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Welcome to the November 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 Christine Coles.
Sarnia-Lambton Featured in the National Post Sarnia-Lambton is featured in the National Post for its growing leadership in clean energy and agri-tech. With a skilled workforce, established industrial base, and strategic location with access to major markets, the region continues to attract investment in sustainable industries. The article highlights how collaboration, infrastructure, and innovation are shaping Sarnia-Lambton’s role in Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
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Ontario Announces Call for Applications for Expanded Hydrogen Innovation Fund in Sarnia-Lambton The Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, visited the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park to announce a call for applications for the expansion of Ontario’s Hydrogen Innovation Fund (HIF). The event featured remarks from local representatives, including SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski, who spoke about the region’s leadership in advancing clean energy solutions. Hosting this announcement in Sarnia-Lambton reflects the province’s
recognition of the region’s growing role in Ontario’s hydrogen economy.
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Burckhardt Compression Opens New Facility in Sarnia-LambtonBurckhardt Compression, a global leader in reciprocating compressor systems, officially opened its new facility in Sarnia-Lambton. The
company provides advanced compression solutions that serve industries across energy, gas, and chemicals, supporting efficient and sustainable operations worldwide. This investment underscores the region’s robust industrial base and its ongoing development as a hub for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
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Legacy & Leadership Summit Inspires Local Businesses During Small Business Week, SLEP hosted the 2025 Legacy & Leadership Summit, welcoming more than 110 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and partners from across Sarnia-Lambton for a morning of insight and connection. The event featured keynote speaker Emily Branton of Boss & Buddha and panel discussions with industry experts sharing strategies on growth, leadership, funding, and succession planning. The Summit reinforced Sarnia-Lambton’s strong
entrepreneurial ecosystem and commitment to supporting business success at every stage.
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SLEP Hosts TechAlliance’s Founders House, Connecting Entrepreneurs and Innovation Partners The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and the Business Enterprise Centre were pleased to host TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario’s Founders House, which brought together local entrepreneurs and representatives from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), the Ontario Centre of Innovation, and the National Research Council Canada. The session focused on supporting innovation, intellectual property strategy, and business growth opportunities in Sarnia-Lambton.
Advancing Sarnia-Lambton’s Investment Opportunities In October, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership promoted the region’s strengths and investment opportunities at several major industry events, including K2025, The Battery Show, Anuga, and Manufacturing Matters. These events provided valuable opportunities to engage with international partners, highlight
Sarnia-Lambton’s leadership in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture and food, and sustainable chemistry, and strengthen connections that support long-term economic growth. Photo: SLEP Associate Economic Development Officer, Theresa Kimmerly, at Anuga 2025, promoting Sarnia-Lambton’s agri-food strengths and global partnerships.
SLEP Attending Key Industry Events this November The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team will be attending major conferences and trade shows this fall to promote regional strengths and foster new investment opportunities: - HBC Canadian Hydrogen Conference, Nov 5-6
- HEQCO Conference: ReimaginED Shaping the Future of Ontario PSE, Nov 7
- Scaling Up 2025, Nov 12-14
- Ontario Economic Summit, Nov 18-19
- TCS Europe Roadshow, Nov 24-28
These events provide valuable opportunities to engage with decision-makers, strengthen Sarnia-Lambton’s sector presence, and attract investment that drives long-term economic growth. Photo from the Chamber Advocacy Days at Queen's Park, where SLEP engaged with provincial leaders on key priorities that support economic growth in Sarnia-Lambton.
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Industrial Park Feature: Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park offers premier space for innovation-driven companies looking to grow in a collaborative, future-focused environment. With customizable office and lab space, access to
advanced research infrastructure, and the innovation and commercialization hub, the park supports a wide range of sectors, from clean technology and sustainable chemistry to engineering and biotech. Its location in the heart of Ontario’s energy and advanced manufacturing corridor makes it a prime site for business expansion.
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Sarnia-Lambton Innovation Bridge and Commercialization Hub Sarnia-Lambton’s Innovation Bridge and Commercialization Hub connects entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners to the resources they need to bring new technologies to market. Anchored by organizations such as Lambton
College, the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, and Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, the hub supports every stage of innovation, from concept to commercialization. This collaborative ecosystem
helps companies accelerate growth, attract investment, and strengthen Canada’s clean technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.
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Évènement de networking - SBECs Sarnia Lambton La FGA a le plaisir de vous convier à un dîner de réseautage en marge de la foire de l'emploi organisée par le Centre Communautaire Francophone de Sarnia-Lambton en collaboration avec le Newcomer Hub et le Centre d'Encadrement des Petites Entreprises de Sarnia Lambton. Cet événement rassemblera des gens d'affaires francophones de la région pour échanger et
tisser des liens. Que vous soyez un(e) entrepreneur(e) en activité ou en devenir, ne manquez pas cette occasion unique d'élargir votre réseau et découvrir de nouvelles opportunités! The FGA is pleased to invite you to a networking lunch held alongside the Job Fair organized by the Sarnia Francophone Community Centre, in collaboration with the Newcomer Hub and the Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Enterprise Centre. This event will bring together Francophone business professionals from the region to exchange ideas and build connections. Whether you are an established entrepreneur or aspiring to become one, don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your network and explore new opportunities!
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Book a Free Career Coach with Career Accelerator Career Accelerator is available to all individuals across Sarnia-Lambton who are looking to take the next step in their careers. This free program offers one-on-one access to an experienced career coach who provides tailored guidance on job search strategies, career development, and goal setting. Participants build practical skills and gain confidence to navigate today’s job market more effectively. The program is designed to support participants in strengthening their
career readiness and achieving their professional goals.
Limited spaces available. Reserve your free career coaching session today.
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Visit Us at the Chamber Business Showcase at DeGroot's Nurseries The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team will be participating in the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business Showcase on November 19 at DeGroot’s Nurseries. This annual event brings together local businesses, organizations, and residents to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the strength of our regional economy. Our team will be on-site to discuss the free business support services available in Sarnia-Lambton, including one-on-one guidance, business planning tools, and programs for
entrepreneurs at every stage.
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Foodpreneur Advantage Start-Up Seminar Series Are you thinking about starting or growing a food business? The Foodpreneur Advantage Start-Up Seminar Series offers expert-led sessions to help entrepreneurs navigate product development, packaging, pricing, regulations, and business planning. This series provides valuable insights and practical tools for anyone looking to launch or expand their food venture in Ontario’s growing agri-food sector. Foodpreneur
Advantage Start Up Seminar Series is brought to you by Foodpreneur Advantage, in partnership with the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton.
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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.
FedDev Ontario - Funding for Businesses in Southern OntarioIntake now open!
Southwestern Ontario Development FundIntake now open!
Ontario Centre of Innovation Digitalization Competence Centre ProgramsMost OCI programs operate on a rolling or continuous intake basis, allowing applications to be submitted year-round as funding remains available.
Ontario Centre of Innovation - Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)First-come, first-served model, while funds last
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in southern OntarioFedDev Ontario is accepting applications on a continuous basis. The RTRI supports businesses and sectors impacted by tariffs through projects that can be executed in the timeframe of this initiative (March 2025 to March 2028).
Ontario Together Trade FundIntake is Now Open. The intake period is continuous, which means applicants can submit their application at any time while the program is open.
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.
How to Sell Your Food ProductThursday, November 6, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Foodpreneur Advantage Webinar
Évènement de networking - SBECs Sarnia LambtonFriday, November 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Centre communautaire francophone Sarnia/Lambton, 901 The Rapids Parkway #3 Sarnia, ON
Hiring Event For Bilingual Skilled WorkersFriday, November 7, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Centre communautaire francophone Sarnia/Lambton, 901 The Rapids Parkway #3 Sarnia, ON
Indigenous Founders Circle: Dream ItWednesday, November 12, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Futurpreneur Canada Webinar
Costing & Pricing to Make ProfitsThursday, November 13, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Foodpreneur Advantage Webinar
AI for Marketing and CreativityTuesday, November 18, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SLEP Webinar, in partnership with REPLY-ALL
Canadian Government Contracts: Myths UncoveredTuesday, November 18, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Futurpreneur Canada Webinar
Navigating Through CRA Obligations - Tax Help for T1 Businesses Wednesday, November 19, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
SLEP Webinar, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency
Chamber's 2025 Business ShowcaseWednesday, November 19, 2025
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
DeGroots Nurseries, 1840 London Line, Sarnia, ON
Marketing & Branding your Food ProductThursday, November 20, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Foodpreneur Advantage Webinar
Funding & Hiring Strategies for Your Small BusinessThursday, November 20, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SLEP Webinar, in partnership with Lambton College
Sharing Employer Stories & Immigration Insights: REDI for SuccessMonday, November 24, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
SLEP Webinar
Navigating Through CRA Obligations - Tax Help for T2 BusinessesMonday, November 24, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
SLEP Webinar, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency
Skilled Trade Community ExpoWednesday, November 26, 2025
1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lambton College
Food Safety Fundamentals for StartupsThursday, November 27, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Foodpreneur Advantage Webinar
Getting Started with Business FinancesThursday, November 27, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SLEP Webinar, in partnership with Profit & Lattes
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.
Together, We’re Building the Future of Sarnia-Lambton
Rooted in collaboration and driven by opportunity, Sarnia-Lambton is where businesses grow, ideas thrive, and communities prosper. With a strong industrial foundation and a culture of innovation, our region is shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. Discover why more people are choosing to live, work, and invest in #SarniaLambton.
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