Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) · The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides non-repayable funding to Canadian businesses in southern Ontario affected by tariffs to address liquidity pres…

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Overview

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides non-repayable funding to Canadian businesses in southern Ontario affected by tariffs to address liquidity pressures and strengthen competitiveness. Businesses can access up to $2 million for liquidity assistance (50% of costs) and/or up to $1 million for pivot projects (50% non-repayable, or 75% if repayable), with a maximum combined total of $20 million in RTRI funding.

Eligibility

Canadian businesses across all tariff-impacted sectors with minimum annual revenue of $1 millionBusinesses facing tariff-related financial pressures requiring liquidity assistance or undertaking competitiveness-improving activitiesNot-for-profit organizations that help businesses adapt, grow, and expand trade opportunities

Eligible projects

Liquidity assistance for businesses experiencing tariff-related financial pressures to maintain Canadian operations and retain employeesPivot projects that improve productivity, increase competitiveness, and reduce exposure to future trade disruptionsProjects must be completed by March 31, 2029 (for pivot projects) or within 12 months (for liquidity assistance)

Financing terms

Liquidity assistance: non-repayable funding up to $2 million covering up to 50% of eligible costs, with funding period up to 12 months ending no later than March 31, 2028Pivot projects: non-repayable funding up to $1 million (50% of costs) for local/regional projects or repayable funding for larger transformative projects (75% of costs)Combined maximum of $3 million in non-repayable funding or $20 million total when repayable support is included

How to apply

1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.

2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.

3Apply on feddev-ontario.canada.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.

4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.

Additional information

Businesses may apply for liquidity assistance, pivot project funding, or bothMaximum of $20 million total RTRI funding per business when both repayable and non-repayable support combinedDelivered nationally by Canada's regional development agencies; in southern Ontario by FedDev OntarioTotal national investment of $3.45 billion across all RDAs

At a glanceMaximum$20MProviderFederal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)DeadlineMar 31, 2029StatusOpenRegionOntarioOfficial sourcefeddev-ontario.canada.ca ↗

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