Government Grants Panel Discussion

This panel will feature representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming as well as the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to discuss changes in the application process for 2026, tips and tricks for a successful grant application and an open discussion Q and A period.

Outcomes:

1) Ensure the audience understands EO’s (Experience Ontario’s) program model and value proposition.

2) Clarify EO’s eligibility criteria, application process, and timelines

3) Highlight how EO supports capacity building and sustainable growth. 

BIO:

Sweety Bharij has been a dedicated member of the Ontario Public Service for over 15 years and has served as a Regional Development Advisor since March 2024. In this role, she has provided strategic support across several key initiatives, including Experience Ontario Grant, the Summer Experience Opportunities Grant, the Community Sport &amp;amp; Recreation Infrastructure Fund Grant &amp;amp; the RAISE grant.<

Sweety is also committed to capacity building through the delivery of workshops focused on guiding applicants through the grant application process. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and ensuring that Ontario’s regions are vibrant, inclusive, and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.

This panel will feature representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming as well as the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to discuss changes in the application process for 2026, tips and tricks for a successful grant application and an open discussion Q and A period.

Outcomes:

1) Ensure the audience understands EO’s (Experience Ontario’s) program model and value proposition.

2) Clarify EO’s eligibility criteria, application process, and timelines

3) Highlight how EO supports capacity building and sustainable growth

BIO:

Aruba is a multi-sector professional with over a decade of experience in growing the creative economies and diversifying tourism outreach throughout Ontario and abroad. A storyteller at heart, she combines localized strategy, marketing, community development, and events expertise to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences. She supports key grant programs as a regional funder and facilitates connections between established and emerging industry partners. As an advisor with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Aruba curates and amplifies insights to help organizations grow and adapt in a rapidly changing landscape.

This panel will feature representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming as well as the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to discuss changes in the application process for 2026, tips and tricks for a successful grant application and an open discussion Q and A period.

Outcomes:

1) The audience understanding the unique model of OCAF (part loan part grant

2) The audience understanding OCAF eligibility requirements and application process and timelines;

3) Receiving applications from several new organizations/events in the proceeding months/years

BIO:

Thomas has over 20 years of experience in international, federal, provincial, and municipal public policy and administration and is well versed in policy analysis, program design, program evaluation and decision-making processes at all three levels of domestic government as well as the non-profit sector. Thomas began working at the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund in 2012 and named was OCAF’s Executive Director in 2024.

Before joining OCAF, Thomas worked for the Ontario Arts Council, the Federal Government of Canada (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Office of Literacy and Essential Skills), the United Nations Environment Program (Ozone Secretariat), and the Town of Hudson in Quebec. Thomas splits his time between Toronto and Burk’s Fall in the Almaguin Highlands north of Huntsville.