SARNIA, ON – The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is encouraging local companies, municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and small businesses to take advantage of two newly opened provincial funding programs designed to accelerate growth, support infrastructure updates and workforce initiatives across Ontario.
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, administered by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in southwestern Ontario make investments to grow their business, improve productivity, invest in innovation and skills development, pursue new markets, generate broad positive regional economic impact, and create new good, sustainable jobs. Under the Business Stream, eligible companies who have at least 3 years of operations and employ at least 10 people, commit to creating at least 5 new jobs, invest at least $500,000 in the project, and be located in southwest Ontario, may apply for repayable, interest-free contributions of up to 15% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5 million per project. Application Period 20 runs from June 19, 2025, to September 17, 2025.
Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program
The Rural Ontario Development Program, administered by the Ministry of Rural Affairs and successor to the former Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, has been modernized with $20 million in cost-share funding over two years. Through four distinct streams, Economic Diversification & Competitiveness, Workforce Development & Attraction, Community Infrastructure Enhancements, and Business Development, the program supports projects that remove barriers to growth, build local capacity, attract and retain investment and jobs, strengthen regional partnerships, and convert community assets into economic drivers. Rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, local services boards, not-for-profit organizations, and rural small businesses employing 1–20 workers may apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, with provincial contributions covering 35% to 50% of eligible costs depending on the stream. The first intake opened on 24 June 2025 and closes on September 24, 2025.
“Provincial programs like these can provide critical support for businesses looking to grow, modernize, or invest in new capabilities,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “Recognizing that many businesses have limited experience with funding applications, our team can work directly with businesses and organizations to assess alignment, provide guidance, and help ensure they’re in the best possible position to move forward with applications.”
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership provides complimentary, confidential assistance to prospective applicants. Our Economic Development Officers can connect businesses with provincial program representatives, offer input and guidance on potential applications, provide letters of support, and review alternative or additional programs that may strengthen overall business goals. By engaging directly with each proponent, we seek to provide the support required to maximize the potential of successful outcomes. Businesses interested in learning more about these programs and/or exploring other available grants and funding opportunities are encouraged to visit https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/investment-incentives.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership:
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we focus on promoting the distinct advantages Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and maintaining a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
For Media Inquiries:
Arianne Garcia
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
(519) 332 1820 ext 225
arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
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