RTRI Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How is liquidity support determined?

The amount is based mainly on 50% of your average monthly payroll for up to 12 months. If necessary, certain essential operating costs may also be considered.

Funding will not exceed your demonstrated need or $2 million, whichever is less, and may be reduced to account for other government assistance.

See the application guide for details on the calculation and required documents.

2. What are pivot projects?

• Pivot projects support businesses undertaking projects that improve productivity, increase competitiveness and reduce exposure to future trade disruptions. A business can normally request non-repayable contributions (up to $1 million) representing up to 50% of total project costs where the project demonstrates broader economic benefits OR repayable contributions (over $1 million) for larger commercial projects representing up to 75% of total project costs.
  • A business can receive a maximum of $20 million under the RTRI, including liquidity support.
• Funding is project-based and must result in incremental and measurable outcomes and add value to the existing activities already undertaken by the applicant.
• Project start dates may be up to 12 months prior to application submission.
• Projects must be completed by no later than March 31, 2029.

Repayable contributions are interest-free. If approved, the schedule of payments will be set out in your contribution agreement.

3. Can I receive liquidity support and support for a pivot project?

Yes, eligible businesses may be eligible for liquidity support and a pivot project. For greater clarity, a business may be eligible to receive funding for one of the following combinations of projects:

• liquidity assistance only, capped at $2 million
• liquidity assistance plus a non-repayable pivot project up to $1 million, for a maximum aggregate contribution of up to $3 million
• liquidity assistance plus a pivot project over $1 million, for a maximum aggregate contribution of up to $20 million
• non-repayable pivot project of up to $1 million
• repayable pivot project over $1 million

The above may involve multiple contribution agreements.

4. Who is eligible?

Your business must be an incorporated for-profit business located and operating in Atlantic Canada and have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in at least one of the last two fiscal years.

Support is also available for non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada whose primary focus is to support businesses. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for liquidity support.

5. What is viability?

Viability will be assessed through applicant attestation, financial information and confirmation of the business' operating history. Businesses must demonstrate that they were viable prior to the applicable tariff impact.

6. Is an existing RTRI recipient eligible for liquidity support?

Yes. Current RTRI recipients may be eligible for liquidity support beginning no earlier than August 22, 2026, and for up to 12 months, provided there is no duplication of funding for costs that are already being supported through an existing contribution agreement. Existing clients should contact their project officer for more information.

7. Do I need a pivot project to receive liquidity support?

No. Businesses seeking liquidity assistance are not required to submit a pivot project. However, they must demonstrate a material liquidity needs related to tariff impact and commit to maintaining operations and employment in Canada.

8. What documents will I need to apply?

Applicants will be required to provide:

• corporate information and a business profile
• financial statements for the past two years
• evidence of tariff impacts, such as export sales information
• information regarding other government funding received
• for liquidity assistance: payroll records, a quantified demonstration of liquidity needs (for example, cash flow forecasts), employment retention targets and operational obligations

9. What costs are eligible under the RTRI?

Eligible costs depend on the type of support being requested. For businesses seeking liquidity support, funding is intended to help maintain operations and employment in Canada during periods of tariff-related disruption.

Liquidity support is based on the business’ demonstrated and quantified liquidity needs. The amount of support is determined with reference to eligible payroll costs, although other operating costs are eligible and may be taken into consideration.

This type of assistance is provided for a limited period to help address short-term tariff-related pressures, up to a maximum of 12 months ending no later than March 31, 2028.

For businesses undertaking pivot projects, eligible costs are new, additional costs directly related to activities that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification or long-term growth.

For all types of support, costs are ineligible if they are deemed unreasonable, non-incremental and/or not directly related to project activities. Examples include land and building acquisition, entertainment expenses, motor vehicle costs, refinancing existing debt, and more.

10. Can my project receive support from other government programs at the same time?

Yes. Businesses may receive support from other federal, provincial, territorial or municipal programs, provided there is no duplication of funding for the same costs.

Applicants must disclose all sources of government assistance received or requested. For liquidity assistance, costs already reimbursed through another government wage or operating support program cannot also be claimed under the RTRI.

11. Do I need to maintain employment in Canada to receive liquidity support?

Yes. The objective of liquidity assistance is to help businesses maintain operations and employment in the region in which they operate while responding to tariff-related disruptions. Applicants will be required to attest that liquidity support will be used to help maintain Canadian operations and retain employees. Recipients will also be required to report on employment and payroll levels during and after the project period. Adjustments will be made should other government supports be received.