Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI): eligibility and funding

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) helps eligible Canadian businesses respond to tariff-related disruption. Canada's regional development agencies deliver the federal initiative. Businesses can seek temporary liquidity support, funding for a project that reduces exposure to future trade disruptions, or both.

Who may qualify for RTRI?

Check the rules for the region where your business operates. Common requirements for the business stream include incorporation, pre-tariff viability, evidence of a direct or indirect tariff impact, and annual revenue of at least $1 million in one of the last two fiscal years. A supplier can be affected indirectly if its customer cuts orders because of tariffs. Some agencies also have separate routes for non-profit projects that support affected businesses and special provisions for Indigenous applicants.

Manufacturers are one group the initiative can support. Agencies also assess other businesses against their own sector and supply-chain rules. Retail, local consumer services, extraction and construction services are generally excluded in several regions. If you provide a specialized service to an affected supply chain, check the agency's criteria before assuming it is covered.

What can the funding pay for?

• Liquidity assistance helps address a temporary cash shortfall tied to tariffs and maintain Canadian jobs and operations. Payroll is the starting point. Essential recurring operating expenses may be considered when the regional rules permit.

  To prepare the evidence and forecast, use the liquidity application guide.

• Pivot projects fund changes that improve productivity or reduce exposure to disrupted markets. Examples include new equipment or automation to reduce unit costs, certification for a new market and changes to sourcing or production. Document the connection to tariffs and set a result you can measure.

  For budgets and milestones, use the pivot project application guide.

• Separate the budgets if applying for both. Allocate each cost once and disclose other government assistance. Confirm the timing and eligibility of costs before placing orders or making commitments.

How much funding is available?

For example, FedDev Ontario's current business rules allow up to 50% of eligible costs and $2 million in non-repayable liquidity support, limited by demonstrated need. Non-repayable pivot funding can cover up to 50% of eligible costs to $1 million. Larger transformative projects may qualify for a repayable contribution of up to 75% of eligible costs. Confirm your region's terms and agreement before budgeting for a contribution.

The initiative began as a tariff adjustment measure in 2025. The expansion in September 2026 added liquidity support and changed the funding structure. See the September 2026 update and FAQ for the change, combined limits and what existing recipients should ask their project officer.

Where to apply

For southern Ontario businesses, review the RTRI pivot program for southern Ontario. FedDev Ontario’s rules apply.

• Quebec: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Contact CED about the form and application process.

• Southern Ontario: FedDev Ontario. Follow its business application and attachment instructions.

• Northern Ontario: FedNor. Use its client portal guidance.

• British Columbia: PacifiCan. Use the application instructions for your applicant type.

• Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba: PrairiesCan. Check the intake and eligible cost dates.

• Atlantic Canada: ACOA. Follow its application link and regional instructions.

• Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut: CanNor. Contact the regional office for the application process.

What should you prepare?

Start with financial statements, incorporation details and records showing the tariff impact. Useful evidence can include changes in order volumes, supplier notices, customs records and before-and-after invoices. For liquidity, add payroll records and a cash-flow forecast. For a pivot project, add supplier quotes, a budget, a project schedule and a financing plan. Check the federal agency directory for the latest regional instructions.

See the Quebec RTRI pivot program profile for programme details, or explore helloDarwin's tariff relief assessment to discuss how to prepare your file.

Official sources reviewed November 9, 2026.