Eleven local businesses awarded Starter Company Plus grants

The 2026 recipients will receive up to $5,000 and business mentorship through the provincial program.

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has announced eleven local businesses as recipients of the 2026 Starter Company Plus program, which provides grant funding and business support to entrepreneurs in the region.

Each recipient will receive up to $5,000 in grant funding and participate in a four-month program that includes business training, regular meetings with a business advisor, and peer mentorship roundtables.

The 2026 recipients span technology, immigration services, wellness, pet care, mental health, indoor recreation, specialty retail, clinical aesthetics and construction. The businesses were selected based on the strength of their business plans, economic impact, owner investment and long-term sustainability.

“This year’s recipients reflect the range of small businesses operating and growing across Sarnia-Lambton,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “Each owner has demonstrated their need and expected value from the program and put forward a practical plan for the next stage of the business.”

Since 2015, Starter Company Plus has distributed $351,000 in grant funding to 71 businesses across Sarnia-Lambton, supporting local entrepreneurship and job creation.

Kelly Hill, Manager of the Business Enterprise Centre, said the calibre of this year’s applications reflected strong preparation from the recipients. “Our role is to help turn those plans into action by connecting participants with the tools, resources, training, and mentorship they need to continue moving their businesses forward,” Hill said.

The program, funded by the Province of Ontario and delivered locally by the Business Enterprise Centre, supports eligible entrepreneurs who are starting, buying or expanding a business in Lambton County.

Entrepreneurs who were not selected for a grant can access free and confidential support from the Business Enterprise Centre, including consultations, workshops, business planning guidance and referrals to other resources.

For information about Starter Company Plus, visit www.sarnialambton.on.ca/startercompany or contact the Business Enterprise Centre at [email protected].

The 2026 recipients are: C.E Technology Solutions Ltd., Cosima McDonald Immigration Services, Drift Away Wellness, Happy Dance Dog Walking & Training, Inner Calm Clinic, Kainos Indoor Playground, Next Door Rental, Pitch Indoor Sports Ltd., Sarnia African Caribbean Stores, The Skin Renewal Clinic, and Wribar Inc.