An Ontario-wide program that has provided financial support to Sarnia-Lambton entrepreneurs for more than two decades has been cut.

The Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation was notified Friday the province is discontinuing its Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB) program.

Applications will no longer be accepted for the program that provided 42 weeks of employment insurance to support people starting up businesses.

“For some people, it may be the difference between proceeding and not proceeding,” said Don Anderson, general manager of the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation (SLBDC).

Close to 65 Sarnia-Lambton clients are currently being supported through the provincial program administered by the local agency.

In the wake of the news, Anderson said SLBDC is working on a transition plan, including for some of its staff who will be displaced by the closure of the program.

“We’re certainly going to evaluate the programs we offer and all the rest, but we’re certainly going to be supporting our existing clients through the end of our contract to March 31,” he said Friday.

The agency will continue offering its federally-funded programs, including small-business counselling and lending.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, who was responsible for the program, told SLBDC funds from the cancelled program will now be focused on youth and the most marginalized, Anderson noted.

The local agency is awaiting for further information from the province.

Residents in need of business start-up assistance are being asked to visit Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Business Resource Centre in Sarnia’s research park.

barbara.simpson@sunmedia.ca