Discover the latest programs and initiatives supporting businesses and talent across Sarnia-Lambton.
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SLEP August Newsletter
Welcome to the August 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.
Proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor Highlights Sarnia's Strategic Role The Ontario government has announced the proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor, a 3,300-kilometre crude oil pipeline that would connect Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia's refining and petrochemical complex. The proposal positions Sarnia as the eastern anchor of a made-in-Canada energy corridor intended to strengthen domestic energy security, support Canadian supply chains, and create new economic opportunities. The province is also undertaking a feasibility study, including opportunities related to a Strategic Petroleum Reserve, as part of its broader vision for the project. Learn more about the proposed corridor and its potential role in Canada's energy future. |
Why Global Energy and Chemical Companies Choose Sarnia-Lambton As a global leader in sustainable energy and chemical manufacturing, Sarnia-Lambton offers an integrated industrial ecosystem that supports investment, innovation, and long-term growth. Home to three refineries, more than 35 interconnected chemical facilities, extensive pipeline infrastructure, skilled talent, and North America's second-largest natural gas storage and distribution hub at Enbridge's Dawn Hub, the region provides companies with the infrastructure and supply chain advantages needed to compete globally. Learn why industry leaders continue to invest in Sarnia-Lambton's chemicals and energy sector. |
Strengthening International Investment Connections SLEP recently welcomed Christophe Van Overstraeten from the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), part of the Consulate General of Belgium's Regional Economic & Commercial Office, to explore opportunities for international collaboration. Discussions highlighted Sarnia-Lambton's industrial strengths, research and innovation ecosystem, and competitive advantages for global investment. The visit reinforced opportunities to strengthen relationships with Belgian businesses while supporting future investment, trade, and knowledge exchange between our regions. |
Advancing Ontario's Hydrogen Economy SLEP Economic Development Officer, Shauna Carr, recently participated in the Canadian Hydrogen Association's Ontario Advocacy Day in Toronto, joining industry leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of hydrogen in Ontario. The event included discussions with provincial ministries, a visit to a public hydrogen refuelling station at Toronto Pearson Airport supplied with hydrogen produced in Sarnia, and a demonstration of Ontario-built hydrogen-powered long-haul trucks. The conversations reinforced Sarnia-Lambton's growing role in Canada's hydrogen economy and the region's strengths in hydrogen production, infrastructure, and innovation. |
Featured Property: HWY 40 Industrial Park
Located in the City of Sarnia, HWY 40 Industrial Park is a 138-acre heavy industrial development offering shovel-ready opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and industrial service providers. Just minutes from Highway 402, the Canada-US border, and the Sarnia Energy & Chemicals Complex, the site features flexible lot sizes and direct access to the Oversized Load Corridor, making it well suited for large-scale industrial investment and development. The proposed subdivision includes 45 industrial lots, with most parcels ranging from approximately 1.5 to 18 acres and the flexibility to combine adjacent lots to accommodate larger projects.
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.
Building Stronger Workplaces Through Workforce Retention SLEP Economic Development Officer, Cari Meloche, recently moderated a panel discussion at the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce Business Summit exploring today's best practices in workforce attraction and retention. The conversation highlighted how employers are building strong workplace cultures, investing in people, and creating environments that support long-term business success. Through workforce development initiatives and employer resources, SLEP continues to help businesses access the talent they need to grow and invest in Sarnia-Lambton. |
Hire Smarter with Explore Talent With more candidates using AI tools to prepare resumes, many applications are starting to look similar, making it harder to identify the right fit. Explore Talent gives employers in Sarnia-Lambton a more effective way to evaluate talent through video resumes, allowing you to assess communication skills, confidence, and overall fit beyond what is written on paper. This approach helps reduce time spent screening, improves hiring decisions, and connects you with candidates who are already interested in opportunities in the region. |
Join Our Business Mastermind Series SLEP is launching a six-session Business Mastermind Series this fall for experienced business owners who are ready to focus on long-term growth, leadership, and the future of their business. The series will run bi-weekly on Wednesdays, beginning September 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sessions are scheduled for September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18, and December 2, 2026. Designed for a small group of experienced business owners, the program will feature facilitated discussions, expert insights, and practical strategies in a confidential, peer-based setting. Participation is limited to 12 business owners. If you're interested in participating, please complete the Expression of Interest application form by August 23 to be considered for this year's cohort. |
Supporting Business Growth in Sarnia-Lambton Strong local businesses are the foundation of a strong regional economy. Through SLEP's Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) services, our team partners with businesses across Sarnia-Lambton to understand their needs, support expansion plans, connect them with programs and services, and help create the conditions for long-term success. Discover how SLEP can help your business grow. |
Meet the 2026 Summer Company Entrepreneurs The Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton is proud to introduce the six student entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 Summer Company Program. Funded by the Province of Ontario, the program provides aspiring entrepreneurs with startup funding, mentorship, and business training to help turn their ideas into successful businesses. This year's participants are:
From business support services and lawn care to wellness products, sports services, 3D printing, and handmade creations, these young entrepreneurs represent the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Sarnia-Lambton. |
SLEP Welcomes Kelly Hill as Manager of the Business Enterprise Centre SLEP is pleased to welcome Kelly Hill as the new Manager of the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC). Kelly brings extensive experience in business, finance, and entrepreneurship, and is committed to helping local entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed. Read more here. The Business Enterprise Centre offers free, confidential advisory services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, including business planning, funding guidance, growth strategies, and connections to programs and resources. Schedule an appointment with Kelly to discuss your business goals and learn how the BEC can support your next step. |
Join Us for Business Coffee Chat Grab an ice cream and connect with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership at our next Business Coffee Chat on Wednesday, August 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rustic Scoops, Corunna! Stop by to meet the SLEP team, ask questions about our programs and services, share what you're working on, and connect with other local business owners and entrepreneurs. Photo from September 2024 Business Coffee Chat at Rustic Scoops. |
Partner Event - Content with Intent: Turn Your Content Into Customer Tourism Sarnia-Lambton is pleased to invite its tourism partners to a FREE professional development workshop designed to help you create more effective social media and marketing content that attracts visitors and grows your business. Content With Intent is an interactive, hands-on workshop. Whether you're unsure what to post, struggling to stay consistent, or looking to improve your current marketing efforts, this session will provide practical tools and strategies you can start using immediately. Workshop Details
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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.
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern and southwestern Ontario make investments to:
- grow their businesses
- improve productivity
- invest in innovation and skills development
- pursue new markets
- generate broad positive regional economic impact
- create new good, sustainable jobs
Application submission period: June 30, 2026 – September 23, 2026
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.
Build Communities Strong Fund - Local Impact Stream in southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario is delivering the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Local Impact Stream over four years (2026-2030) for projects that build, expand or improve community infrastructure, strengthen community vitality, and enhance quality of life across southern Ontario.
Eligible activities are those that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development by supporting the creation, expansion, and renewal of community infrastructure for public use and/or public benefit. Projects supported must be accessible to the public and deliver economic, social or environmental benefits to the broader community or region.
This program is for eligible :
▪️Not-for-profits
▪️Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
▪️Municipal and local governments
▪️BIAs
▪️Public-sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure services to communities.
CanExport SMEs
The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services.
Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.
Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET
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.
Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Webinar via Digital Main St.
Email Marketing for Small Businesses: Developing A Successful Email Marketing Strategy
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Webinar via Digital Main St.
Business Coffee Chat at Rustic Scoops Ice Cream Bar
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Rustic Scoops Ice Cream Bar, 440 Lyndoch St, Corunna, ON
Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
Thursday, August 20, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Webinar via Foodpreneur Advantage
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.
Advancing Economic Opportunity in Sarnia-Lambton
Economic growth in Sarnia-Lambton is driven by collaboration, informed decision-making, and long-term planning. By supporting local businesses, developing talent, and promoting the region’s strengths, we are helping create a stable and competitive environment for continued growth.
Connect with us and learn about opportunities in #SarniaLambton.
