Nine local businesses were recently gifted a financial boost from the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP).
Through the Small Business Support Grant program, SLEP handed out grants of up to $4,000 to help support projects aimed at improving services, enhancing services, increasing efficiency and supporting long-term growth.
SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski said they received over 100 grant applications.
"All of which were companies that were looking at strengthening their operations, pursuing growth opportunities and contributing to the continued success of the Sarnia-Lambton small business community," said Slotwinski.
The recipients are undertaking a whole variety of different types of projects.
"From expanding out kitchen capabilities associated with restaurants and associated patio renovations and expansions, to staff training exercises, the purchase of capital equipment, as well as R&D (research and development) pursuits that will be able to see local and global expansion," said Slotwinski.
He said it's great to see that small businesses are looking at the positive path forward rather than kneeling to the negative that's often been the world over the last year and a half.
"The reality is, entrepreneurs and small businesses are resilient. Looking for opportunities to succeed, to thrive, to pursue the next opportunity that will have a true impact on their operation, on their employees and ultimately on the community," he said.
The full list of the 2026 recipients is below:
• The Tin Fiddler • Active Playground Equipment Inc.
• KNK Mechanical Group Inc.
• Kern Water Systems
• Cedar View Farms
• Black Gold Brewery Ltd.
• Ipperwash Beach Plaza
• Lake Life Studio
• Subsea Propulsion Systems
The recipients were formally recognized during SLEP's Legacy and Leadership Summit in May.
