At Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, we are dedicated to helping local businesses grow by connecting them with a variety of grants and incentive programs. Through our Business Retention and Expansion Program, we provide personalized, one-on-one meetings to assess your business’s unique needs and challenges. Our team works to connect you with the right programs and funding opportunities, guiding you every step of the way.
We also assist in connecting you directly with program administrators and provide ongoing support throughout the application process, ensuring that your business has the best chance to succeed.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most frequently requested grants and funding programs. However, we encourage you to get in touch with us for personalized guidance and to explore the incentives best suited to your business.
Whether you're just starting or scaling your business, the Government of Canada Business Benefits Finder is a great tool to help you find relevant programs and services. Our Economic Development Officers are also available to provide hands-on assistance, connecting you to the right program administrators and helping you navigate the application process.
Before applying, applicants are encouraged to contact our team of Economic Development Officers, who can help assess the fit with the program and provide advice on application preparation by calling (519) 332 1820 or emailing contact@sarnialambton.on.ca
CanExport
Funding, export advisory services, procurement opportunities, and tailored support for diverse exporters entering global markets.
CanExport SMEs
This program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
Funding to assist with investment and job creation in southwestern Ontario.
FedDev Ontario
Supporting companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions, enhance productivity, break into new markets and build for the future.
Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program
Support for initiatives that help rural communities grow their economies, attract investment, and enhance quality of life.
Skills Development Fund - Training Stream
Supports projects addressing workforce training, hiring, or retention challenges by funding programs in in-demand sectors.
Ontario Centre of Innovation Digitalization Competence Centre Programs
In partnership with the provincial and federal governments, OCI accelerates the commercialization and adoption of emerging technologies in Ontario
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in southern Ontario
Helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets.
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Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in Southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario will support businesses and organizations seeking to enter or grow within defence supply chains and strengthen industrial and innovation capacity.
Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Grant Program
Receive up to $4K in support to overcome operational challenges or pursue growth opportunities for your business.
Starter Company Plus
Provides training, mentorship, and up to $5,000 in funding to help entrepreneurs start, expand, or buy a business in Sarnia-Lambton.
Summer Company
Provides training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in funding to help students age 15-29 years old start & run their business over the summer.
Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP)
The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) partners with small and medium-sized automotive suppliers in Ontario. Businesses can receive up to $150,000 covering up to 50% of eligible project costs to support modernization and strengthen Ontario’s automotive supply chain.
Many municipalities in the Sarnia-Lambton region offer Community Improvement Plan (CIP) incentives to help businesses in their community. You can view the available programs for each municipality through the links below.
For more information on Community Improvement Plans or planning assistance, you can contact us or visit the Lambton County Planning and Development page: Lambton County Planning and Development.
Sarnia-Lambton provides businesses with access to grants, incentives, and financial support tailored to drive growth and innovation. Whether you're launching a startup, expanding operations, or investing in new technology, our region offers funding programs designed to help you succeed.
