Amount: 50%-75% of the project costs up to $10 million in fully repayable financial support OR under $100,000 in non-repayable.

The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses in the steel and automotive industries. It invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness.

Eligibility Requirements for Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

  • be located and operating anywhere in Canada
  • be incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or any of the provinces or territories for at least the past 3 years
  • operate as a for-profit business
  • employ a minimum of 5 full-time employees and fewer than 500 full-time employees
  • viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.
  • have at least 25% of your sales in the markets targeted by the tariffs;
    OR
    demonstrate that it has been directly affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. and China tariffs or Canadian countermeasures

Eligibility activities

  • Digitizing, automating, or adopting new technologies.
  • Market research, development, expansion, and trade missions.
  • Building partnerships, optimizing supply chains, and ensuring compliance.
  • Strengthening domestic supply chains and internal trade.
  • Business support and advisory services.
  • Reshoring production, R&D, and skilled expertise to Canada.

Funding

Businesses can request $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million in an interest-free loan, OR under $100,000 in grant support. For applicants representing the steel and automotive industries, the government will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs (through repayable and non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000).

IMPORTANT: Businesses in the steel and automotive industries can apply to the general stream or request grants of $100,000 to $1,000,000.

Timeline

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is accepting applications on a continuous basis.

How to Apply for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

The funding is provided by Federal Economic Development Agencies located across Canada. Contact one of the following agencies in your province or territory.

Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Quebec (information coming soon)
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (information coming soon)
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Northern Ontario (information coming soon)
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

Southern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba  (information coming soon)
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

British Columbia (information coming soon)
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)