Are you a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or existing business owner looking for guidance? The Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton is your go-to resource for business support, mentorship, funding opportunities, and training. Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding an existing business, our team is here to help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and accelerate your success.
The Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton is part of the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre (OSBAC) network. Through the network, we offer programs with training, mentorship and financial support for people starting a business, growing an established one or planning for succession. Explore the programs below to find the support that fits your next step.
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STARTER COMPANY PLUS
Provides training, mentoring, and grant opportunities up to $5,000 for eligible entrepreneurs (18+) to start, expand or buy a small business.
SUMMER COMPANY
Provides training, mentoring and grants up to $3,000 to Ontario students, between the ages of 15 and 29, who wish to start a full-time business over the summer.
SUCCESSION ONTARIO
An online hub that provides centralized free resources and tools for selling and buying a small business in Ontario, with a focus on preparing businesses for smooth ownership transition.
The Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton offers additional support for local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Book a free, confidential one-on-one consultation to discuss your questions, explore your options and find resources to help you start or grow your business.
FOODPRENEUR ADVANTAGE
The Foodpreneur Advantage program connects aspiring and established food entrepreneurs with expert guidance, industry insights, and resources tailored to the food and beverage sector.
EVENTS & WEBINARS
Stay ahead in business with expert-led workshops, networking events, and live webinars covering essential topics like marketing, finance, and business growth. Join us to gain insights, strategies, and connections that can take your business to the next level.
OUR PARTNERS
We collaborate with leading organizations, including Community Futures Lambton, Invest Sarnia, BDC, TechAlliance, SBC Ontario, and more, to bring you comprehensive business support, funding, and mentorship opportunities.
BUSINESS PLANNING FOR
ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS
This free eight-session workshop with Chelsea Hart, Executive Coach and Founder of Your Initiative Co., focuses on building a clear and practical business plan.
Participants will work through the business planning process, clarify their goals and develop a stronger foundation for long-term growth. The workshop can also help entrepreneurs prepare for a future Starter Company Plus application.
Please note that applications for the Fall cohort is now closed.
BUSINESS PLANNING E-LEARNING (AT YOUR OWN PACE)
This self-directed e-learning series is focused on business planning and provides entrepreneurs with practical, hands-on training to build a clear and actionable plan for starting or strengthening their business. This business planning training is also an
excellent preparation for those interested in applying for the Starter Company Plus grant program.
We have limited seats available. To see if this is the right fit for you and to register, please book a consult with one of our advisors.
GROWTHWHEEL BUSINESS E-LEARNING & TOOLS (AT YOUR OWN PACE)
This GrowthWheel resource helps entrepreneurs identify their learning priorities and provides OnDemand access to practical training on the full spectrum of GrowthWheel business action planning and decision-making tools.
To see if this program is the right fit for you and to register for access, book a consult with a SLEP BEC GrowthWheel Certified Advisor. Our GrowthWheel Certified Advisor is also available to work with you in tandem with these courses.
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Rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and coastal inspiration, Blue Coast Bitters is redefining the cocktail experience with handcrafted, all-natural bitters. Based in Sarnia, founders Sandra and Jamie transformed their love for mixology and botanicals into an artisanal brand that celebrates bold flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Each bottle is carefully crafted to enhance cocktails and culinary creations, making every sip an experience to remember.
Discover how Blue Coast Bitters is bringing innovation to the beverage industry—one drop at a time.
Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres deliver provincially funded programs and services that help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow and succeed. With more than 50 centres across Ontario, OSBACs foster local business growth and strengthen communities across the province.
OSBAC programs and services are delivered by the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) of Sarnia-Lambton and are funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. The BEC provides information, referrals, advisory services, mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities and business resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of development.
The Business Enterprise Centre provides free, confidential business advisory services to aspiring entrepreneurs, those in the start-up stage, and existing small businesses in the Sarnia-Lambton area.
