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SLEP March Newsletter

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

SLEP to Exhibit at the 2025 Hannover Messe: Energizing a Sustainable Industry

SLEP is proud to be an exhibitor at Hannover Messe 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology. With Canada as this year’s official partner country, the event presents a unique opportunity to highlight Sarnia-Lambton’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and industrial innovation to a global audience.

We will also be attending as a member of the Ontario Manufacturing Communities Alliance.

Interested in connecting with us at Hannover Messe? Contact us today.

Contact Us
 

Sarnia Ranked Among Canada’s Happiest Places to Live

New data from Statistics Canada highlights Sarnia as one of the happiest places to live, reinforcing the city's strong sense of community, quality of life, and overall well-being. With a balance of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere, Sarnia offers an exceptional lifestyle—whether you're looking to live, work, or invest.

Discover why Sarnia is a great place to call home.

Learn More

Starter Company Plus Program is back for 2025: $5,000 Grant & Expert Mentorship Available for Local Entrepreneurs

Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners—this is your opportunity to access mentorship, training, and up to $5,000 in grant funding through the Starter Company Plus program. 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 to be awarded.

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 complete the Starter Company Plus Expression of Interest and Intake Form.

Read the Media Release
 

Calling All Students Ages 15-29: Summer Company 2025 Grant Program is Accepting Applications!

Be your own boss this summer and gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in grant funding to launch and run your own business this summer!

Read the media release here.

Apply Now

Small Business Feature: Vibe Pilates

Founded by Chantelle Dillon, Vibe Pilates is a premier wellness studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall well-being. As a former Starter Company Plus participant and Small Business Enterprise Centre client, Chantelle successfully turned her passion into a thriving business, providing expert-led Pilates instruction in a supportive and professional environment.

Whether you're looking to refine your posture, increase mobility, or strengthen your core, Vibe Pilates offers personalized training tailored to your fitness goals.

Discover the benefits of Pilates and start your journey today!

Photo by Julie Macrae Photography

Visit the Vibe Pilates Website
 

Your Business Success Starts Here: Free Support from the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton

No matter what stage your business is in—startup, growth, or expansion—the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton is here to help. We offer free one-on-one consultations, along with access to valuable workshops, webinars, funding opportunities, and business resources to support your success.

Our services are also available in French through the Federation de gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA), ensuring tailored support for Francophone entrepreneurs.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us to book an appointment.

Photo by Julie Macrae Photography

Contact Us

Prime Industrial Opportunity in Plympton-Wyoming

Strategically located at 400 Broadway Street, Plympton-Wyoming, Ontario, this industrial-zoned property offers a spacious and versatile site for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations. With excellent access to major transportation routes and a business-friendly environment, this property is ideal for manufacturing, warehousing, or commercial development.

Learn more about this property, connect with the realtor representative, or contact us for more information.

Learn More
 

Your Competitive Advantage Starts in Sarnia-Lambton

Sarnia-Lambton offers a thriving business climate designed to support investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. As a strategically located region with a strong industrial base, competitive operating costs, and a highly skilled workforce, we provide businesses with the right conditions to succeed.

Looking for the perfect site for your business? Discover how Sarnia-Lambton can support your business growth. Contact us today.

Contact Us

Join Our Team: Summer Internship Opportunities Available

Are you a student looking to gain valuable experience in economic development or small business support? SLEP is hiring for the following roles:

  1. Economic Development Coordinator
  2. Small Business Counsellor

These roles offer hands-on experience, professional growth, and the opportunity to contribute to local business and community development.

Submit your resume and cover letter to careers@sarnialambton.on.ca on or before March 9, 2025

Apply Now
 

Join the Bluewater Health Board of Directors

SLEP partner, Bluewater Health is seeking passionate and experienced leaders to join its Board of Directors and help shape the future of healthcare in Sarnia-Lambton. This is an opportunity to contribute your skills and expertise to support high-quality patient care, strategic decision-making, and community health initiatives.

We are pleased to share this opportunity in support of Bluewater Health and encourage those in our network who may be interested to apply by March 28, 2025.

Learn More

Your Voice Matters: Participate in Key Business & Community Surveys

Your insights are critical in shaping policies, programs, and investment decisions that impact businesses and communities in Sarnia-Lambton. By taking part in these surveys, you help provide valuable data that can influence economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and government support initiatives. 

How Can We Better Support Your Business? Take the BR&E Survey

Your feedback is essential in strengthening the local business environment in Sarnia-Lambton. Through our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) survey, SLEP and community partners (municipalities and Invest Sarnia), gather insights to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and support needed for businesses like yours to thrive. Your input helps drive strategic initiatives, funding opportunities, and policy decisions that directly impact the success of businesses in our region.

In addition to the survey, our team provides personalized BR&E consultations to help businesses navigate growth strategies, funding programs, and industry connections. Take the survey today or book a consultation to access tailored support for your business.

Complete the Survey
 

Canadian Manufacturing Supply Chain - Get Involved

The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is conducting a survey to better understand how the threat of US Tariffs may impact the overall business performance of our members. By participating, you’ll provide key insights that will guide our ongoing effort to provide timely support and resources.

We appreciate your time and input as we navigate these challenges together. 

Click Here to Participate

Train Service Survey by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce

The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce is gathering feedback on rail transportation needs and opportunities to improve train services in our region. Your input will help shape advocacy efforts and future transit planning to better serve businesses, residents, and visitors.

Complete the Survey
 

Share Your Feedback: Strathroy-Caradoc Inter-Community Transit Survey

This survey offers an opportunity to provide critical feedback on the Strathroy-Caradoc Inter-Community Transit route, which connects Sarnia, Strathroy, Mt. Brydges, Komoka, and London. Your insights will help inform service improvements, enhance accessibility, and ensure the transit system meets the needs of its users.

Take the Survey

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.

Clean Fuels Fund

The Clean Fuels Fund provides financial support for projects that advance clean fuel production, technology innovation, and emissions reduction. This funding opportunity is designed to accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions, strengthen Canada’s clean energy sector, and drive economic growth.

Intake is Now Open and Accepting Proposals

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

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

Summer Company Grant Program

Are you a student aged 15-29 with a great business idea? The Summer Company program provides up to $3,000 in grant funding, expert mentorship, and hands-on training to help you start and run your own business this summer. Gain valuable entrepreneurial experience, earn money, and build skills that will set you apart in the future.

Applications are now open!

Learn More

Community Futures Grant Program

Community Futures Lambton announced $40,000 in grant funding available to support initiatives that enhance and strengthen communities across Lambton County. Non-profits, charities, service clubs, and educational institutions can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support projects in youth initiatives, tourism growth, volunteer development, social and cultural programs, and innovation-driven economic development.

Applications open on March 1, 2025. 

Learn More

Sarnia Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Sarnia's Downtown & Mitton Village Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a valuable opportunity for local businesses to invest in upgrades while strengthening the community. We encourage business owners to explore this grant program, which supports storefront improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and more.

We encourage applicants to contact the Invest Sarnia team at invest@sarnia.ca who can help assess the fit with the program and provide advice on application preparation.

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. 

REGISTER

Social Media for Your Business

March 4, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Webinar by Digital Main Street

ACCESS THE WEBINAR

Tax Help Webinar with CRA for Newly Self-Employed Individuals, Sole Proprietorships, or Partnerships

March 7, 2025
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
No registration required. Please click the button to access the webinar.

REGISTER

Yes, You Need a Company Policy Manual: Why & How to Get Started with Lisa Isaac HR

March 11, 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar via MS Teams

REGISTER

Insurance for Small Businesses

March 12, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Webinar shared via SBC Ontario

REGISTER

Building a Health and Safety Program with Lisa Isaac HR

March 25, 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
SLEP Webinar via MS Teams

REGISTER

B2B Resource Night

March 25, 2025
2:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Four Points Sheraton, 1498 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward, ON

LEARN MORE

Business Coffee Chat at The Bridge Patisserie & Cafe

March 26, 2025
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
The Bridge Patisserie & Cafe, 132 Michigan Ave, Point Edward, ON

LEARN MORE

Lambton Shores Job Fair

March 27, 2025
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thomas Hall, Legacy Recreation Centre, 16 Allen St, Thedford, ON

Sarnia-Lambton: A Place to Grow, Invest, and Succeed

With a strategic location, cost-effective business infrastructure, skilled workforce, and a thriving industrial and innovation hub, Sarnia-Lambton offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses. Our strong community, high quality of life, and collaborative business environment make it the ideal place to start, expand, and thrive.

At Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, we are committed to supporting businesses at every stage—whether you need guidance on site selection, workforce solutions, funding opportunities, or industry connections, our team is here to help.

Get the support you need to thrive 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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