Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
If your business has been impacted by international trade disruptions, especially U.S. or Chinese Tariffs, the federal government’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) may offer your business some support.
Launched in March 2025 with $450 million in federal funding and expanded to $1 billion over three years as of September 5th, 2025, RTRI is delivered through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). The initiative provides funding for projects aimed at boosting productivity, driving growth, and diversifying markets for SMEs. The funding and criteria are limited and varies by region and sector.
With most RDAs now publicly sharing their program details, we’ve compiled the key requirements to help your business determine eligibility. Check if you qualify, let us know if the program benefits your business, or share with our Business Advisors why it may not meet your needs.
Eligibility Criteria
The RTRI has a few layers of eligibility
| Business Eligibility |
Most RDAs are providing the RTRI to:
Some regions narrow this further such as:
|
| Impact Eligibility |
Across the program, you or the businesses you support generally must:
OR
|
| Project Eligibility |
Eligible projects generally need to:
Costs can often be retroactive up to 12 months before application, but not earlier than March 21, 2025, and projects normally must be completed by March 31, 2028 |
Deadlines and eligibility vary by RDA. Click on your RDA below to learn about the RTRI.
| Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) | Intake | Who can apply | What you can receive |
| Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) |
Open No fixed end date indicated |
Incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, or individuals operating a business. |
Case-by-case repayable or non-repayable contributions. Non-repayable funding is based on specific criteria including preference to projects in the steel and auto sectors and strong regional economic benefits. |
| Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) |
Closed A new submission period is planned for early 2026. |
SMEs in manufacturing with less than 500 employees, located and operating in Quebec. Must be in business for at least three years and have generated revenues of $2 million or more during the last completed fiscal year. |
Up to $1million in non-repayable funding for two types of projects:
Minimum assistance: $100,000 |
| Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) |
Open Delivering in Nunavut, NWT, and Yukon |
Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives; Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations; and, Non-profit organizations that support businesses |
Case-by-case repayable or non-repayable contributions. Contact operations@cannor.gc.ca to express interest or for more information. |
| Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) |
Open Accepting applications on a continuous basis. |
Incorporated, registered to do business for at least the past 3 years. For profit business employing of 5-499 full-time employees. |
Repayable Funding: |
| Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) |
Open |
Incorporated SMEs including Indigenous businesses that employ 5 or more full-time employees, are viable for at least 3 consecutive years. |
Based on the minimum amount required to carry out the project. Non-Repayable Contributions to a maximum of $1 million. Eligible for reimbursement up to 50% towards eligible costs. Repayable Contributions over $1 million. Eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible costs. Terms of repayment will depend on the project agreement. |
| Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) |
Open Apply before Dec. 31, 2027, or until funding is fully allocated. |
Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations not-for-profit organizations that support businesses Preference may be given to majority Canadian-owned businesses applicants with higher proportions of Canadian inputs, applicants demonstrating higher leverage of funding from non-PrairiesCan sources applicants or industries experiencing a higher severity of tariff impact. |
Government funding can cover up to 90% of project costs for business or commercial revenue-generating projects Repayable contribution funding normally covers up to 50% of eligible project costs and is repaid with no interest over 5 years in monthly installments beginning 1 year after the project end date. |
| Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) |
Open Closing date to be announced with at least 20 business days’ notice before intake closes. |
Incorporated for-profit businesses with 10-499 full-time employees and non-profit organizations that support SMEs. | Repayable contributions Interest-free repayable contributions of $200,000 to $10 million per project. Up to 75% of eligible costs for commercial projects. Non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million per project that generate economic benefits for the local economy and play an important role in supporting the local supply chain. Up to 50% of eligible costs for commercial projects (may receive up to 100% for not-for-profits). |
FAQ
Will I be eligible if I'm affected by the de minimis ending?
CFIB is pushing for more clarity, so far ACOA has shared that businesses affected by the de minimis could possibly be eligible.
What are the situations where businesses can get a non-repayable loan?
ACOA – More details to come
FedDev – Small business of under $100K & Steel and Automotive can receive a non-repayable loan
Need Help?
CFIB is here to support you. If you need help preparing your application or understanding the program, reach out to us at 1-833-568-2342 or cfib@cfib.ca We’ll help you connect with your local RDA and make sure you have what you need to apply.
Let us know if you’ve applied—and if this program made a difference for your business!
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