The City of Sarnia, in conjunction with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation, welcome the opportunity to provide information and/or guidance for an expanding or new business. 

To access information on the following: Business Assistance Programs, to Register Your Business, the Business Self-Help Office and Business Growth Services, please visit the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. 


The Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation is a not for profit agency funded by The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, providing business counselling and financing to entrepreneurs in Lambton County, as well as assisting with various community based economic development projects.  They specialize in helping small businesses within the areas of development, finance opportunities, grants/loans, proposals, business plans, starting a business and consulting.  Visit the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation website for more information.

 

Why Sarnia?

A great place to do business because Sarnia has:

  • Strategic location on the Ontario-Michigan border
  • One-hour drive to Detroit; 3 hours to Toronto; 6 hours to Chicago
  • International transportation linkages – Blue Water Bridge, deep-water port, CN Rail Tunnel
  • Excellent network of highways – trade corridor to U.S.
  • Diverse manufacturing and emerging technology developments
  • Large available skilled workforce
  • Very affordable housing
  • New modern arts, cultural, sports and recreational facilities
  • Mild climate – short winter season
  • First-class medical facilities
  • Superb lifestyle

Establishing a New Business Location

The site selection process typically considers broad-based attributes such as the quality and availability of the labour force. The cost of labour and the demographics of the labour force are important factors considered by prospective companies and employers. The business climate and the responsiveness and desire of communities to attract new businesses are also a critical community attribute.

Sarnia-Lambton offers a number of existing industrial parks including the Sarnia 402 Business Park (an 85 acre fully serviced development located on Highway 40 at Airport Road) and the Sarnia Business & Research Park (a 200 acre development located on Highway 40 opposite Lambton College and the RBC Centre). In addition to these development opportunities, there are a number of smaller privately owned industrial-commercial properties available for sale throughout the City and region.

Sarnia-Lambton officials have been very successful in facilitating the site selection process over the past few years.