Southern Ontario Businesses Can Apply for Tariff Support

Expanded program will help southern Ontario businesses and organizations manage immediate pressures, adapt to trade disruptions and build a stronger Canada As businesses and workers face challenges related to tariffs and trade uncertainty, the Government of Canada remains focused on protecting Canadian workers, reinforcing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses, and building one strong Canadian economy while helping businesses and communities continue to grow and succeed. Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced that applications are now being accepted for expanded support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in southern Ontario. This includes the provision of liquidity support to tariff impacted businesses. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the RTRI is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers. The enhanced initiative provides increased support to help businesses address liquidity pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify into new markets, and build resilience in an evolving global economy. As part of this expanded support, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $1.5 billion through the RTRI. Eligible businesses may now access up to $3 million in non-repayable funding, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs, alongside existing support for business pivots, productivity improvements, resilience initiatives, and capital investment projects. The initiative will continue to offer repayable funding for larger-scale projects that help businesses adapt, improve resilience, and compete in response to evolving trade and market conditions. Support is also available for not-for-profit organizations that help businesses adapt, grow, and expand trade opportunities. The Government of Canada remains focused on helping Canadian businesses grow, compete, and succeed while creating good jobs and strengthening economic resilience across the country.