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FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative - Ontario - Canada
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Source verified June 10, 2026

FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative

Supports Northern Ontario SMEs affected by international trade tariffs
Offered by
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
Official source: fednor.canada.ca
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
March 31, 2028
Opened March 21, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located and operating in Northern Ontario

See full eligibility

Overview

The FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides up to $1 million in non-repayable funding to support Northern Ontario SMEs impacted by tariffs. This program aims to boost productivity and market diversification through activities such as technology integration, supply chain optimization, and market expansion.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 5 employees minimum
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Canadians

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Investments in digitization, automation, or technology integration to improve productivity and competitiveness.
  • Market diagnostics and development activities, including participation in trade missions to expand and diversify customer bases.
  • Creation of strategic alliances and optimization of supply chain logistics to strengthen global or domestic market presence.
  • Initiatives to reinforce domestic supply chains and promote internal trade for greater business resilience.
  • Reshoring or onshoring of production activities, research and development mandates, or recruitment of specialized personnel within Northern Ontario.

Official resources

Official page

regional tariff response initiative

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located and operating in Northern Ontario
  • Indigenous businesses (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) meeting the program's business criteria
  • Companies operating in sectors such as steel, automotive, critical minerals, mining, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy, and agriculture (priority given)

Who is not eligible

  • Companies operating in the retail sector.
  • Companies operating in the tourism sector.

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries and benefits for employees directly involved in the project.
  • Purchase of machinery, equipment, and infrastructure necessary for the project.
  • Costs of materials specifically used for the project.
  • Professional and technical consultancy fees.
  • Advisory expenses, such as planning, business information, and participation in workshops, conferences, or business training events through recognized organizations.
  • Expenses related to expanding or maintaining business markets directly linked to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Northern Ontario

Selection criteria

  • Demonstrated capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement and successfully manage the project.
  • Quality and readiness of the project plan and budget.
  • Degree of impact from tariffs and how the project addresses those impacts.
  • Contribution to productivity, growth, and/or market diversification for the company.
  • Level of Canadian content used in the project and regional benefits for Northern Ontario.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Initial Preparation
    • Review the initial application guide available on the program's website.
    • Contact a FedNor Officer in your area by calling 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your proposal and ensure alignment with program objectives.
  • Step 2: Register on FedNor Self-Service Portal
    • Access the FedNor self-service portal online.
    • Create an account or log in to the portal to begin the application process.
  • Step 3: Phase 1 Application Submission
    • Complete the initial phase of the application directly within the self-service portal as instructed.
    • Provide preliminary information regarding your project and organization.
  • Step 4: Phase 2 Full Application Submission
    • If invited, proceed to complete and submit the full application through the FedNor portal.
    • Provide comprehensive project details, business case, detailed budget, and supporting documentation as required.
  • Step 5: Application Review and Assessment
    • Await confirmation of receipt from FedNor.
    • FedNor will review your business case, financial projections, and assess eligibility against program criteria.

Additional information

  • Eligible costs may be retroactive for up to 12 months prior to receiving a funding application, but not earlier than March 21, 2025.
  • Priority may be assigned to businesses operating in specific sectors such as steel, automotive, critical minerals, mining, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy, and agriculture.
  • Retail and tourism sector businesses are not eligible for this program.

Contacts

1-877-333-6673

Other components of this program

Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.

Frequently Asked Questions about the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative Program

What is the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative?

The FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides up to $1 million in non-repayable funding to support Northern Ontario SMEs impacted by tariffs. This program aims to boost productivity and market diversification through activities such as technology integration, supply chain optimization, and market expansion.

How much funding can be received?

FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is March 31, 2028. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Who is eligible for the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative program?

To be eligible for the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative program, you must: Incorporated SME located and operating in Northern Ontario Employs 5 or more full-time employees Viable for at least 3 consecutive years

What expenses are eligible under FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative?

Investments in digitization, automation, or technology integration to improve productivity and competitiveness. Market diagnostics and development activities, including participation in trade missions to expand and diversify customer bases. Creation of strategic alliances and optimization of supply chain logistics to strengthen global or domestic market presence. Initiatives to reinforce domestic supply chains and promote internal trade for greater business resilience. Reshoring or onshoring of production activities, research and development mandates, or recruitment of specialized personnel within Northern Ontario.

Who can I contact for more information about the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative?

You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) or by phone at 1-877-333-6673.

Where is the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative available?

The FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.