Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership: Monthly Digest
SLEP September Updates
Welcome to the September edition of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership newsletter!
This month, we're thrilled to share exciting developments across our region. Meet the 12 small businesses participating in this year's Starter Company Plus program, explore the expansion of Wolverine Engineering at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, and learn about our new Business Coffee Chats initiative. We’re also highlighting the Ontario government’s $41 million investment in infrastructure to support new housing developments in St. Clair Township and the City of Sarnia.
Discover grant opportunities and programs available to support your business. We’re featuring a unique property in Warwick and introducing Kombucha Hound, a standout small business in our community. Plus, don't miss out on our upcoming events this September!
Meet the 12 Small Businesses in the 2024 Starter Company Plus Program
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is proud to introduce the 12 small businesses participating in this year’s Starter Company Plus program. Delivered through our Small Business Enterprise Centre and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, this program supports the growth and success of local entrepreneurs by providing grant funding, professional development, and training. These businesses, which span a diverse range of industries, are poised to make a significant impact on the Sarnia-Lambton economy.
From innovative service providers to creative retail businesses, these entrepreneurs embody the resilience and resourcefulness that drive our community forward. Learn more about each of these businesses and how they are contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of Sarnia-Lambton.
Ontario Government Helping to Build More Homes in Sarnia-Lambton
The Ontario government is investing $41.7 million in critical infrastructure projects to enable the construction of new homes in St. Clair Township (624 homes) and the City of Sarnia (2, 775 homes).
This infrastructure will allow for large-scale industrial development with large-scale infrastructure requirements through the system capacity for future economic and industrial investment in St. Clair.
Wolverine Contracting & Engineering Expands at Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park
The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park continues to solidify its reputation as a premier hub for engineering and innovation with the recent expansion of Wolverine Contracting & Engineering. This strategic move not only strengthens Wolverine’s presence in the region but also underscores the Research Park’s role in fostering economic growth and supporting advanced engineering projects.
For more information about Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, please contact Dr. Katherine Albion at kalbion@sarnialambtonresearchpark.ca
Incentives & Programs
Discover a range of funding opportunities and programs 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.
OVIN Technology Pilot Zones
Supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the OVIN Technology Pilot Zones provide small- and medium-sized enterprises up to $100,000 to pilot automotive and mobility technologies for urban transportation in Toronto and cross-border mobility in Windsor and Sarnia.
Project Intake Timelines:
Round 1: May 30, 2024 - September 15, 2024
Round 2: November 15, 2024 - January 30, 2025
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is Still Accepting Applications. The submission period is from July 2 - September 17, 2024.
Interest-free loan funding up to 15% to a maximum of $5M, and up to 30% of the loan (up to $500,000) may be forgiven. Applicants are encouraged to contact our team of economic development officers who can help assess the program fit and provide advice on the application process.
The Tourism Growth Program Applications are Due by September 17, 2024.
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP), delivered by Canada's regional development agencies, offers funding opportunities to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.
Ontario's Regional Development Program - AMIC Stream. The submission period is from July 29 - September 26, 2024.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream offers funding to help you invest in technology, equipment, reshoring manufacturing, or skills. Eligible companies can benefit from interest-free loans up to $5 million, with the potential for partial loan forgiveness, or grants up to $500,000.
Join the AMIC Webinar on Thursday, September 5, from 1:30-2:00 PM.
Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream Is Accepting Applications Until October 4, 2024
The SDF Training Stream supports projects that tackle the labour shortage, stimulate growth in key sectors, enhance Ontario's economic competitiveness by building a sustainable workforce, and assist individuals facing employment barriers, including those with prior justice involvement, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities.
Community & Business Bulletin
Stay informed with the latest updates in Sarnia-Lambton. Our Community & Business Bulletin highlights local success stories, our business services, property features, and more!
Featured Property for Lease: 7925 Industrial Drive, Warwick, ON
Explore this "To Be Built" opportunity in the Watford-Warwick Industrial Park, located on Highway 79, just south of Highway 402. The development will feature three 1,840 sq. ft. warehouse/light industrial units, totalling 5,600 sq. ft., available by early 2025. Each unit will include 14 ft. high by 20 ft. wide grade-level doors, 16 ft. ceiling height, radiant gas heat, and A/C. Optional in-floor heating and turnkey tenant improvements are available. With flexible uses and ample parking, this property offers a prime location between London and Sarnia.
For more information, email Paul Shanahan at paul@shanahanrealty.com
As part of our ongoing Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiative, we have connected with CMS Inc. and learned about their contribution to Shell Sarnia Manufacturing Centre’s recent achievement—the 2024 Best Site Award from the IBC/IPA.
This recognition highlights the strength of local collaborations and the excellence embedded within our community.
We are committed to continuing our support for businesses in Sarnia-Lambton.
Business Feature: Kombucha Hound
Meet Kombucha Hound, a Sarnia business that turned founder Alex Pearson's passion into a thriving enterprise. Starting as a hobby in 2016 to improve her gut health, Alex began sharing her kombucha at local markets in 2017. Through the programs offered by the Small Business Enterprise Centre, Alex benefited from connecting with other entrepreneurs, gaining insights, and navigating regulations, helping her grow her business much easier. Today, Kombucha Hound offers unique flavours and supports animal rescues, embodying Alex’s love for the community.
Lambton College Research and Innovation is conducting a survey to understand your perspectives on hiring international students. Your insights are invaluable and will help shape future initiatives to better support both employers and international talent.
The survey is short and completely anonymous.
Your participation will contribute to a greater understanding of how to bridge the gap between employers and the diverse pool of international students seeking opportunities.
Our First Business Coffee Chat Was a Success!
Entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered at Lamrecton Park to enjoy coffee from Anita Coffee Cart and receive valuable insights from SLEP business advisors.
Building on this success, we’re excited to announce our next Business Coffee Chats for September!
- September 10, 1:00-3:00 PM at Rustic Scoops, Corunna, ON
- September 18, 9:00-11:00 AM at The Cottage Cafe, Grand Bend, ON
Don’t miss these opportunities to connect, learn, and elevate your business!
CALL FOR PHOTOS: Help Us Showcase Sarnia-Lambton!
We are updating our website, and we need your help! We’re looking for local photos that capture the spirit of our community—whether it’s images of your team in action, our vibrant industries, beautiful properties, or the unique lifestyle that makes Sarnia-Lambton special.
Share your photos with us and help showcase the best of our region! Your contributions will play an important role in representing the diverse and dynamic community we are proud to be a part of.
For more information, email Arianne at arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Stay engaged with Sarnia-Lambton's thriving business community! Check out these upcoming in-person events, webinars, and networking events! Don't miss these opportunities to connect, learn, and grow your business. Register now to secure your spot!
Life Sciences Ontario 2024 Road Trip Around the Province: Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster
Hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the event will showcase how the Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster supports clean and green chemistry opportunities, with a focus on the commercialization hub concept that encourages the development of an idea from research, to incubation, to acceleration and commercialization by introducing the assets and resources associated with Lambton College and the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park. It will then highlight two thriving companies– BioLine and LCY – in the agri-tech and industrial biochemicals industries.
- Date: September 19, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Virtual - please register to secure your slot.
Ideation: Finding a Problem to Solve and Potential Business to Start with Dr. Marty Smith of TechAlliance
- Date: September 11, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Venue: SLEP Boardroom, 1086 Modeland Road, Bldg. 1050, Ste. 100, Sarnia, ON
Sarnia Tech Meetups with TechAlliance
- Date: September 11, 2024
- Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Venu: Green Organic Cafe, 196 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON
Join Us at the Camlachie Summer Send-Off!
- Date: September 14, 2024
- Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Venue: Lakeshore Park, 3111 Egremont Road, Camlachie, ON
How Your Small Business Can Support Truth and Reconciliation with Lisa Isaac, CHRP, CHRL
- Date: September 20, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
- Virtual - please register to secure your slot.
Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Seminars this September
Join the Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Seminars to learn essential skills for launching and growing your food business. Don't miss these valuable sessions!
- September 5, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
- September 12, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Marketing & Branding your Food Product
- September 19, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
- September 26, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Selling to Food Retailers
Explore These Networking Events Hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce!
- September 3, 5:30 PM to 7 PM - The Chamber's Young Professionals at Valley Axe
- September 5, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Warwick Twilight Business Mixer
- September 6-7 - Bluewater Health Block Party
- September 10, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM - Lunch & Learn with Erik Kikuchi
- September 18, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM -Business After Five at 132 Front St. Sarnia
- September 26, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM - Women in Business with Chrissy McRoberts
- September 28, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Light Up the Night for Noelle (Walk or Run)
DID YOU KNOW?
Sarnia-Lambton is within a one-day drive to 65% of the U.S. market as well as major Ontario and Quebec markets.
Sarnia-Lambton is directly connected to the State of Michigan via several border crossings, including the Blue Water Bridge. The area is also an official Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point, which grows the area as a hub for international trade and investment and strengthens market access for existing businesses.
Lambton County offers multiple transportation routes to various markets. Ground transportation is facilitated by Highway 402, which connects to London and Toronto to the east and links to Michigan's Interstate 94/69/75 network via the Blue Water Bridge, Ontario’s fourth busiest international crossing. Rail connections include the St. Clair Railway tunnel, which accommodates double-stack containers, and CN’s second-largest international rail yard in Canada. Bordered by water and a link in the St. Lawrence Seaway system, the deep water Port of Sarnia is home to an international grain terminal as well as ship fueling and repair facilities. Air travel options include the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport with direct flights to Toronto and proximity to major airports like Detroit, Flint, and London, Ontario.
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