Summer Company Program - Intake Now Open

The Summer Company Program supports students aged 15 to 29 years old who want to start and run their own business over the summer. Participants receive hands-on guidance, practical business training, and up to $3,000 in grant funding to help turn a business idea into a viable venture, while building skills that support long-term career development.

Interested applicants are invited to attend the following online information session to learn how the program works, eligibility requirements, and what participants can expect throughout the summer:
• Wed, February 4, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• Mon, February 9, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Applications open February 2, 2026, with an early bird deadline of March 23, 2026. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.

Sarnia: No. 18 U-Haul Canadian Growth City

Sarnia has been named the No. 18 Canadian Growth City in the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index, climbing three spots from last year’s ranking. The index is based on more than 2.5 million one-way U-Haul moves and reflects where people are choosing to relocate. In 2025, more than half of all one-way U-Haul traffic involving Sarnia was inbound, with arrivals increasing faster than departures year over year.

This ranking reinforces Sarnia-Lambton’s growing appeal, driven by affordability, quality of life, and access to natural amenities, while remaining well-positioned for employment, services, and community life.

Featured Industrial Opportunity at Polymoore Drive

A new, large-scale industrial campus is planned in St. Clair, offering a rare opportunity for companies seeking modern industrial space in Sarnia-Lambton. This first-of-its-kind development will deliver up to 168,780 square feet, with flexible unit sizes starting at 42,195 square feet, designed to support warehousing, logistics, and light manufacturing operations.

Located alongside Highway 40 with quick access to Highways 402 and 401, and just minutes from the U.S. border, the site is well positioned for efficient regional and cross-border movement. With no comparable modern industrial availability currently in the region, this development addresses a critical gap in the local industrial market.

We Are Hiring for Summer Student Positions

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is hiring Summer Student Coordinators to support economic development and small business initiatives across the region. These paid positions provide hands-on experience working with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners, while contributing to projects that support economic growth in Sarnia-Lambton.

• Economic Development Coordinator 
• Small Business Coordinator

The application deadline is on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Keep Your Business Listing Up to Date on the SLEP Business Directory

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Business Directory helps connect local businesses with customers, partners, and opportunities across the region. Businesses that are not yet listed are encouraged to register, while those already included are asked to review their profiles to ensure contact details and business information are current.

An accurate listing helps strengthen the visibility of Sarnia-Lambton’s business community and ensures the directory remains a reliable resource. If you have questions or need assistance, our team is here to help.

📧 contact@sarnialambton.on.ca
📞 519-332-1820

Sarnia-Lambton Apprentice Job Match

The Sarnia-Lambton Apprentice Job Match tool helps connect local employers with individuals seeking apprenticeship opportunities across skilled trades. Designed to support workforce development and talent retention, the platform allows employers to post opportunities and review candidate profiles, while job seekers can explore available placements and connect directly with hiring businesses.

This free tool supports the development of a skilled local workforce and helps streamline the apprenticeship hiring process for both employers and future trades professionals.

GrowthWheel Small Business E-Learning & Tools Now Available

Sarnia-Lambton entrepreneurs now have access to GrowthWheel Small Business E-Learning, a practical, self-paced learning platform designed to support better business planning and decision-making. This on-demand resource helps business owners identify their priorities and build skills across the full spectrum of business growth, from strategy and operations to sales, cash flow, and execution.

Access to the platform begins with a free consultation to ensure the program aligns with your business goals, with ongoing support available from a Business Enterprise Centre GrowthWheel Certified Advisor.

Free and Confidential Small Business Advisory Services

The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) of Sarnia-Lambton offers free, confidential advisory services to support entrepreneurs at every stage of business. Whether you are starting out, planning for growth, or navigating funding, training, or operational decisions, our advisors provide practical, one-on-one guidance tailored to your business goals.

Services are available in both English and French, including support delivered in partnership with the Fédération de gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario, ensuring accessible support for Francophone entrepreneurs.

Business Coffee Chat at Love Buzz Coffee

Our Business Coffee Chats provide local business owners with an informal opportunity to speak directly with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team about business retention and expansion supports, including workforce, site selection, growth planning, and available programs.

Join us on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Love Buzz Coffee. Drop in at any time to ask questions, discuss your business goals, and learn how our team can support your next phase of growth. 

TechAlliance's Polaris Pitch & Innovation Showcase

Partner Notice: Polaris Pitch Competition & Innovation Showcase, hosted by TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario, is the ultimate stage for our region’s visionaries, disruptors, and founders building the future of Canadian technology. On February 24, 2026, six finalists will compete for a prize package of $28.4K, including non-dilutive investment and resources for startup growth.

Keynoting this experience is an iconic investor and household name, Michele Romanow!💥 Serial founder, global investor, and the youngest Dragon to join CBC’s Dragons’ Den, she is a champion for ambitious innovators. Get your tickets before they sell out!

EmployerOne Survey Now Open for Sarnia-Lambton Employers

Partner Notice: The Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board is inviting local employers to participate in the 2026 EmployerOne Survey. The survey gathers confidential employer insights that support local labour market research, workforce planning, and evidence-based decision-making across Sarnia-Lambton.

Employer participation helps ensure future workforce initiatives reflect real business needs and local conditions.

Lambton Shores Agriculture Forum
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Partner Notice: Farmers and Agri Business Owners, you're invited to join us at the Lambton Shores Agriculture Forum to learn about trends in agriculture, succession planning, sustainable agricultural practices, resources, and more. The forum is hosted by the Municipality of Lambton Shores, with support from Community Futures Lambton and Libro Credit Union.

Details:

• Wednesday March 11, 2026
• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Legacy Recreation Centre, Thomas Hall, 16 Allen St, Thedford, ON

Office Closure: Family Day

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership office will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Family Day. 

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Family Day and hope you are able to spend meaningful time with your family and loved ones. If you require assistance, kindly email us at contact@sarnialambton.on.ca, and we will respond as soon as possible once the office reopens.