Ten Sarnia-Lambton businesses are getting a significant boost after being selected for the 2025 Starter Company Plus grant program.

Ten Sarnia-Lambton businesses are getting a significant boost after being selected for the 2025 Starter Company Plus grant program.

The program, delivered by the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) and funded by the Province of Ontario, provides local entrepreneurs with $5,000 in grant funding, specialized business training, mentorship, and peer support.

This year’s recipients represent a diverse cross-section of the local economy, including bridal fashion, specialty cafés, health and wellness services, recreation, and advanced manufacturing. The businesses are located in communities across the region, including Sarnia, St. Clair Township, and Lambton Shores.

“These business owners are doing more than running a company. They are creating jobs, filling gaps in our communities, and helping shape what life looks like across Sarnia-Lambton,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “Starter Company Plus gives them support at critical stages of starting or expanding, and we are proud to help them build businesses that add value to the region.”

The program has a track record of fostering local entrepreneurship, with many past participants going on to expand their operations and create new jobs.

Alison Minato, Manager of the Business Enterprise Centre, noted the competitive nature of the application process and the resilience of local entrepreneurs.

“Entrepreneurship takes courage, diligence, and resourcefulness. This program is designed to recognize and encourage all three,” Minato said. “We are thrilled to see so many great businesses brewing in Sarnia-Lambton and to be able to work with these entrepreneurs in particular as they learn, grow, and build their businesses.”

Minato added that even those who were not selected for the grant still have access to the Business Enterprise Centre’s advisory support and learning resources.

The ten businesses selected for the 2025 Starter Company Plus program are:

  1. Red Bird Grief Care, Rebecca Sletten (Sarnia): A mission-driven business offering compassionate grief support services, tools, and guidance for children and families navigating illness and loss.

  2. Aliya Bridal Fashions, Gamze Sayin (Sarnia): Under new ownership, this downtown boutique offers a modern, elevated shopping experience for brides, proms, and other special occasions.

  3. Siren Section, BoWaine Ma & Amber Harding (Lambton Shores): A women and queer-focused surf and skate club creating a safe and inclusive space through workshops, lessons, rentals, and social events.

  4. Stone And Barrel, Andreane Longpre & Sherri Morrison (St. Clair Township): A mobile, wood-burning sauna rental service that delivers unique wellness experiences to locations throughout Lambton County.

  5. Tempest Industries, AJ Collins (Sarnia): A CNC manufacturing company specializing in precision machining and advanced manufacturing, handling everything from rapid prototyping to full-scale production.

  6. Cakebook Café & Classes, Svetlana Alekseeva (Sarnia): A cozy café offering specialty coffee and handcrafted desserts made from scratch, as well as themed cake decorating classes and private events.

  7. All Hours Home Care, Kelly Gleeson & Heather Taylor (Sarnia): A locally owned, non-medical home care agency providing compassionate, professional in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

  8. The White Lantern B&B, Beatrice Powell (Sarnia): A new bed and breakfast located in downtown Sarnia’s historic Loughead Block, offering guests a quaint Victorian-era stay close to the waterfront and local attractions.

  9. Heroic Audio Productions, Eric Westelaken (Sarnia): A versatile recording studio and mobile audio production company offering services like in-studio recording, on-location sound for film, podcast production, and live event sound.

  10. JLS Pro Painting, Jacob Serratore (Sarnia): A professional painting service for residential and commercial properties across Sarnia-Lambton, focused on high-quality materials and customer satisfaction.

The Starter Company Plus program is open to Ontario residents 18 years or older who are looking to start or expand a business and are not attending school full-time.