Regional Tariff Response Initiative in British Columbia-Eligible applicants 

Eligible applicants

To be eligible, your business must:

• be an incorporated for-profit business located and operating in British Columbia
• have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of your company’s last two fiscal years
• have been viable prior to tariffs

Support is also available for not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia whose primary focus is to support businesses.

In addition, your business must demonstrate that it has been affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures or countervailing duties. This could be demonstrated if your business:

• operates in a sector impacted by Section 338 or Section 232 tariffs (including direct exporters and also indirect exposure, for example as a supply chain partner to an affected exporter), or operates in another tariff impacted sector
• has at least 25% or more revenue coming from goods that are ultimately exported to the U.S.
• has experienced significant cost increases where tariffs have raised the price of goods and materials needed for production; supply chain disruption; or loss of revenue or customers

Ineligible applicants are:

• not-for-profit organizations seeking liquidity support for their own operating expenses
• businesses that are unable to demonstrate direct or indirect tariff exposure

Types of projects and eligibility

• Liquidity assistance (for businesses): Short-term support, where necessary, to maintain operations and employment. Eligible costs include:
  • employee salary and wages
  • essential recurring operating expenses related to rent or commercial lease payments, utilities, business insurance and property taxes
• Pivot projects (for businesses): Designed to help businesses become more competitive and resilient over the longer term. Eligible activities may include:
  • productivity improvements and process modernization
  • equipment and technology adoption, including automation and digitization
  • market diversification and export development
  • supply chain resilience
  • activities that increase competitiveness and reduce trade-related risks
• NFP projects: For organizations in British Columbia that support businesses impacted by tariffs.

Businesses may apply for both liquidity support and a pivot project at the same time if they require immediate financial support while undertaking activities to strengthen their long-term competitiveness and resilience. Previous RTRI recipients may also be eligible for this liquidity support. Existing RTRI recipients should contact their project officer for more information.