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SLEP May Newsletter

Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership newsletter! Learn more about our latest initiatives, essential business resources, and upcoming events!

The hero image featured in this month's newsletter is courtesy of Michael Monastyrskyj.

Ontario Unlocking Free Trade Within Canada

As a next step in its plan to protect Ontario by unleashing the province’s economy, the Ontario government is introducing the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act to unlock free trade and labour mobility within Canada. This legislation will, if passed, create new opportunities for job creation and investment attraction, supporting economic integration across Canada and cutting costly and unnecessary red tape to help protect and grow Ontario and Canada’s economies.

Ontario is also launching the new $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to help businesses make near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains, strengthening Ontario’s trade security and diversification.

Read the Media Release
 

Sarnia-Lambton Business Forum on Tariff Impacts

The Lambton Business Collaborative invites local businesses to a facilitated forum on May 6, 2025, to discuss the impacts of tariffs on operations, supply chains, and future planning. This session will provide an opportunity to share insights, identify challenges, and help shape coordinated advocacy efforts.

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Gateway Room, St. Clair Corporate Centre

Please note: This session is designed specifically for representatives of businesses operating in Sarnia-Lambton. The purpose of the forum is to hear directly from the business community about their experiences and concerns related to tariffs. We kindly ask that participation be limited to those attending in a business capacity to ensure the discussion remains focused and productive.

Register Now

Starter Company Plus Program Intake is Now Open: $5,000 Grant & Personalized Mentorship Available for Sarnia-Lambton Entrepreneurs

Whether you're launching a new business or expanding an existing one, this program provides the tools and support to help you succeed. 10 grants are to be awarded this year.

Applications will be accepted from May 1 to June 1, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to get started early and learn more by visiting our website and completing the Starter Company Plus Expression of Interest and Intake Form.

Learn More
 

Supporting Permanent Residents Through the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub

The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub offers personalized support to help Permanent Residents build successful careers and connections in our community. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub provides career development workshops, networking opportunities, and pathways to entrepreneurship for newcomers looking to thrive in Sarnia-Lambton.

Learn More

Showcasing Sarnia-Lambton’s Leadership at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Matthew Slotwinski recently spoke at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention, highlighting Sarnia-Lambton’s leadership as Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub and our region’s critical role in advancing Canada’s low-carbon hydrogen economy. Participation in national conversations like these strengthens Sarnia-Lambton’s position for future clean energy investments and innovation. We look forward to continuing to drive growth in hydrogen development alongside partners across Ontario and beyond.

Ontario's Hydrogen Hub
 

Discover Sarnia-Lambton’s Strategic Industry Sectors

Sarnia-Lambton is home to a dynamic range of strategic industries, including advanced manufacturing, sustainable chemistry and energy, low-carbon hydrogen, value-added agriculture and food, EV & battery supply chain, and net-zero technologies. Our region’s strong industrial foundation, skilled workforce, and access to global markets make it an ideal location for business growth and investment.

Explore Our Strategic Sectors

Property Feature: 260 Centre Street, Petrolia

Located on 14.4 acres in Petrolia’s industrial park, 260 Centre Street offers 50,829 square feet of versatile industrial and commercial space with excellent visibility on a corner lot. The property features five ground-level loading bays, ample parking and laydown areas, recent exterior upgrades, and a solar panel lease generating additional income. Available for sale or lease, this M1-zoned site is ideally positioned near international highways and Lambton County’s strong industrial workforce.

Learn More
 

Explore Available Land and Buildings in Sarnia-Lambton

Sarnia-Lambton offers a wide selection of industrial, commercial, and development-ready properties to support your business growth. Use our Property Search & Analysis Tool to customize your search, access detailed community and site-specific data, and compare locations.

Whether you're expanding or relocating, our team is here to help you find the ideal property for your business. Please contact our team if you require assistance, would like to learn more about a property, or are interested in properties that may not be publicly listed.

Start Your Property Search

Women Building Futures: Ready to Work in Automotive Program

Women Building Futures’ Ready to Work in Automotive program offers women the training and support needed to pursue rewarding careers in the automotive sector. Participants gain essential industry knowledge, hands-on skills, and direct connections to employers looking to hire.

Application Deadline: May 25, 2025
Program Length: 16 weeks (8 weeks in-class, plus a paid 8-week work placement)
Currently Offered In: Sarnia (Ontario)

Apply Now
 

Build Your Workforce Through the REDI Pilot Program

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) program helps employers in Sarnia-Lambton connect with qualified international talent to address critical workforce needs.

Through targeted support and streamlined hiring pathways, REDI empowers businesses to strengthen their teams and drive long-term growth.

Learn More

Discover the New Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Website

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website. The updated platform features a modernized design, improved navigation, and streamlined access to business resources, investment opportunities, and community information.

Designed to enhance usability and support the evolving needs of businesses, investors, and residents, the new site reflects our commitment to providing timely, relevant, and accessible information

Explore the New SLEP Website
 

Celebrating Economic Development Week on May 12-16, 2025

Economic Development Week, recognized from May 12–16, 2025, highlights the vital role economic development plays in fostering strong, resilient, and inclusive communities.

Throughout the week, we will be sharing updates that showcase how Sarnia-Lambton’s initiatives support business growth, job creation, and regional prosperity.

Follow our LinkedIn page for updates and information.

Follow Us on LinkedIn

Save the Date: Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Annual General Meeting on June 24

Please mark your calendar for the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s 2025 Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 24, from 8:00 to 9:30 AM at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course, 132 Moore Line, Mooretown, Ontario. This event will provide key updates on our strategic initiatives and impact over the past year, and highlight opportunities for continued collaboration and growth in the region.

Formal invitation and registration details to follow.

Learn More About Us
 

Office Closure: Victoria Day

Please note that the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership office will be closed on Monday, May 19, 2025, in observance of the Victoria Day holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 20.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

Contact Us

Opportunities for Suppliers at the Walmart Canada Growth Summit

The Walmart Canada Growth Summit offers Canadian businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and explore new supplier partnerships with one of the country’s largest retailers. Entrepreneurs and companies across a range of sectors are invited to apply for one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart Canada’s procurement team.

Applications are open until May 9, 2025. Selected suppliers will be invited to the summit, with invitations sent on June 5, 2025.

Learn More
 

Canada Post’s Tales of Triumph: Celebrating Small Business Success

Canada Post’s Tales of Triumph campaign celebrates the innovation, resilience, and achievements of small businesses across Canada. Business owners are invited to share their unique journeys for a chance to be featured nationally, gaining valuable exposure and inspiring others in the small business community. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, your story matters.

Share your small business success story today.

Learn More

Grant & Funding Opportunities

Discover a range of grant programs and funding opportunities designed to support and enhance your business growth.

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.

Ontario Together Trade Fund

The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses with near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. With a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program will help businesses build local capacity, enhance trade resiliency, and make the necessary investments to successfully expand into new markets.

Intake is Now Open. The intake period is continuous, which means applicants can submit their application at any time while the program is open.

Learn More

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (Application Period 19)

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is aimed at supporting projects and investments by businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations to drive economic development in Southwestern Ontario.

Application Deadline: May 21, 202

Learn More

CanExport SMEs Program Now Open for 2025 Projects

Canadian companies can now apply for CanExport SMEs funding to support international market expansion activities. The program covers up to 50% of eligible costs, including trade missions, market research, and IP protection.

Applications are due by May 31, 2025.

Learn More

Starter Company Plus Grant Program

The Starter Company Plus program provides aspiring and expanding entrepreneurs in Sarnia-Lambton with expert mentorship, business training, and a chance to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding. Whether you’re launching a new business, expanding an existing one, or purchasing a company, this program offers the guidance and financial support to help you succeed.

Application Period is from May 1 to June 1. Complete the Expression of Interest Form here.

Learn More

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.

REGISTER

Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: How to Sell Your Food Product

 

Thursday, May 1, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage

REGISTER

Getting Started with Business Finances with Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes           

Thursday, May 1, 2025
12:00 to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar

REGISTER

Optimizing for Search Engines - Understanding SEO Basics

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street

REGISTER

Sarnia-Lambton Business Forum on Tariff Impacts     

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
7:00 to 9:00 PM
The Gateway Room, St. Clair Corporate Centre, 265 Front St. N. Sarnia, ON

LEARN MORE

Business Support for Warwick Township Businesses

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Township of Warwick Municipal Office, 5280 Nauvoo Rd., Watford, ON

REGISTER

Allergy Awareness: How to Boost Consumer Loyalty in Food Businesses

Thursday, May 8, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
SBC Ontario Webinar

REGISTER

BASES Emergency Preparedness (EP) Day

Saturday, May 10, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Lambton College - Indoor exhibits in Gym D, Outdoor exhibits in Parking Lot 13 (north parking lot)

REGISTER

Email Marketing for Small Businesses: Developing a Successful Marketing Strategy

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street

REGISTER

Insurance for Small Business

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
SBC Ontario Webinar

REGISTER

Ready, Set, Connect: Mastering Networking, Resumes & LinkedIn for Canadian Success

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
6:30 to 8:30 PM
Four Points by Sheraton, Point Edward

REGISTER

Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: Costing & Pricing to Make Profits

Thursday, May 15, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage

REGISTER

Managing Day-to-Day Finances with Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes

Thursday, May 15, 2025
12:00 to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar

REGISTER

Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation is Set

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street

REGISTER

Early Childhood Educators Employer Session: Leveraging REDI to Build Workforce Capacity

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
2:00 to 3:00 PM
SLEP Webinar

REGISTER

Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: Marketing and Branding Your Food Product

Thursday, May 22, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage

REGISTER

2-Part Digital Marketing Workshop by Community Futures Lambton

Thursday, May 22, 2025
6:00 to 8:30 PM
Municipal Office, Lambton Shores

REGISTER

Social Media for Your Business

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street

REGISTER

Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: Selling to Food Retailers

Thursday, May 29, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage

REGISTER

Maximizing Your Business: How to Manage Your Cash

Thursday, May 29, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
SBC Ontario Webinar

REGISTER

Planning for Growth with Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes

Thursday, May 29, 2025
12:00 to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar

Supporting Business Growth Across Sarnia-Lambton

At the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, we’re committed to helping businesses succeed—whether you're launching a startup, expanding your operations, or exploring new markets. From tailored site selection assistance and workforce solutions to funding guidance and local connections, our team is here to support your next step.

Get the support you need to grow in #SarniaLambton.

CONTACT US
 
 
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SARNIA-LAMBTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

1086 Modeland Road, Building 1050, Suite 100, Sarnia, ON N7S 6L2

www.sarnialambton.on.ca

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