, from small local businesses to large industrial operations and more.

Enbridge Gas makes it easy to increase productivity with energy-efficient equipment, lower your operating costs and improve comfort in your building or facility.