Discover the latest programs and initiatives supporting businesses and talent across Sarnia-Lambton.
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SLEP November Newsletter
Welcome to the November 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.
Agricultural Forum - Farming Forward: Supporting Producers, Strengthening Farms, and Planning for the Future
Explore farm succession, funding opportunities and resources for your family's well-being at Farming Forward on December 1 in Watford.
Hosted by the Township of Warwick and SLEP, this agricultural forum features keynote speaker Maggie van Camp on farm transition, along with sessions on grant writing, agricultural policy and mental health support through Three Oaks Cabin.
- Tuesday, December 1 | 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- East Lambton Community Complex, Watford
- $15 registration includes a farm-to-table lunch by Personal Touch Eatery
Nearly $5 Million to Support Growth at Two Sarnia Businesses AlumaPower Corporation and Promart Industrial Products Ltd. are receiving nearly $5 million through FedDev Ontario to advance clean energy technology and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities. AlumaPower will receive $4 million to commercialize its aluminum-fuelled generator systems for potential defence applications. Promart will receive close to $900,000 for equipment and facility upgrades to increase productivity, diversify markets and reduce tariff impacts. Photo courtesy of FedDev Ontario. |
WM's Watford Renewable Natural Gas Facility Nears Production WM's renewable natural gas facility at Twin Creeks landfill in Watford is nearing production, with commissioning underway. The facility will convert captured landfill gas into pipeline-quality fuel for WM's municipal collection trucks and Enbridge's network, while continuing to supply a nearby greenhouse. The project highlights circular economy development within the Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster, turning a waste byproduct into a usable energy resource connected to the region's energy infrastructure. Photo from WM website. |
Exploring opportunities for innovation collaboration Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, and Lambton College met with representatives from the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and Invest WindsorEssex to showcase Lambton County's research and innovation infrastructure. Tours of the Research Park and Lambton College highlighted local assets, including pilot-scale space, and provided an opportunity to discuss greater regional collaboration. |
Connecting Sarnia-Lambton to global opportunities The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team 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: Plank Road Industrial Complex Located at 1295 Plank Road in Sarnia, Plank Road Industrial Complex offers flexible options for businesses establishing or expanding local operations. The property is promoted for industrial uses including equipment storage, contractor yards, fabrication and custom build-to-suit projects. Phased development options include temporary workspace, secure on-site storage and early site access while a permanent facility is completed. |
Featured Property: 511 Gladwish Drive, Sarnia This two-acre serviced parcel at the corner of Gladwish Drive and Prescott Drive is available for $599,990 plus HST. Zoned Heavy Industrial (HI-1), the site sits within Sarnia's industrial and manufacturing corridor, with frontage on both streets for visibility and access. The property offers convenient connections to Highway 40, Modeland Road and Highway 402, with proximity to Sarnia and St. Clair Township's petrochemical operations. |
CMS Inc. celebrates 40 years in Sarnia-Lambton Founded in Sarnia in 1986, CMS Inc. has grown from a local project-controls firm to supporting industrial projects and turnarounds across Canada and the United States. Its team helps clients manage costs and schedules, identify potential issues early and make informed project decisions. As CMS marks its 40th anniversary, President Aaron Buntrock reflects on the company's roots in Sarnia-Lambton, longstanding client relationships and the experienced employees behind its success. He also shares plans to grow the team and bring new professionals into the field. |
Global roots, local impact: 2026 Lambton Immigration Forum On October 28, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub and the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership brought community members together to explore immigration's role in economic growth and community connection. Keynote speaker David Campbell shared research on immigration, population growth and retention, highlighting newcomers' contributions to entrepreneurship and the local workforce. A newcomer panel shared personal experiences of building a life in Sarnia-Lambton, adding local perspectives to the discussion. Thank you to the speakers, panellists and attendees who contributed to the forum. |
Skilled trades help power Sarnia-Lambton's economy From building infrastructure to maintaining industrial facilities, skilled trades professionals play an essential role in Sarnia-Lambton's economy. Their expertise supports daily operations, business expansion and new investment across the region. On October 14, SLEP participated in the Skilled Trades Expo at Lambton College, supporting awareness of trades careers and pathways into the workforce. Events like this help introduce the next generation to careers that are vital to our region's long-term growth. |
Local Industry Link connects employers and young talent On October 7, SLEP brought employers, students and young professionals together at Sports by Refined Fool for Local Industry Link. Organized in partnership with Lambton College, the event offered a casual setting to meet local employers, explore career paths and build professional connections. The event is part of SLEP's ongoing work to connect businesses with talent and help young people see opportunities to build their careers in Sarnia-Lambton. Thank you to the employers and participants who joined us. |
Book a Free Consult with Kelly Hill - Manager of the Business Enterprise Centre Starting a business, planning for growth or considering succession? The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) of Sarnia-Lambton provides free, confidential consultations to help you work through questions, explore options and identify useful resources. As part of the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre (OSBAC) network, the BEC delivers:
Additional supports include Foodpreneur Advantage, business planning workshops, self-paced e-learning, GrowthWheel tools, events and webinars, and referrals to partner organizations. |
Founders House brings business resources to Sarnia Connect directly with business support organizations at Founders House on Monday, November 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at SLEP. Presented in partnership with TechAlliance, the event gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to ask questions, explore available programs and discuss their business needs with representatives from BDC, FedDev Ontario, the Trade Commissioner Service, Innovation Canada, IPON, OCI, MEDJCT and NRC IRAP. |
Join us for a Business Coffee Chat at Cosmo's Cafe Meet other local business owners and connect with the SLEP team at our next Business Coffee Chat on Tuesday, November 24, at Cosmo's Cafe. Drop by to ask questions, share ideas and learn about resources available for your business in a casual setting. |
Remembrance Day Office Closure Our office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Remembrance Day. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, November 12. |
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.
Protect Ontario Financing Program
The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides critical support to businesses facing significant tariff-related disruptions from tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and autos.
Funding will be provided through a term loan to support working capital costs (for example, payroll, leases, utilities).
Term loan parameters:
- minimum $250,000.00
- repayable up to 72 months (6 years)
- no penalty for prepayment
- annual repayment frequency
- applicant to demonstrate the ability to meet repayment requirements and provide security satisfactory to the province
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.
Do's and Don'ts when crossing the U.S. border
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Free Webinar by the Government of Ontario
Tax Help for T1 Businesses
(Self-Employed, Sole Proprietorship, or Partnerships)
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Free SLEP Webinar, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency
How to Sell Your Food Product
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Free Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Costing, Pricing, & Unit Economics
Thursday, November 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Free Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Job & Community Service Fair
Friday, November 13, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
French Community Centre, 901 The Rapids Parkway, Sarnia
Founders House Sarnia: Connect with the resources to grow your business
Monday, November 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SLEP Office, 1086 Modeland Rd, Bldg. 1050, Ste. 100, Sarnia
Tax Help for T2 Businesses
(Self-incorporated and Small Corporations)
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Free SLEP Webinar, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency
Chamber's 2026 Business Showcase
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DeGroot’s Nurseries, 1840 London Line, Sarnia
Marketing and Branding Your Food Product
Thursday, November 19, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Free Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Bridging People and Employers Networking Event
Thursday, November 19, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sidepockets (by Stoke’s Inland), 1202 Lambton Mall Rd, Sarnia
Business Coffee Chat at Cosmo’s Cafe
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cosmo’s Cafe, 582 Broadway St, Wyoming
Food Safety Fundamentals for Founders
Thursday, November 26, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Free Webinar by Foodpreneur Advantage
Pricing With Purpose: Are You Charging Enough?
Monday, November 30, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Veranda, 148 Front Street N, Sarnia
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.
Together, We’re Building the Future of Sarnia-Lambton
Rooted in collaboration and driven by opportunity, Sarnia-Lambton is where businesses grow, ideas thrive, and communities prosper. With a strong industrial foundation and a culture of innovation, our region is shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.
Discover why more people are choosing to live, work, and invest in #SarniaLambton.
