Discover the latest programs and initiatives supporting businesses and talent across Sarnia-Lambton.
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Photo featuring Siren Section, a recipient of the 2025 Starter Company Plus program.
SLEP May Newsletter
Welcome to the May 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 our region.
Legacy & Leadership Summit: Spring Momentum
Join us on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward for a half-day summit designed for established business owners and growth-focused entrepreneurs.
This event will feature practical sessions on acquisition, leadership, and business transition, along with direct access to buyers and government support programs. Attendees will also hear real-world insights from local business leaders navigating growth and succession.
Registration is free, thanks to the lead sponsorship by Sun Life and contributing sponsorship from RBC. For more information, read the media release here.
New Federal Funding to Support Tariff-Impacted Industries The Government of Canada has announced $1.5 billion in new support measures to help businesses respond to U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. This includes a new $1 billion program through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), offering financing at favourable terms to manufacturers and exporters impacted by these tariffs, along with $500 million in additional funding for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered through regional development agencies. These measures are designed to help businesses manage immediate pressures while supporting long-term adaptation through market diversification, productivity improvements, and increased competitiveness. The funding is part of a broader national response to strengthen economic resilience and support key sectors affected by evolving global trade conditions. |
Sarnia-Lambton at Hannover Messe Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, recently attended Hannover Messe alongside the Ontario Manufacturing Communities Alliance (OMCA). During the event, he delivered a presentation titled “Hydrogen and Decarbonization - Linking the Canadian Opportunity,” highlighting the strengths of Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub in Sarnia-Lambton and the region’s role in advancing low-carbon industrial growth. The visit supported international engagement, raised the profile of Sarnia-Lambton, and created opportunities to connect with global manufacturers and investors across key sectors. |
SLEP at Key Industry Events SLEP Economic Development Officer, Shauna Carr recently attended the Canadian Hydrogen Convention and the NGen N3 Summit, engaging with industry leaders, innovators, and partners across the hydrogen and advanced manufacturing sectors. These engagements support relationship building, promote the region’s strengths in clean energy and industrial innovation, and help identify opportunities aligned with evolving industry needs. Participation in events like these ensures Sarnia-Lambton remains connected to emerging trends and positioned for future investment. |
Connecting Sarnia-Lambton to Global Opportunities Our team continues to advance investment attraction through participation in key industry trade shows and conferences across North America and internationally. These engagements support direct outreach to companies, strengthen relationships with site selectors and industry leaders, and position the region within priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy, hydrogen, and agri-food. SLEP will be actively attending and engaging at upcoming events to promote Sarnia-Lambton’s industrial strengths and identify new opportunities for growth. If your business is participating or has connections within these events, we welcome opportunities to connect and coordinate efforts.
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Featured Property: Rokeby Line Greenfield Site
Large-scale land assembly offering approximately 374 acres within a strategic Southern Ontario industrial corridor. Designated as Type Three Industrial in the Official Plan, the site is intended to accommodate large-scale and heavy industrial uses, making it well-suited for major industrial development or a multi-phase campus.
The property consists of generally flat and level land, ideal for construction, with strong access to key transportation routes, including Highway 402 and close proximity to the Canada-U.S. border at Port Huron. Located approximately 19 km from Sarnia and positioned within reach of major markets such as London, Detroit, and the Greater Toronto Area, this site offers the scale, location, and flexibility to support significant industrial investment.
Featured Property: 5706 Lakeshore Road, Plympton-Wyoming
Rare 5-acre opportunity in central Lambton County, featuring a large warehouse with two 16' x 14' transport bays designed to accommodate commercial vehicles and heavy equipment. The site includes approximately 2 feet of compacted gravel surrounding the building, supporting equipment operation, storage, and material staging.
Located just 5 minutes from Forest and 15 minutes to Highway 402, the property offers strong access to regional transportation routes. An application to amend zoning for expanded uses has been submitted, creating additional flexibility for future development. This site is well-suited for trades, logistics, or businesses seeking space to operate and grow, with the potential to integrate a residential component nearby.
Sarnia-Lambton Job-Ready and Skilled WorkforceSarnia-Lambton offers employers access to a reliable, job-ready workforce supported by strong training and education pathways. With a mix of experienced trades professionals, technical talent, and graduates from institutions such as Lambton College, businesses can find the skills needed to support operations and growth. The region’s workforce is backed by programs and partnerships focused on upskilling, workforce development, and connecting employers with talent. From entry-level roles to specialized positions, Sarnia-Lambton provides a stable and capable labour pool aligned with the needs of key industries. |
Investing in Youth and Future TalentSLEP continues to support youth engagement as a key part of long-term economic development. Our team recently participated in the Wyoming Sky-Tech Invitational at the Wyoming Fairgrounds, a student-led event hosted by Holy Rosary Catholic School that brought together students, educators, and community partners. Through hands-on activities such as drone coding and virtual reality career exploration, students were introduced to in-demand skills and career pathways aligned with the region’s evolving economy. Events like this help build early awareness, strengthen connections between education and industry, and support the development of a future workforce prepared to contribute to Sarnia-Lambton’s growth. |
Starter Company Plus: Applications Open June 15-July 15The Starter Company Plus program supports entrepreneurs looking to start, expand, or purchase a small business in Sarnia-Lambton. Participants receive hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to support business growth. The program is designed to provide practical guidance and accountability, helping business owners build a strong foundation and move forward with confidence. |
Programs and Advisory Services for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Sarnia-Lambton can access dedicated support through the Business Enterprise Centre. In addition to free, confidential advisory services, the Centre delivers targeted programs such as Summer Company for students, Starter Company Plus for start-up entrepreneurs and existing businesses ready to grow, and Foodpreneur Advantage for those in the food and beverage sector. These programs provide funding opportunities, training, and hands-on guidance to help businesses start, scale, and succeed. |
Business Support Office Hours: Plympton-WyomingConnect with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team during Business Support Office Hours in Plympton-Wyoming. Meet one-on-one with our Economic Development Officer to discuss your business goals, explore available programs, and access practical guidance to support your growth. These sessions are free, confidential, and open to businesses at any stage. 📅 May 11, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Succession Planning Support for Business Owners Succession Ontario is a provincial resource designed to help business owners plan for transition and long-term continuity. Whether preparing for retirement, ownership transfer, or sale, the program connects companies with guidance, tools, and expert support to ensure a smooth and strategic transition. Early succession planning protects business value, supports employees, and strengthens the broader regional economy. Our team at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership can also provide confidential advisory support to help assess options, connect you with the right resources, and guide next steps. |
Partner Event: TechAlliance Techstarts Startup Weekend Techstars Startup Weekend, hosted by TechAlliance, is back in London this May 29-31, bringing together
founders, builders, and creatives for a 54-hour sprint to turn ideas into real ventures. |
Office Closure: Victoria Day Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, May 18, for the Victoria Day holiday. We will reopen and resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 19 We wish you a safe and happy holiday! |
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.
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)
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
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.
- Business projects - funding amount of up to 15% of eligible project costs and loans of up to 15% funding to a maximum of $5M, interest-free during the project period (up to 4 years). If you achieve your investment and job targets, up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $500,000) may be forgiven.
- Community economic development projects - funding amount of up to 50% of eligible project costs for a maximum grant of up to $1.5 million.
Application submission period: February 26, 2026 – May 27, 2026
CanExport SMEs
The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services.
Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.
- Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET)
- Important: Program requirements have changed since the 2025 application period. Applications that do not reflect these updates may be deemed ineligible. Review what's changed this year before applying.
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 Coffee Lodge Finch
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
49 Finch Drive, Sarnia, ON
Warwick Township Hands-On AI Workshop Series - 1
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Warwick Community Centre, 7074 Egremont Road, Warwick
SLEP Business Support Office Hour at Town of Plympton-Wyoming
Monday, May 11, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Plympton-Wyoming Municipal Office, 546 Niagara St., Wyoming, ON
Lambton Shores Familiarization Tour
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, 1455 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward
Creating a Content Calendar to Drive Sales
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free SLEP Webinar, in partnership with Traicon
Warwick Township Hands-On AI Workshop Series - 2
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Warwick Community Centre, 7074 Egremont Road, Warwick
Foodpreneur Advantage: Marketing & Branding your Food Product
Thursday, May 14, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Getting Started with Business Finances
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Free SLEP Webinar, in partnership with Profit & Lattes
Business After Five at the Research Park
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, 1086 Modeland Rd., Sarnia
Foodpreneur Advantage: Food Safety Fundamentals for Startups
Thursday, May 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
The Impact of Menopause on Daily Life & Workplace Wellness
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Gateway Room, 265 Front St. N, Sarnia, ON
Legacy & Leadership Summit: Spring Momentum
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Four Points by Sheraton, 1498 Venetian Blvd., 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.
Supporting growth and opportunity across Sarnia-Lambton.
Sarnia-Lambton offers a competitive business environment, with direct access to major markets, established industrial infrastructure, and a workforce aligned with the needs of key sectors. From energy and chemicals to advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, the region is built to support operational efficiency and long-term investment.
Our approach is grounded in partnership. We work alongside businesses, municipalities, and industry leaders to provide practical support across site selection, workforce planning, and access to funding and programs. By connecting local strengths with broader market opportunities, Sarnia-Lambton continues to create the conditions for sustainable economic growth.
Explore opportunities in #SarniaLambton.
