Open
FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Supports Northern Ontario SMEs affected by international trade tariffs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2025
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Location
Ontario, Canada
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
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2025
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
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.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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.