Discover the latest programs and initiatives supporting businesses and talent across Sarnia-Lambton.
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SLEP October Newsletter
Welcome to the October 2026 edition of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership newsletter. This month, we are sharing updates on local initiatives, business supports, and upcoming opportunities designed to support growth across the region.
Invest Ontario explores Sarnia-Lambton’s investment opportunities SLEP recently welcomed Invest Ontario to tour the region’s industrial operations, investment sites and research facilities alongside local partners. The visit highlighted opportunities for business investment and commercialization, including the Sarnia-Lambton Innovation Bridge and Commercialization Hub. Through this ongoing partnership, SLEP and Invest Ontario continue to work together to attract investment and support local job creation. |
From research to commercialization in Sarnia-Lambton Developing a new product or technology requires access to expertise, testing facilities and support to scale production. Sarnia-Lambton’s Innovation Bridge and Commercialization Hub connects businesses with resources to move from early research and proof of concept to pilot projects and commercial operations. Lambton College Research & Innovation, the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and Bioindustrial Innovation Canada provide applied research, incubation and business acceleration support. Together, these organizations help companies test ideas, refine processes and bring products to market, with particular expertise in energy, bio-based products and sustainable chemistry. |
Advocating for better transportation connections SLEP continues to support the Rail Advocacy in Lambton (RAIL) Committee’s efforts to improve passenger rail service and ensure Sarnia-Lambton is included in discussions about the Windsor–Toronto–Ottawa corridor. CEO Matthew Slotwinski attended the Ontario Intercity Travel Summit, hosted by Transport Futures, to discuss rail, air and bus connections with transportation providers and industry organizations. Conversations included Air Canada, VIA Rail Canada, Transport Action Canada and the Ontario Motor Coach Association. More frequent and reliable transportation connections support access to employment, education and major markets. SLEP’s participation brings the region’s transportation needs into broader discussions about Ontario’s intercity travel network. |
VIP Rail expansion adds capacity for local industry VIP Rail has completed a new rail yard in Sarnia, adding 750 railcar storage spots and bringing its Sarnia-area capacity to more than 2,150 spots. The expansion gives businesses greater flexibility to manage railcar fleets and respond to changing production and transportation needs, supporting industrial operations and future growth in Sarnia-Lambton. Photo: VIP Rail |
SLEP connects with industry at Manufacturing Matters SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski and Economic Development Officer Domenic Mazzuca attended Manufacturing Matters in London, Ontario, to connect with manufacturers and industry partners. Discussions focused on diversification and business development, including potential opportunities for local businesses in defence, mining and nuclear supply chains. Sarnia-Lambton’s expertise in precision machining, metal fabrication, industrial equipment and engineered materials positions the region to pursue these opportunities. |
Advanced manufacturing in Sarnia-Lambton Skilled talent, serviced industrial land and access to major markets give manufacturers practical advantages in Sarnia-Lambton. Established suppliers and research partnerships with Lambton College and the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park support production, technology development and business expansion. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership helps businesses explore locations, funding opportunities and local industry connections. |
SLEP attends Site Selectors Guild Fall Forum Economic Development Officer Shauna Carr represented SLEP at the Site Selectors Guild Fall Forum in Cleveland, Ohio, last September. The forum provided opportunities to connect with consultants who advise businesses on investment locations and learn how companies evaluate communities for expansion. Participation supports SLEP’s ongoing work to build industry relationships and attract investment to Sarnia-Lambton. |
Connecting Sarnia-Lambton to global opportunities The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team will represent Sarnia-Lambton at major conferences and trade shows across Canada, the United States and Europe. These events provide opportunities to meet directly with companies, site selectors and industry leaders, promote the region’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, energy, hydrogen, clean technology and agri-food, and identify potential investment and partnership opportunities. Businesses attending these events or connected with participating organizations are encouraged to contact our team to coordinate introductions and outreach.
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Featured Property: 211 Gladwish Drive
Position your business in the heart of Sarnia-Lambton's industrial corridor. Located at 211 Gladwish Drive, this 35-acre shovel-ready heavy industrial property offers parcels starting at two acres, with excellent Highway 40 exposure and access to international rail, marine, and highway transportation networks. Situated near major industrial employers, the site presents a strategic opportunity for manufacturing, processing, logistics, and industrial investment. Businesses locating in Sarnia-Lambton can also benefit from the region's Foreign Trade Zone Point designation, which provides access to programs and services that support international trade.
Featured Property: 5438 Nauvood Road
Explore industrial and commercial development opportunities with access to Highway 402 and major transportation routes. Located at 5438 Nauvoo Road in Watford, this property offers a contiguous land base with highway commercial, mixed commercial, industrial and agricultural zoning. Potential uses include manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, logistics and transportation operations.
The site provides options for developers, investors and business owners planning a new facility, a business park or future expansion in Sarnia-Lambton.
2026 Starter Company Plus recipients begin business training This year’s Starter Company Plus recipients gathered at Tin Fiddler in Sarnia on September 3 to begin four months of business training, advisory support and peer mentoring. The eleven participating businesses represent sectors ranging from technology and construction to wellness, recreation and specialty retail. Delivered locally by the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton, the provincially funded program provides each recipient with up to $5,000 in grant funding, along with practical guidance to help put their business plans into action. Participants work with a business advisor and connect with fellow business owners through peer mentoring roundtables. Since 2015, Starter Company Plus has provided $351,000 in grants to 71 businesses across Sarnia-Lambton, supporting local entrepreneurship and job creation. |
Free Workshop: How to Pitch Your Business Learn how to clearly explain what your business does, who it serves and the value it offers. Join Dr. Martin Smith of TechAlliance on Thursday, October 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pitch Indoor Sports in Sarnia for a practical workshop on communicating your business to customers, investors and potential partners. You’ll learn how to structure your pitch, adjust it for different audiences and deliver it with confidence. With time to practise and receive feedback, you’ll leave with a draft pitch you can continue to refine and use in business conversations. |
Business Coffee Chat at Backhome Coffee Roastery Connect with fellow business owners over coffee on Tuesday, October 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Backhome Coffee Roastery, 112 Christina Street South in Sarnia. This informal gathering offers time to exchange ideas, discuss business challenges and make local connections. Meet the SLEP team and learn about programs, funding opportunities and business support available in Sarnia-Lambton. No registration is required. Bring a fellow business owner and join the conversation. |
Lambton Immigration Forum: Global Roots, Local Impact Explore how newcomers contribute to Sarnia-Lambton’s economy and community at the 2026 Lambton Immigration Forum. Join us on Wednesday, October 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward for an interactive breakfast featuring keynote speaker David Campbell, whose research focuses on economic prosperity in rural communities. Hear directly from newcomer panelists about their experiences and local contributions, and connect with businesses, community organizations and fellow residents. Presented by SLEP, the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub and the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership, the forum is open to all community members and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. |
Thanksgiving Day office closure Our office will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13. |
Grant & Funding Programs
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team is pleased to offer complimentary guidance and support in confirming eligibility, refining applications, and connecting qualified proponents directly with provincial and federal program representatives to help transform solid growth plans into funded projects.
We encourage applicants to contact our team of Economic Development Officers at 519-332-1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca, who can help assess the fit with the program and provide advice on application preparation.
Regional Tariff Response Initiatives in Southern Ontario
The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures.
The national Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers.
RDAs are delivering $1.95 billion to help businesses boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness across all sectors, including steel, aluminum, copper, automotive, food security and forestry.
Businesses can normally request:
- $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding; or
- $125,000 to $1 million in non-repayable funding.
Not-for-profit organizations can normally request a minimum of $125,000 to $10 million in non-repayable funding.
Protect Ontario Financing Program
The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides critical support to businesses facing significant tariff-related disruptions from tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and autos.
Funding will be provided through a term loan to support working capital costs (for example, payroll, leases, utilities).
Term loan parameters:
- minimum $250,000.00
- repayable up to 72 months (6 years)
- no penalty for prepayment
- annual repayment frequency
- applicant to demonstrate the ability to meet repayment requirements and provide security satisfactory to the province
Industrial AI Readiness Program
In partnership with NRC-IRAP, the program will provide eligible Canadian manufacturers with a reimbursement of up to $15,000 to adopt AI to improve the productivity, health and safety, and environmental performance of their production systems.
Work-Sharing Program
The Government of Canada’s Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when a temporary reduction in normal business activity is beyond the employer’s control. Through an agreement between the employer, employees and Service Canada, participating employees work reduced hours and share the available work while eligible workers receive Employment Insurance income support.
Temporary tariff-related special measures are available until March 31, 2027. Eligible employers affected by the threat or implementation of tariffs may access Work-Sharing agreements for up to 76 weeks, with expanded eligibility for employers and employees.
Ontario Job Grant
The Ontario Job Grant (OJG) provides funding to help businesses train their employees and update their skills. This helps employers ensure their workforce has the right skills to adapt to a changing economy.
The grant supports eligible training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee, with additional flexibility for small employers. It lets employers choose who to train, and what skills to focus on to address their needs. Employers can use the grant to train:
- existing employees to upgrade their skills
- new hires, whether currently employed elsewhere or previously unemployed (a new hire is a trainee with an identified job opportunity within the employer’s workforce that has been provided with an offer of employment prior to training)
FedDev Ontario - Funding for Businesses in Southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario provides funding and business support to help organizations across southern Ontario innovate, scale their operations, and strengthen regional economic development.
- a minimum of $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million per project in repayable contribution funding.
- Intake now open
Ontario Centre of Innovation Digitalization Competence Centre Programs
DCC has three program streams to support SMEs in the adoption and implementation of digital technology:
- Digital Modernization & Adoption Plan (DMAP)
- Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
- Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)
Most OCI programs operate on a rolling or continuous intake basis, allowing applications to be submitted year-round as funding remains available.
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Stay engaged with Sarnia-Lambton's thriving business community! Check out these upcoming events and webinars! Don't miss these opportunities to connect, learn, and grow your business. You can also visit sarnialambton.on.ca/events for a full list.
Local Industry Link
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sports by Refined Fool, 1326 London Road, Sarnia, ON
Skilled Trades Expo and Apprenticeship Pathways Panel
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lambton College
Business Coffee Chat at Backhome Coffee Roastery
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Backhome Coffee Roastery, 112 Christina St. S., Sarnia, ON
Finding Growth in a Faster World
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Free Webinar by BDC
Smart AI Investments that Pay Off
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Free Webinar by BDC
How to Pitch Your Business Workshop at Pitch Indoor Sports
Thursday, October 22, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Pitch Indoor Sports, 1781 London Line, Sarnia, ON
Using Acquisitions to Accelerate Growth
Thursday, October 22, 2026
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Free Webinar by BDC
Culinary & Agritourism Workshop at The Gallery
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Gallery, 150 Christina Street, Sarnia, ON
2026 Lambton Immigration Forum
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Four Points by Sheraton, 1498 Venetian Blvd, Point Edward, ON
New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free Webinar by the Ontario government, in partnership with TCS
Explore Events by Our Community Partners
We’re proud to highlight upcoming events and workshops led by our valued partners who continue to support business growth and community development across Sarnia-Lambton.
Collaboration, Community, and Opportunity in Sarnia-Lambton
With a thriving industrial base, welcoming communities, and a commitment to inclusive growth, Sarnia-Lambton continues to attract talent, investment, and innovation. From small business success to global partnerships, the region is built on collaboration and fueled by opportunity.
Discover why more people are choosing to live, work, and invest in #SarniaLambton.
