Diageo Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Support Grant

The Diageo Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Grant is a one-time grant program that provides up to $4,000 in funding to eligible small businesses operating in Lambton County. The program is delivered by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and funded by Diageo Canada to support business sustainability, growth, and job retention.

To apply, the individual applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Be a current resident of Lambton County
• Be legally permitted to register and operate a business in Ontario (e.g., Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, or work permit holder with no restrictions on business ownership or self-employment)
• Deposit business revenues into a Canadian business bank account and file Canadian taxes
• Be able to provide an income statement for the past year of business operation, supported by a tax return
• Clearly identify how the grant will be used and how it will benefit the business
• Note: Applicants do not need to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This program is open to newcomers who meet the above criteria and are authorized to run a business in Canada.

• Be registered and operating in Lambton County
• Have been in continuous operation for at least one year
• Be operated full-time (at least 30 hours/week by the owner or an employee)
• Be a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder
• Be in compliance with all government regulations

The following are not eligible:

• Franchises or distributorships
• Non-profit or charitable organizations
• Part-time businesses
• Multi-level marketing (MLM) ventures
• Partnerships where all business partners do not meet the eligibility criteria
• Any business that may pose a reputational risk or have a negative community impact

Grant funds must be used for specific business-related purposes outlined in your submitted project plan. Examples include:

• Hiring or retaining staff
• Purchasing equipment or inventory
• Marketing and promotional efforts
• Digital upgrades or operational improvements
• Renovations to improve facilities
• Note that the funds cannot be used for personal expenses or items unrelated to your business.

• Applications open: August 11, 2025
• Applications close: September 30, 2025
• Applicants notified: By October 13, 2025
• Funds distributed: By November 2025

You’ll need:

• A completed online application form
• A cover letter (max 1 page) outlining your business details, goals, and grant usage
• Proof of business registration
• Income statement for the past 12 months
• Cash flow projections for the next 12 months (support available)

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Evaluation criteria include:

• Clear demonstration of financial need and growth opportunity
• Feasibility of the project and use of funds
• Job creation or retention potential
• Alignment with grant priorities (e.g. hospitality, public-facing business)
• Relevance to the community and/or impact on the local economy

Yes. Recipients must:

• Participate in at least two SLEP or SBEC consultations or attend two SLEP or SBEC training events within 6 months of grant distribution.
• Submit a short follow-up report or survey within six months, outlining:
  • Use of funds
  • Business progress and outcomes (e.g. revenue growth, job creation)
  • Feedback on the grant process

Yes. Selected businesses will be recognized as part of Sarnia-Lambton Business Week 2025, including a public announcement and photo opportunity. This is a chance to showcase your business success and highlight your contribution to the local economy.

Yes. While not required, we encourage applicants to connect with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership before applying. We can help clarify requirements and strengthen your submission. To connect with us, please contact Chantelle Core at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca or call 519-332-1820.