Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership: Monthly Digest

SLEP Reaccredited as an Accredited Economic Development Organization

We are proud to announce that the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has once again achieved the prestigious Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status from the International Economic Development Council. This reaccreditation underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and prosperity in the Sarnia-Lambton area.

Being recognized as an AEDO ensures that we uphold the highest standards in economic development, enhancing our ability to attract investment, support local businesses, and drive sustainable community growth. This distinction affirms that SLEP is a trusted partner for businesses and organizations looking to thrive in our region.

Accelerate Your Career with the Career Accelerator Program

The Career Accelerator Program supports graduating Lambton College international students by connecting them with expert career coaches and enhancing their professional skills. Participants receive resume guidance, personalized coaching, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in a competitive job market.

Through this program, participants gain practical tools and resources to grow their skills and confidence, helping them succeed in their careers. By fostering professional growth and meaningful connections, the program not only supports Lambton College international students but also contributes to a stronger and more dynamic local workforce.

Our 8-week Business Planning Course Is Back!

Start 2025 strong with our 8-Week Business Planning for Entrepreneurial Success course, led by Chelsey Hart, Executive Coach and Founder of Your Initiative Co. This program is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools and strategies to create a solid business plan and achieve long-term success.

The course starts on Monday, January 13, 2025, and will run weekly from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park. With only 20 spots available, now is the perfect time to invest in your business journey.

Secure your spot today and take the first step toward entrepreneurial success!

Connect with Us at the Toronto Real Estate Forum

Our Economic Development Officer, Theresa Kimmerly, will be attending the Toronto Real Estate Forum on December 4-5, 2024. This premier event is an excellent opportunity to connect with site selectors, industry leaders, and decision-makers to showcase Sarnia-Lambton as the ideal location to live, work, and invest.

Supporting Your Business Growth in Sarnia-Lambton

Our Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiatives are designed to provide tailored support to overcome challenges, explore growth opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

Our team offers:

• Personalized consultations to address your business needs
• Guidance on capital investments and strategic planning
• Insights into funding programs and financial incentives
• Networking opportunities with local businesses and professionals
• Access to a comprehensive database of resources and services

Let us help you navigate the tools and support available to take your business to the next level.

Join Our Team: Community Immigration Coordinator

We’re looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Community Immigration Coordinator (Part-Time, Contract).

This role is vital in supporting newcomers and strengthening immigration efforts across Sarnia-Lambton. If you’re committed to building a welcoming and inclusive community, this opportunity is for you.

Be a part of our mission to make Sarnia-Lambton a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.

Nominate an Employer for the Excellence in Apprenticeship Award!

Do you know an employer who goes above and beyond in supporting apprenticeships and promoting skilled trades? The Southwest Apprenticeship Network is looking for nominations for the Excellence in Apprenticeship Award. This is your chance to recognize businesses that are making a significant impact by fostering the next generation of skilled workers.

Celebrate the leaders who are shaping the future of skilled trades in our region by submitting your nomination today. Let’s honour their dedication to growing opportunities for apprentices and building a stronger workforce in Sarnia-Lambton and beyond.

For more information about the Southwest Apprenticeship Network, visit slwdb.org/apprenticeship

Business Feature: Jiak

Jiak is a small-batch kimchi producer blending cultural tradition with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Through its signature Farmers Blend Kimchi, Jiak collaborates with local farms, supporting small-scale agriculture while delivering a uniquely delicious taste of Korean kimchi.

Jiak’s journey was supported by the Small Business Enterprise Centre through the Starter Company Plus Program, which provided valuable mentorship, business training, and funding to help bring this flavorful vision to life. This partnership showcases how local programs empower entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in our community.

Whether you’re a seasoned kimchi lover or trying it for the first time, Jiak offers a delicious way to enjoy global flavours while supporting local agriculture. You can visit the Jiak website via letsjiakcanada.ca.

Interested in participating in the 2025 Starter Company Plus program or want to access our programs and resources? You can book a free 1-on-1 consultation with us!

Our Holiday Schedule

As we approach the holiday season, please note that the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership office will be closed on the following dates:

• December 25-26, 2024
• January 1, 2025

We look forward to continuing to support our community and businesses as we head into the new year. From all of us at SLEP, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2025!

Drive Innovation in Battery Materials

The Canadian Midstream Battery Materials Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to contribute to the future of clean energy and battery materials innovation. This initiative invites businesses and innovators to propose groundbreaking solutions for advancing battery materials in Canada’s supply chain.

With a focus on sustainability, scalability, and cutting-edge technology, the challenge aims to support projects that will strengthen Canada’s position in the global battery market. If you have a solution that can make a difference, don’t miss this chance to showcase your ideas and secure support to bring them to life.

The submission deadline is December 17, 2024. Learn more and apply today!

Funding for Businesses in Southern Ontario is Accepting Applications Until December 20, 2024 for the Fall Intake

FedDev Ontario offers no-interest, repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million for businesses in southern Ontario. Eligible projects focus on innovation, productivity, and market expansion, with a focus on promoting clean economic growth, growth companies, technology, industrial transition, and automotive suppliers.

Apply by December 20, 2024, for the fall intake.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) is now accepting applications for its 18th funding period. This program offers financial support to businesses and municipalities that are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in Southwestern Ontario.

Whether you’re planning to scale your operations, invest in new technologies, or launch transformative projects, the SWODF can help turn your vision into reality. Don’t miss this chance to access resources that can make a meaningful impact on your business and community.

The application deadline is January 28, 2025. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

Discover Resources Tailored to Your Business Needs

The Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder is a powerful tool designed to help entrepreneurs, businesses, and not-for-profits access the resources they need to succeed.

Whether you're looking for grants, financing, tax credits, or expert services, this tool provides a customized list of programs and opportunities based on your unique business goals.

Take the guesswork out of finding support. By answering a few simple questions, you can quickly uncover funding programs, services, and resources to help your business grow and thrive.

This month’s Business Coffee Chat will be at The Bridge Patisserie & Cafe in Point Edward!

Together with the Sarnia Community Foundation, we invite you to join us at The Bridge Patisserie & Cafe on Tuesday, December 10, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Connect with business advisors and fellow entrepreneurs, gain valuable insights, and discover the resources available to help your business thrive in Sarnia-Lambton. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, our advisors are here to support you.

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Venue: The Bridge Patisserie & Cafe, 132 Michigan Ave, Point Edward, ON

Follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates!

Expand Your Business Into the US Webinar Series

The Ontario Government is organizing the renowned NEBS-NETSUS and DO’S and DONT’S webinar series on November 20, December 4, and December 11. These sessions offer invaluable information crucial for any company seeking to expand its export operations to the U.S.

The December dates and links to register are as follows:

• December 4, 2024, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Do’s and Don’ts when crossing the U.S. border
   
• December 11, 2024, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM – New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S. (NETSUS)

Please note that the deadline for registrations is December 2nd and December 9th respectively.

Labelling & Packaging your Food Product

Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Packaging and labelling your food product is where marketing meets regulatory compliance and food safety. You know you want your product to look great on a store shelf, but what are you required to put on the label? How do you choose the right package for your product?

For this session, we will be joined by Nicole Haney, former Founder & CEO of Boho Bars. Nicole will guide us through what to consider when choosing a package for your food product, what to include on your label, and what mistakes to avoid when packaging your food product.

Selling to Food Retailers

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Many food & beverage business owners believe their products will sell themselves.  “It’s the highest quality, low price, and there is nothing like this in the marketplace today.”    

Creating a sales strategy without a defined sales process is a mistake a lot of businesses tend to make. A standardized sales process with clearly defined sales stages establishes efficiency and will allow you to gain new retail accounts and scale your business.

This session will be hosted by Paul Dromgole, a member of the Foodpreneur Advantage Team, who has extensive training and sales with Fortune 500 companies as well as his own independent Sales Agency.
 

Driving Digital Success: Strategies for Small Businesses to Succeed Online

Are you looking to enhance your small business’s online presence? Join the Driving Digital Success webinar on Thursday, December 12th, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET, and learn actionable strategies to grow your business in the digital age.

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Register through this link.

This session, hosted by Digital Main Street, will cover practical tools and techniques to help small businesses succeed online, including tips on improving your website, leveraging digital marketing, and optimizing customer engagement. Whether you're new to digital platforms or looking to refine your strategy, this webinar offers valuable insights tailored to small business owners.

Explore Small Business Events Across Ontario

As a proud member of Small Business Centres Ontario, the Sarnia-Lambton Business Enterprise Centre connects you with a range of events designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners thrive. From workshops and webinars to networking sessions, SBC Ontario offers opportunities to gain valuable insights, build skills, and grow your business.

Discover events tailored to your business needs and connect with a supportive network of entrepreneurs and experts.