Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Atlantic Canada

Who can apply for RTRI funding?

Includes entities currently eligible under REGI program authorities that are directly or indirectly impacted, or that are supporting businesses impacted, by the ongoing trade war, including tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China and Canadian counter-tariffs.

Eligible recipients may include:

• incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, or individuals operating a business
• Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
• non-profit organizations, industry and sector associations, boards of trades, and provincial entities that support affected businesses

In some cases, SMEs may receive non-repayable funding based on specific criteria. This includes projects in the steel and auto sectors.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• meet the objectives of the REGI program, and
• show that at least 25% of their sales are to the U.S. and/or to China, OR demonstrate that they, or the businesses they support, have been directly or indirectly affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. and China tariffs or Canadian counter-tariffs

Impacted businesses in all affected sectors may qualify for non-repayable funding of up to $1 million based on specific criteria (for example generating local economic benefits, targeting regional, national, or international markets, being Canadian-owned, and prioritizing the purchase of Canadian goods and services). They must be able to demonstrate being negatively affected by tariffs or the uncertainty they have created.

What types of activities are eligible for funding?

Eligible activities are focused on increasing productivity, driving growth and diversifying markets for SMEs and sectors affected by recent tariffs or countermeasures. Examples include:

• investing in digitization, automation or technology integration to enhance productivity and competitiveness
• conducting market diagnostics, developing and expanding markets (for example customer diversification, reducing exposure)
• establishing strategic alliances, optimizing supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to enhance global and/or domestic presence
• strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of SMEs and the reliability of domestic markets
• business support, market development in all markets, and guidance services, for example advice for businesses from a sectoral intermediary organization.
• reshoring or onshoring of production, research and development, and recruitment of highly qualified personnel and expertise to the region

Eligible costs may be retroactive up to 12 months before applying, but no earlier than March 21, 2025.

Funding details

• Repayable contributions to eligible businesses
• Non-repayable contributions up to $1 million may be made to eligible businesses
• Non-repayable contributions may be made to eligible not-for-profit entities
• Exact funding amounts are determined during the review process

How to apply

If you are unsure whether the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is right for you, please speak with your local ACOA program officer, or contact the office nearest you. You can also consult our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions.

If you're ready to apply, please send us your application along with the required documentation (for example financial statements, proof of tariff impact, business plan, etc.) through the Application for Financial Assistance page.