Discover the latest programs and initiatives supporting businesses and talent across Sarnia-Lambton.
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SLEP September Newsletter
Welcome to the September 2026 edition of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership newsletter. This month, we are sharing updates on local initiatives, business supports, and upcoming opportunities designed to support growth across the region.
Tariff and trade support for Sarnia-Lambton businesses
Changing tariffs and international trade conditions continue to affect costs, supply chains and market access. Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership's Tariff & Trade Resources page brings together current information on tariffs, CUSMA compliance, financing, exporting and market diversification.
Businesses can also consult the Government of Canada’s Canada-United States overview for federal updates and support.
Eligible businesses may also access funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
Sarnia-Lambton businesses are also encouraged to connect directly with our team to discuss available programs, resources and opportunities. Contact us at 519-332-1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca.
$500,000 investment advances energy opportunities at Lambton site The Ontario government and Ontario Power Generation are providing $500,000 in growth readiness funding to help St. Clair Township advance planning for potential new electricity generation at OPG’s Lambton site. Redevelopment of the 1,200-acre property could support skilled employment, local supply chain opportunities, infrastructure investment and the region’s continued growth as a major Ontario energy centre. “We commend Minister Lecce and the Government of Ontario for recognizing the strategic importance of OPG's Lambton site and for advancing assessment of new generation opportunities, including nuclear power. Sarnia-Lambton has long been one of Ontario's key energy clusters, and this is exactly the kind of investment we've been positioning to deliver, as part of a diverse energy mix. Our region has the manufacturing, engineering and skilled trades capacity to support projects of this scale, and the Lambton site's history of energy production makes it uniquely positioned to help meet the province's future electricity needs — strengthening Ontario's economic competitiveness and energy security for years to come.” - Matthew Slotwinski, CEO, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership |
Infrastructure built for industrial growth Sarnia-Lambton offers the utility capacity and infrastructure needed to support large-scale industrial investment and business expansion. The region has 2,000 MW of local electricity production connected to Ontario’s 94% clean electricity grid, more than 1,500 kilometres of pipelines, significant natural gas storage and distribution capacity, and established water and wastewater systems. Businesses also benefit from direct access to Highway 402, CN and CSX rail service, the St. Clair Rail Tunnel, deep-water marine facilities and nearby airports. Combined with an experienced industrial workforce and an established network of engineering, maintenance and support companies, these assets can reduce upfront capital requirements, improve supply chain efficiency and help projects move from development into operation. |
SLEP leaders named to the Bioeconomy 500 Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Matthew Slotwinski and Economic Development Officer Shauna Carr have been named to The Daily Digest’s Bioeconomy 500 for 2026. Their recognition reflects Sarnia-Lambton’s leadership in sustainable chemistry and industrial bioproducts. The Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster connects more than 35 chemical facilities with specialized infrastructure, research capabilities, diverse feedstocks and an experienced workforce, helping companies move new technologies from research and pilot testing into commercial production. |
Connecting Sarnia-Lambton to global opportunities Over the coming months, SLEP will represent Sarnia-Lambton at major conferences and trade shows across Canada, the United States and Europe. These events provide opportunities to meet directly with companies, site selectors and industry leaders, promote the region’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, energy, hydrogen, clean technology and agri-food, and identify potential investment and partnership opportunities. Businesses attending these events or connected with participating organizations are encouraged to contact our team to coordinate introductions and outreach.
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Featured Property: 280 McGregor Road
A new 25,000-square-foot high-bay industrial building is under construction at 280 McGregor Road in Sarnia. The facility will feature a 24-foot clear ceiling height, 16-by-16-foot overhead loading doors, grade-level loading and a loading dock. A large yard provides additional space for outdoor storage and material laydown.
The building can be subdivided and modified to meet tenant requirements, providing flexibility for a range of industrial operations. Its location offers convenient access to Highway 40, Modeland Road, Highway 402 and Sarnia’s established manufacturing corridor.
Featured Property: 4426 Vanderwal Drive
Located in Petrolia, this freehold industrial property includes an 8,000-square-foot building with warehouse and office space. The facility features a double loading dock, large access doors and concrete flooring to support shipping, receiving and day-to-day industrial operations.
A fully fenced gravel yard provides secure outdoor space for equipment, vehicle access and material storage. With M-1 zoning and a combination of warehouse, distribution and office space, the property presents an opportunity for an owner-occupier or investor looking for an established industrial facility in central Lambton County.
B.M. Ross expands its Sarnia-Lambton presence at the Research Park B.M. Ross & Associates Ltd. is celebrating 75 years of engineering and planning work across Southwestern Ontario. Founded as a one-person practice in Goderich in 1951, the employee-owned firm has grown to 90 employees across four offices. Its Sarnia-Lambton operation has experienced considerable growth of its own, expanding from one employee to a 20-person team in 10 years. To mark that milestone, B.M. Ross moved into a new office at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park that is approximately two and a half times larger than its previous Bright’s Grove location. The space provides room for continued growth while connecting the firm with more than 50 organizations working at the Research Park. |
Join Our Business Mastermind Series SLEP is launching a six-session Business Mastermind Series this fall for experienced business owners who are ready to focus on long-term growth, leadership, and the future of their business. The series will run bi-weekly on Wednesdays, beginning September 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sessions are scheduled for September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18, and December 2, 2026. Designed for a small group of experienced business owners, the program will feature facilitated discussions, expert insights, and practical strategies in a confidential, peer-based setting. Participation is limited to 12 business owners. If you're interested in participating, please complete the Expression of Interest application form by September 7 for this year's cohort. |
Meet the 2026 Starter Company Plus program recipients Eleven Sarnia-Lambton businesses have been selected to receive grants through the 2026 Starter Company Plus program, funded by the Province of Ontario and delivered locally by the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton. Each recipient receives up to $5,000 in grant funding, along with four months of business training, advisory support and peer mentoring. The 2026 recipients are:
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Business Enterprise Centre: Practical support for Sarnia-Lambton entrepreneurs The Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton provides free, confidential support to aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing small businesses. Business owners can book a free one-on-one consultation for guidance on business planning, financing, marketing, funding opportunities and next steps. Programs include Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, Foodpreneur Advantage, the Business Mastermind Series and Succession Ontario. Entrepreneurs can also access workshops, webinars, self-directed business training, practical tools and referrals to regional support organizations. Connect with the Business Enterprise Centre to identify the programs and resources that best fit your business. |
Join Us for Business Coffee Chat Grab a coffee and connect with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team at our next Business Coffee Chat on Tuesday, September 22, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Bean on a Mission in Point Edward! Stop by to meet the SLEP team, ask questions about our programs and services, share what you're working on, and connect with other local business owners and entrepreneurs. |
Live More for Less in Sarnia-Lambton Live Sarnia-Lambton is a practical resource for people considering a move to the region, searching for employment or learning more about local communities. The website brings together information on housing, education, employment sectors, entrepreneurship, recreation, arts and culture, and the municipalities and First Nations across Lambton County. Visitors can also connect with workforce resources such as the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, Apprentice Job Match and Explore Talent. Local employers are encouraged to share the website with prospective employees and their families as they consider making Sarnia-Lambton home. |
Labour Day office closure Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labour Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8. |
Grant & Funding Programs
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.
Regional Tariff Response Initiatives in Southern Ontario
The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures.
The national Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers.
RDAs are delivering $1.95 billion to help businesses boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness across all sectors, including steel, aluminum, copper, automotive, food security and forestry.
Businesses can normally request:
- $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding; or
- $125,000 to $1 million in non-repayable funding.
Not-for-profit organizations can normally request a minimum of $125,000 to $10 million in non-repayable funding.
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern and southwestern Ontario make investments to:
- grow their businesses
- improve productivity
- invest in innovation and skills development
- pursue new markets
- generate broad positive regional economic impact
- create new good, sustainable jobs
Application submission period: June 30, 2026 – September 23, 2026
Industrial AI Readiness Program
In partnership with NRC-IRAP, the program will provide eligible Canadian manufacturers with a reimbursement of up to $15,000 to adopt AI to improve the productivity, health and safety, and environmental performance of their production systems.
Work-Sharing Program
The Government of Canada’s Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when a temporary reduction in normal business activity is beyond the employer’s control. Through an agreement between the employer, employees and Service Canada, participating employees work reduced hours and share the available work while eligible workers receive Employment Insurance income support.
Temporary tariff-related special measures are available until March 31, 2027. Eligible employers affected by the threat or implementation of tariffs may access Work-Sharing agreements for up to 76 weeks, with expanded eligibility for employers and employees.
Ontario Job Grant
The Ontario Job Grant (OJG) provides funding to help businesses train their employees and update their skills. This helps employers ensure their workforce has the right skills to adapt to a changing economy.
The grant supports eligible training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee, with additional flexibility for small employers. It lets employers choose who to train, and what skills to focus on to address their needs. Employers can use the grant to train:
- existing employees to upgrade their skills
- new hires, whether currently employed elsewhere or previously unemployed (a new hire is a trainee with an identified job opportunity within the employer’s workforce that has been provided with an offer of employment prior to training)
FedDev Ontario - Funding for Businesses in Southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario provides funding and business support to help organizations across southern Ontario innovate, scale their operations, and strengthen regional economic development.
- a minimum of $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million per project in repayable contribution funding.
- Intake now open
Ontario Centre of Innovation Digitalization Competence Centre Programs
DCC has three program streams to support SMEs in the adoption and implementation of digital technology:
- Digital Modernization & Adoption Plan (DMAP)
- Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
- Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)
Most OCI programs operate on a rolling or continuous intake basis, allowing applications to be submitted year-round as funding remains available.
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.
Business Coffee Chat at Bean on a Mission
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Bean on a Mission, 1455 Venetian Blvd, Point Edward, ON
Identifying the Bottlenecks in your Business Operation
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Famous Room at John's Restaurant, 1643 London Line, Sarnia
Health and Safety Excellence Program Information Session
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SLEP Webinar, in partnership with WSIB
Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
Thursday, September 24, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Foodpreneur Advantage Webinar
Canada's Hydrogen Hubs: Real Progress, Real Impact
Thursday, September 24, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Webinar by the Canadian Hydrogen Association
Bridging People & Employers: An Inclusive Hiring Breakfast
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, 500 Errol Road W., Point Edward, ON
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.
Your Partner in Success in Sarnia-Lambton
At Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, we are dedicated to helping businesses start, grow, and thrive in our region. Whether you need support with site selection, workforce solutions, funding opportunities, or industry connections, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Connect with us and learn about opportunities in #SarniaLambton.
