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 CanadaAs 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.
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Sarnia-Lambton Business Forum on Tariff ImpactsThe 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.
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Starter Company Plus Program Intake is Now Open: $5,000 Grant & Personalized Mentorship Available for Sarnia-Lambton EntrepreneursWhether 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.
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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.
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Showcasing Sarnia-Lambton’s Leadership at the Canadian Hydrogen ConventionSarnia-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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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Discover the New Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership WebsiteThe 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Canada Post’s Tales of Triumph: Celebrating Small Business SuccessCanada 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.
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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.
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
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.
Application Period is from May 1 to June 1. Complete the Expression of Interest Form here.
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.
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
Getting Started with Business Finances with Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes Thursday, May 1, 2025
12:00 to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar
Optimizing for Search Engines - Understanding SEO BasicsTuesday, May 6, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street
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
Business Support for Warwick Township BusinessesWednesday, May 7, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Township of Warwick Municipal Office, 5280 Nauvoo Rd., Watford, ON
Allergy Awareness: How to Boost Consumer Loyalty in Food BusinessesThursday, May 8, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
SBC Ontario Webinar
BASES Emergency Preparedness (EP) DaySaturday, 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)
Email Marketing for Small Businesses: Developing a Successful Marketing StrategyTuesday, May 13, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street
Insurance for Small BusinessWednesday, May 14, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
SBC Ontario Webinar
Ready, Set, Connect: Mastering Networking, Resumes & LinkedIn for Canadian SuccessWednesday, May 14, 2025
6:30 to 8:30 PM
Four Points by Sheraton, Point Edward
Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: Costing & Pricing to Make ProfitsThursday, May 15, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Managing Day-to-Day Finances with Kelly Hill of Profit & LattesThursday, May 15, 2025
12:00 to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar
Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation is SetTuesday, May 20, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street
Early Childhood Educators Employer Session: Leveraging REDI to Build Workforce CapacityWednesday, May 21, 2025
2:00 to 3:00 PM
SLEP Webinar
Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: Marketing and Branding Your Food ProductThursday, May 22, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
2-Part Digital Marketing Workshop by Community Futures LambtonThursday, May 22, 2025
6:00 to 8:30 PM
Municipal Office, Lambton Shores
Social Media for Your BusinessTuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street
Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Series: Selling to Food RetailersThursday, May 29, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Maximizing Your Business: How to Manage Your CashThursday, May 29, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 AM
SBC Ontario Webinar
Planning for Growth with Kelly Hill of Profit & LattesThursday, 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.
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