Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

FedNor (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario) · The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides non-repayable funding to help businesses in Northern Ontario affected by tariffs and trade disruptions.

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Overview

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides non-repayable funding to help businesses in Northern Ontario affected by tariffs and trade disruptions. Businesses can access liquidity assistance (up to $2 million, 50% of eligible costs) and pivot project funding (up to $1 million non-repayable or up to $20 million total when including repayable support) to maintain operations, strengthen competitiveness, and build resilience. Support is available to incorporated for-profit businesses with minimum $1 million annual revenue and demonstrable tariff exposure.

Eligibility

Incorporated for-profit business located and operating in Northern OntarioMinimum $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of the last two fiscal yearsBusiness must have been viable prior to March 21, 2025Must demonstrate direct or indirect exposure to U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures, or tariff-impacted sectorsEligible demonstrators include Section 338 or 232 tariff exposure, at least 25% revenue from U.S.-exported goods, or significant tariff-driven cost increasesNot-for-profit organizations focused on supporting businesses are also eligible (for non-operating expense support)

Eligible projects

Liquidity assistance: employee salary and wages, rent or lease payments, utilities, business insurance, and property taxesPivot projects: productivity improvements and process modernizationEquipment and technology adoption including automation and digitizationMarket diversification and export developmentSupply chain resilience and activities that increase competitiveness and reduce trade-related risks

Financing terms

Non-repayable liquidity assistance up to $2 million (50% of eligible costs) for short-term operational supportNon-repayable pivot project funding up to $1 million with local/regional economic benefits (50% of eligible costs)Repayable funding available for pivot projects over $1 million (up to 75% of eligible costs)Maximum combined non-repayable funding of $3 million ($2 million liquidity + $1 million pivot project)Funding period up to 12 months for liquidity assistance (ending no later than March 31, 2028) and variable project timelines (ending no later than March 31, 2029)Businesses may apply for both liquidity support and pivot project funding simultaneously

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 fednor.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

National initiative delivered by Canada's regional development agencies with $3.45 billion total allocationBusinesses must demonstrate tariff impact through direct export exposure, indirect supply chain effects, or cost increases from tariffsApplications reviewed rolling basis through FedNor self-service portalPrevious RTRI recipients may be eligible for additional liquidity supportApplications shared with other government departments including ESDC, BDC, and other RDAs as appropriateIneligible: governments, Crown corporations, and not-for-profits seeking operating expense support

At a glanceMaximum$20MProviderFedNor (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario)DeadlineMar 31, 2029StatusOpenRegionOntarioOfficial sourcefednor.canada.ca ↗

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