Eleven businesses across Sarnia-Lambton have received a major boost, taking home up to $5,000 each through the 2026 Starter Company Plus program.
The four-month initiative, funded by the province and delivered by the local Business Enterprise Centre at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP), paired grant funding with hands-on business training, advisory support, and peer mentorship.
SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski said the program gives entrepreneurs the network and capital needed to create local jobs and fuel economic growth.
"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," Slotwinski said. "Starter Company Plus gives them funding, advice and a network of peers to help put those plans into action. But more importantly, these businesses are creating jobs, filling gaps in our communities, and helping shape the future of economic growth in Sarnia-Lambton."
The 2026 grant recipients include:
1. C.E Technology Solutions Ltd., which installs and supports wired security systems and network infrastructure for homes, businesses and industrial facilities.
2. Cosima McDonald Immigration Services, which provides Canadian immigration guidance and representation.
3. Drift Away Wellness, a wellness studio in Wyoming offering Japanese head spa treatments and other relaxation-focused services.
4. Happy Dance Dog Walking & Training.
5. Inner Calm Clinic, which offers social work, counselling and psychotherapy services in downtown Sarnia.
6. Kainos Indoor Playground, a new indoor play space for children and families set to open this fall on Confederation Street in Sarnia.
7. Next Door Rental, a peer-to-peer marketplace where people can rent or list tools, trailers, outdoor equipment, and other items.
8. Pitch Indoor Sports Ltd., a year-round indoor training facility for baseball, softball, soccer and other field sports in Sarnia.
9. Sarnia African Caribbean Stores, a specialty grocery retailer in downtown Sarnia.
10. The Skin Renewal Clinic, a nurse-led clinical aesthetics practice in Sarnia specializing in medical micro needling and collagen induction therapy.
11. Wribar Inc., which provides reinforcing steel services for construction projects.
Entrepreneurs who were not selected for a grant can continue to access free and confidential support from the Business Enterprise Centre, including consultations, workshops, business planning guidance and referrals to other resources.
Since 2015, the initiative has invested over $350,000 into more than 70 regional businesses.
