A new initiative to support local businesses across Lambton County has officially launched. The Lambton Business Collaborative (LBC) brings together regional economic and municipal partners to offer coordinated support and advocacy for businesses facing local and global challenges.
The newly formed group is kicking off its programming with two events in April aimed at helping business owners navigate economic uncertainty and shifting trade policies.
On April 8, the LBC will host a free webinar titled Navigating Tariffs: Financing Solutions for Impacted Businesses, running from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The session will feature experts from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), offering insight and financing strategies for businesses affected by international tariffs. To register, visit: www.sarnialambton.on.ca/lbc-navigating-tariffs.
A second event, Economic Outlook 2025: Navigating the Unknown, will take place in person on April 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward. Hosted in partnership with the BDC, Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce, and the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, the evening will feature keynote speaker Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC. Registration details are available on the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce Community Events page.
“The LBC is actively working to bring together the entirety of the economic development ecosystem across Lambton County so that we can proactively and reactively develop and provide resourcing and advocacy for businesses and industries that need it most,” said Shauna Carr, Chair of the Lambton Business Collaborative.
Carr noted that a key focus is supporting businesses impacted by ongoing cross-border trade and tariff issues: “A priority focus at this time is on providing programming to assist in minimizing the impacts of the ongoing tariff and international trade situation, while actively creating opportunities to engage with those who are most burdened.”
In addition to the two April events, the LBC is finalizing plans for a Tariffs and International Trade Forum in early May. The forum will offer businesses the chance to share their experiences and help shape regional advocacy efforts.
The Lambton Business Collaborative includes the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Grand Bend and Area Chamber of Commerce, Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development Board, Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, Community Futures Lambton, and the municipalities of Sarnia, Lambton Shores, and Warwick.
For more information, visit: sarnialambton.on.ca/lambton-business-collaborative.