Businesses across Canada continue to face challenges related to tariffs and global trade uncertainty. To help businesses respond, adapt, and grow, the Government of Canada has expanded the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered through Canada's regional development agencies. The initiative is delivered in our region by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). 

The enhanced initiative provides additional support to businesses affected by tariffs to address liquidity pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify into new markets, and build resilience in the face of global trade disruptions. 

Backed by an additional $1.5 billion investment, the expanded RTRI provides eligible businesses with up to $3 million in non-repayable funding, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs and up to $1 million for projects. Support remains available on a repayable basis for businesses for larger-scale transformative projects, as well as for not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario whose primary focus is to support businesses; not-for-profit organizations are not eligible for liquidity support.

Applications are now open.

We encourage businesses interested in learning more about eligibility and available funding to visit FedDev Ontario's website or contact FedDev Ontario directly at 1-866-593-5505 or email info@feddevontario.gc.ca. For information on the broader suite of tariff supports for businesses and workers, they can also contact 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit Canada Strong - Canada.ca.