Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Atlantic Canada
The Government of Canada has announced an expansion to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support SMEs affected by tariffs, including those facing liquidity challenges. Details regarding the implementation of this additional support in Atlantic Canada will be made available shortly.
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The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), ACOA is providing $110 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region impacted by tariffs. This initiative is part of the broader Government tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers, and is strengthening the competitiveness of Atlantic businesses by helping them boost productivity, cut costs, build more resilient supply chains and reach new markets.
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 ongoing trade disruptions, 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 are receiving non-repayable support up to $1 million based on specific criteria (for example generating local economic benefits and targeting regional, national or international markets, and being Canadian-owned). They must 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 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
- 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
- The RTRI is a time-limited initiative ending March 31, 2029, or when funds are fully committed
How to apply
Required documentation, including proof of tariff impact, should be submitted as part of the application process. Consult our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions about the RTRI and review the directions on our How to apply for financial assistance page.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.