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Sarnia, ON – The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP), in collaboration with the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) will host the Western Ontario Fall Funders Forum on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. The event brings together representatives from several Provincial ministries to share funding and incentive programs that support local communities, non-profits, and businesses across Ontario.
The program will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a networking lunch hosted by SLEP from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The forum provides an opportunity for participants to engage directly with ministry representatives and gain insights into available grants, eligibility criteria, evaluation priorities, and program timelines, while also building valuable relationships with funders and regional stakeholders.
Presentations will feature representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation.
“Across Lambton County, businesses, municipalities, and community groups can benefit from leveraging provincial funding and incentive opportunities that support growth, development, diversification, and workforce needs,” said Matthew Slotwinski, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “The Western Ontario Funders Forum brings together representatives from a broad range of ministries in one place, allowing local organizations to connect directly with program representatives and learn about the supports available to help advance their goals.”
“We have seen significant participation in municipalities across Western Ontario where the Fall Funder Forums have taken place,” said Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. “The program represents an opportunity for exposure across a broad range of government supports, helping communities connect with the resources they need to strengthen local and regional development.”
Registration for the event is open at https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/events/western-ontario-fall-funder-forums-2025. All registered attendees are welcome to stay for the networking lunch following the presentations.
Event Details:
This session is part of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus’ Fall Funder Forums 2025 Series, which will include stops in Blyth, Komoka, Paris, Tillsonburg, Midhurst, and Komoka.
About the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Inc. (WOWC) serves as a unified voice for the 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, advocating for their collective interests. Through collaborative efforts, WOWC works to address the unique challenges faced by rural and small urban communities, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that positively impact the region’s 1.6 million residents.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership:
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we focus on promoting the distinct advantages Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and maintaining a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
For Media Inquiries:
Arianne Garcia
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
(519) 332 1820 ext 225
arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
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