Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership: Monthly Digest
Welcome to the October Edition of the SLEP Newsletter!
Businesses, large and small, play a key role in shaping Sarnia-Lambton's economy. As we celebrate National Business Week from October 20 to 26, we are excited to highlight the many contributions that local businesses bring to our community. In this edition, you'll find valuable resources to help your business grow.
One key resource is the IDEA Leadership Academy, a free, self-paced program designed to help businesses build more inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplaces. By participating, you’ll gain practical insights that will enhance your work environment and position your business for long-term success by attracting diverse talent and fostering innovation.
We’ve also got a great lineup of webinars and networking events happening throughout the month, offering you the invaluable opportunity to learn from industry experts, as well as connect and benchmark strategies with fellow business owners.
We hope you find this month’s content helpful, whether you're exploring new investment opportunities, looking to grow your business, or starting a new business idea. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team is always here to support you every step of the way!
SLEP October Updates
SLEP Launches IDEA Leadership Academy
We’re excited to introduce the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Leadership Academy training program, offered free of charge to 100 local businesses and organizations across Sarnia-Lambton.
Developed by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, this self-paced interactive program equips businesses with the tools they need to create inclusive, welcoming workplaces that foster diversity and growth. It covers key areas such as building spaces for diversity, attracting diverse talent, and ensuring sustainable, inclusive practices within the workplace.
The IDEA Leadership Academy training program is available for 100 participants in Lambton County, with a limit of 2 participants per business.
Celebrating National Small Business Week: Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
This National Small Business Week, we’re proud to recognize the significant contributions that small businesses make to our economy and communities. Small businesses are the backbone of Sarnia-Lambton driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth. From October 20 to 26, join us in celebrating the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs in Sarnia-Lambton and across the country.
Explore valuable resources, insights, and opportunities provided by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to help small business owners succeed. Whether you’re looking for tips on business growth, leadership, or adapting to today’s market challenges, these resources are designed to empower entrepreneurs like you.
Associate Minister of Energy, Sam Oostrhoff, Visits Sarnia-Lambton's Hydrogen Hub
Sarnia-Lambton recently welcomed the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy, for a tour of the region’s hydrogen hub. The visit, part of a province-wide exploration of low-carbon hydrogen opportunities, highlighted Sarnia-Lambton's leadership in hydrogen production and its pivotal role in Ontario’s clean energy future.
The tour showcased the innovative efforts of local industries to decarbonize and reinforced Sarnia-Lambton’s unique positioning as a key player in advancing low-carbon hydrogen technology.
SLEP CEO, Matthew Slotwinski, proudly represented the Sarnia-Lambton at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. This event provided valuable opportunities to engage with industry leaders and explore innovative strategies that align with our region’s economic development goals. We’re excited to apply the insights gained to drive growth and success in Sarnia-Lambton.
In October, our team will be attending several key conferences, including:
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo
- Hydrogen Business Council Conference
- Canada Energy Innovation Network, Day on the Hill
- Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference on Next-Gen Technologies (ABLC NEXT)
- Supply Side West
These conferences and advocacy events offer exceptional opportunities to showcase Sarnia-Lambton’s strengths and promote our key sectors on a national and international stage.
SLEP Welcomes New VP of Economic Development, Hesam Houryaband
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Hesam Houryaband, PhD as the new Vice President of Economic Development of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. Hesam brings a wealth of international experience and leadership to his role, where he will be responsible for overseeing strategic programming and managing investment attraction, as well as leading initiatives that promote business retention and expansion within Lambton County.
Hesam will serve as a key liaison for businesses evaluating Sarnia-Lambton as a prime location for investment, ensuring the region remains competitive globally.
Read more about Hesam Houryaband's appointment in our Media Release.
The SLEP Business Enterprise Centre is excited to host Business Planning for Entrepreneurial Success, an 8-week course designed to help both aspiring and existing small business owners build a solid foundation for long-term success. The course, developed and delivered by local business coach Chelsey Hart of Your Initiative Co, covers key elements of business planning and provides participants with the tools they need to effectively launch or grow their business.
If you missed the registration for this course, are interested in joining the waitlist for the January 2025 cohort or strengthening your business plan, we offer free, confidential one-on-one consultations through our Small Business Enterprise Centre. Our team is here to help you take the next step toward building a successful business.
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.
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.
The Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP) Is Accepting Applications Until October 30, 2024
This program aims to promote sustainability across the value chain by de-risking clean technology adoption, accelerating sustainable business growth, and supporting job creation and maintenance. Successful applicants will receive up to $100,000 in project-based, matching contributions, along with specialized industry expertise, mentorship, and network support from Bioenterprise Canada.
Foodpreneur Advantage is a regional collaboration of Small Business Enterprise Centres. Whether you are starting your food venture, or ready to expand and scale your operation, this is the place to start.
Join the Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Seminar series this November to gain valuable insights and expert guidance tailored to the food industry.
Upcoming Seminars:
- Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
- How to Sell Your Food Product
- Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
- Marketing & Branding
- Packaging & Labelling
- Selling to Food Retailers
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
- The maximum loan amount for a borrower is $1.15 million.
- Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for term loans for any one borrower, of which no more than $500,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment and of that amount, a maximum of $150,000 could be used for intangible assets and working capital costs.
- Up to a maximum of $150,000 for lines of credit.
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!
Congratulations to Lambton College on being recognized with an International Research & Innovation Award!
Lambton College’s Applied Research & Innovation department has been instrumental in advancing economic development within Sarnia-Lambton. Through collaborative research projects and partnerships with industry, they continue to drive innovation in key sectors, including petrochemical, bio-chemical, and energy industries.
As a leader in R&D and commercialization, Sarnia-Lambton is proud to be home to such vital resources that support the region's growth. The College’s dedication to turning research into actionable solutions positions our community as a hub for innovation and commercialization, enhancing both local and global competitiveness.
October 7-13 is Ontario Agriculture Week!
Ontario is a province overflowing with fresh, locally-grown, high-quality food and products, and from October 7 to 13, 2024 we will be celebrating Ontario Agriculture Week.
Ontario Agriculture Week is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the bounty of food produced by our farmers, the dedicated individuals employed in the industry, and the vibrant rural communities that benefit from agriculture.
Show your support for Ontario’s food sector by using the hashtags #ONTAgWeek and #LoveONFood across your social media platforms.
Business Feature: Petrolia Primary School
Meet Petrolia Primary School, a private school founded by Jenna Simpson in 2022. Located in Petrolia, the school serves children from Kindergarten to Grade 8, offering part-time and full-time programs that combine the Maria Montessori methodology, outdoor exploration, and community immersion. Jenna started the school to provide a nurturing, hands-on learning environment for her children and the local community, with small class sizes and personalized care.
Through support from the Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Starter Company Plus program, Jenna received guidance in developing her business plan, helping her create a unique educational setting that fosters children’s growth and curiosity.
For more information, visit the Petrolia Primary School website.
Toolrite Engineering Celebrates 60 Years!
For six decades, Toolrite Engineering has been a cornerstone of the Sarnia-Lambton economy, offering precision machining services that have contributed to the growth of our community. Specializing in the manufacturing and installation of rotating and reciprocating machinery, turbines, and electric motors, Toolrite is known for its commitment to quality and precision.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rick Perdeaux and the entire Toolrite team on their 60-year milestone. Your hard work and dedication are truly valued, and we look forward to seeing your continued contributions to Sarnia-Lambton’s thriving industrial sector.
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!
Small Business Finance Webinar Series: Building a Strong Financial Foundation
Join us for our upcoming Small Business Finance Webinar Series, designed to help you navigate key financial practices and strategies for growth. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, these sessions provide essential tools to manage and optimize your business finances for long-term success.
October 3 - Session 1: Getting Started with Business Finances
This session introduces critical financial concepts, from choosing the right business structure to understanding tax obligations. You’ll also learn how to budget, set up a business bank account, and make informed decisions about hiring versus subcontracting.
October 10 - Session 2: Day-to-Day Financial Management
Learn how to streamline daily financial tasks like invoicing, billing, and expense tracking. This session will also dive into using accounting software to manage finances and stay compliant with tax obligations.
October 17 - Session 3: Planning for Growth
This final session focuses on financial growth and scaling. We’ll cover forecasting, managing business debt, and how to evaluate your financial readiness to grow. You’ll also explore how growth can impact your taxes and the funding options available to support expansion.
Each session is packed with actionable insights to help you build a strong financial foundation for your business. Register now to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to succeed!
Cyber Integration for Businesses: Advanced Manufacturing Webinar
- Date: October 9, 2024
- Time: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Virtual Webinar, MS Teams
Tailored to senior leaders working in the Advanced Manufacturing sector, this webinar offers expert insights on secure digital adoption and integration.
Moderated by Stephanie Holko, panellists Vivek Khindria, Ikjot Saini, PhD, and Ken Jenkins will discuss current and emerging cybersecurity threats and risks affecting the industry and issues around the sector’s cyber maturity, compliance, and regulation, as well as emerging technologies and talent considerations.
Financial Planning for Profits Webinar
- Date: October 21, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Virtual Webinar, MS Teams
Understanding cash flow is vital for small business success. This webinar, Financial Planning for Profits, led by seasoned business expert Ramona Gallagher, will help you uncover the power hidden in your financial statements, specifically the cash flow statement. More than just a record of inflows and outflows, a cash flow statement reveals critical insights into your business’s operations and future growth potential. By learning to read between the lines, you’ll be able to identify flaws in your business model, refine your financial projections, and make more informed decisions to drive profitability.
Elevate & Expand: Grow Your Dream Into a Thriving Business
- Date: October 22, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Venue: Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery, 9090 Widder Rd, Thedford, ON
Join us for an inspiring in-person event at Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery, where we’ll focus on growing thriving businesses for both existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Our lineup of dynamic speakers includes:
- Alicia Hardman, Owner of Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery
- Hailey Coleman, Co-owner of The Cottage Cafe Corp
- Liwordson Vijayabalan, Founder of Welcome Platform and CEO of TMRRW Labs
Save the date for this exciting event, and follow us on Instagram @smallbusinesssarnialambton to stay updated on finalized event details!
Future of Farm Businesses: Cultivating a New Generation of Farmers
- Date: October 29, 2024
- Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Venue: Stonepicker Brewing Company, 7143 Forest Rd, Plympton-Wyoming, ON
Are you a farm owner thinking about the future of your business? Join us for an insightful event focused on cultivating the next generation of farmers. Led by Richard Bloomfield, co-founder of Urban Roots London and Sidetrack: A Wortley Café, and a passionate advocate for sustainable food production, this session will help you:
- Discover strategies for transitioning your farm to the next generation.
- Learn about land-use models and ownership dynamics for new farmers.
- Understand the agro-food system and challenges in farmland policy.
For event updates and to learn more, follow us on Instagram!
We’re Loving Our Business Coffee Chats!
We’re excited to continue these conversations throughout October! Join us for a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about how we can help elevate your business.
October Coffee Chats:
- October 8, 9 AM to 11 AM – Bonski’s, 112 Michigan Ave, Point Edward
- October 23, 9 AM to 11 AM – Coffee Lodge Petrolia, 4119 Petrolia Line
Stay updated on our upcoming chats by following us on Instagram @smallbusinesssarnialambton!
Explore These Community Networking Events Hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce!
- October 5, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Gwetaandaawe Market
- October 8, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM - Lunch & Learn with Mainstreet Credit Union
- October 18, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM - Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAA) 2024
- October 22 - The Heart-Centered Leadership Symposium
Office Closure for Thanksgiving
In celebration of Thanksgiving, our office will be closed on Monday, October 14. We will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, October 15. We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends!
 |