SLEP Receives Gold Award from IEDC

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has been awarded Gold by the International Economic Development Council in the Economic Equity & Inclusion category. This recognition celebrates the impact of the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Connection program, which supported 469 newcomers and 150 local employers from April 2023 to March 2024. The award highlights the strength of community collaboration and the region’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.

SLEP Attending Key Industry Events This Fall

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team will be attending major conferences and trade shows in September and October to highlight regional strengths and foster new investment connections:

• FabTech Expo, Sep 8-10
• Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Sep 9
• IEDC Annual Conference, Sep 14-17
• Pack Expo, Sep 28-30
• Manufacturing Matters, Oct 2
• Anuga 2025 with the Ontario Food Cluster, Oct 4-6
• EDAC 2025 Conference, Oct 6-9
• Battery Show, Oct 6-8
• K Trade Fair, Oct 8-10

These events provide valuable opportunities to engage with decision-makers, showcase Sarnia-Lambton’s industrial and agri-food strengths, and attract investment that drives economic growth across the region.

Photo from the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference, attended by SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski.

10 Local Businesses Awarded Starter Company Plus Grants

Ten Sarnia-Lambton entrepreneurs have been selected for the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, each receiving up to $5,000 in funding, tailored training, and one-on-one support through SLEP’s Business Enterprise Centre. Representing industries from bridal fashion and cafés to health, recreation, and advanced manufacturing, these businesses are creating jobs, filling community needs, and contributing to a stronger local economy.

The 2025 Starter Company Plus Participants:

1. Red Bird Grief Care, Rebecca Sletten (Sarnia)
2. Aliya Bridal Fashions, Gamze Sayin (Sarnia)
3. Siren Section, BoWaine Ma & Amber Harding (Lambton Shores – Grand Bend)
4. Stone and Barrel, Andreane Longpre & Sherri Morrison (St. Clair Township – Port Lambton)
5. Tempest Industries, AJ Collins (Sarnia)
6. Cakebook Café & Classes, Svetlana Alekseeva (Sarnia)
7. All Hours Home Care, Kelly Gleeson & Heather Taylor (Sarnia)
8. The White Lantern B&B, Beatrice Powell (Sarnia)
9. Heroic Audio Productions, Eric Westelaken (Sarnia)
10. JLS Pro Painting, Jacob Serratore (Sarnia)

Photo from the August 11 kickoff event at CakeBook Café.

Free 8-Week Business Planning for Entrepreneurial Success Course Intake Now Open

Applications are now open for the free 8-week Business Planning for Entrepreneurial Success workshop, led by Chelsey Hart, Executive Coach and Founder of Your Initiative Co.

Starting October 7 at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, sessions run Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The program helps entrepreneurs create a clear, actionable plan to guide growth and strengthen their business.

Space is limited to 20 participants.

Innovate and Commercialize in Sarnia-Lambton

Sarnia-Lambton is home to one of Canada’s strongest ecosystems for research, development, and commercialization in the petrochemical, biochemical, and energy sectors. From Lambton College’s top-ranked research partnerships to the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, businesses here can take ideas from concept to full-scale production. Combined with competitive R&D tax incentives, our region offers the resources, expertise, and support needed to accelerate innovation and bring new products to market.

Funding and Government Grant Programs for Sarnia-Lambton Businesses

SLEP connects local businesses with grants, incentives, and programs designed to support growth, investment, and job creation in Sarnia-Lambton. From provincial and federal programs to local Community Improvement Plans, our team provides one-on-one support to identify the right opportunities and guide you through the application process.

Active intakes currently include SWODF, FedDev Ontario, Skills Development Fund, Ontario Centre of Innovation, and the Rural Ontario Development Program.

Featured Property: 590 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna

This 1.445-acre corner site offers 210 feet of frontage on Corunna’s main street, St. Clair Parkway. The property is shadow anchored by No Frills Grocery and zoned Highway Commercial (C2), permitting a wide range of commercial uses. Surrounded by new residential growth, including a 132-unit apartment development, a 150-unit condominium project, and a 600-home subdivision, the site is also minutes from NOVA’s $3 billion refinery expansion. With Corunna’s population growing more than 10% over the past five years, this property presents strong potential for developers and investors.

For details or personalized guidance, contact Theresa Kimmerly at theresa@sarnialambton.on.ca or 519-332-1820.

Women Building Futures Launches First Ontario Program in Sarnia-Lambton

Sarnia-Lambton is proud to host the first Ontario cohort of the Women Ready to Work in Automotive program, delivered by Women Building Futures. Over eight weeks, participants gain technical training, safety certifications, and workplace readiness skills, followed by a paid work placement that provides hands-on industry experience and a direct path to employment. 

For Sarnia-Lambton, the program develops a skilled talent pool of women prepared to enter high-demand trades, supporting workforce growth and contributing to the region’s economic strength.

IDEA Leadership Academy: Free Training for Employers

SLEP invites local employers to register for the IDEA Leadership Academy, a free, self-paced training program designed to help organizations build more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplaces. This interactive program equips leaders with tools to improve hiring outcomes, strengthen team performance, and foster innovation, while supporting regional efforts to attract newcomers and grow the workforce.

Brought to you by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and developed by Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm.

Access Support Through the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub

The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub is here to help Permanent Residents settle, establish, and thrive in Canada. Through four core pillars: career support, mentorship, soft skills training, and entrepreneurial guidance, the Hub equips newcomers with the tools and confidence to succeed.

Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, this community-wide initiative connects newcomers with meaningful employment, business opportunities, and local networks, while strengthening the region’s workforce.

Legacy & Leadership Summit on October 22, 2025 - Free to Attend

The Legacy & Leadership Summit will bring together business owners, advisors, and community partners for a morning of practical insight and strategic discussion. With sessions focused on business transition, growth planning, and long-term strategy, the event is designed to help local businesses strengthen operations today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Coldwell Banker Southwest Realty, this event is free to attend and offers valuable tools and connections to help preserve business legacies and support continued success in Sarnia-Lambton.

Exploring Business Transition Opportunities in Sarnia-Lambton

Are you considering selling your established business in Sarnia-Lambton? We are working with a network of experienced local entrepreneurs actively seeking opportunities in skilled trades, manufacturing, logistics, service industries, retail, personal care, and agri-business. Business owners thinking about retirement, succession, or simply testing the market will find strong interest from qualified local buyers.

Confidentiality is a priority, and all discussions are handled with discretion. To learn more or schedule a confidential meeting, contact Chantelle Core, Economic Development Officer, at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca

Wrapping Up the 2025 Summer Company Program

As the 2025 Summer Company Program comes to a close, we celebrate the achievements of this year’s student entrepreneurs and the growth they’ve experienced over the summer. The program was enriched by the guidance of local mentors and experts who shared their knowledge and experience, helping students build confidence and develop practical skills for business success.

We extend our thanks to:
• Chelsey Hart, Your Initiative Co. – Business Basics Bootcamp
• Arianne Garcia, SLEP – Sales & Digital Marketing Session
• Kelly Hill, Profit & Lattes – Managing Small Business Finances
• Jon Uchaz, WSPS – Importance of Workplace Safety and Prevention
• Kerby Stivene, Kerby Stivene Leadership – Personal Growth and Leadership Workshop
• Julie MacRae, Julie MacRae Photography – Personal Branding and Professional Photoshoot

If you are interested in learning more or applying for next year’s cohort, book a consultation through our Business Enterprise Centre.

Book a Free Consultation with the Business Enterprise Centre

The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) of Sarnia-Lambton offers free, confidential advisory services to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed. Whether you are launching a new venture, planning to expand, or seeking guidance on funding and training programs, our team provides personalized support to help navigate the challenges of business ownership. From mentorship to market insights, the BEC is here to support entrepreneurs and small businesses at every stage.