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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec - Quebec - Canada
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Source verified July 2, 2026

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec

Support for Quebec manufacturing SMEs impacted by international tariffs
Offered by
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Official source: canada.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: May 20, 2026
Latest change: RTRI Quebec now says it is accepting applications, with updated eligibility, funding, and submission instructions.
View change
RTRI Quebec updated to accepting applications
Regional Tariff Response Initiative content for Quebec has been updated to say the program is accepting applications on an ongoing basis, replacing the previous closed-period messaging. The funding, eligibility, priority sectors, and application instructions were also rewritten, including new online submission and contact links.
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 1,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened May 19, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Manufacturing SMEs with fewer than 500 employees
See full eligibility

Overview

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides up to $1 million in non-repayable funding for Quebec manufacturing SMEs affected by tariffs, supporting projects that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and market diversification. Eligible activities include acquiring equipment, digitization, automation, technology adaptation, and market development strategies.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 100,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Quebec
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • $ 2,000,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
  • 500 employees maximum
Audience
  • Rural or Northern Residents

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Projects to improve productivity and competitiveness by increasing automation, digitization, equipment use, or technology adoption.
  • Market diversification projects to find new customers and reduce exposure to tariffs, including market analysis, development, and expansion activities.
  • Projects to strengthen business resilience through strategic partnerships and supply chain optimization.
  • Projects to support compliance with standards in order to access markets or increase sales.
  • Technology showcase and demonstration projects.

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form, signed by an authorized person.
  • Financial statements for the last two fiscal years and the most recent interim financial statements.
  • A work plan or project schedule with the main activities, milestones, and detailed budget.
  • Documents showing the impact of tariffs on the business, such as revenue declines, higher costs, or lower profitability.

Official resources

Official page

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Manufacturing SMEs with fewer than 500 employees
  • Manufacturing SMEs in Quebec
  • Businesses in sectors significantly affected by tariffs, including steel, automotive, copper, aluminum, wood processing, and food processing
  • Companies engaged in market diversification, productivity improvement, and supply chain optimization projects

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses that are not manufacturing SMEs.
  • Companies with 500 or more employees.
  • Businesses located or operating outside Quebec.
  • Companies that cannot show they were negatively impacted by tariffs or the economic context, or cannot provide concrete evidence of those impacts.
  • Businesses that do not have a structuring project aimed at improving competitiveness and diversifying markets.

Eligible expenses

  • Costs that are essential to the project and directly related to the eligible activities.
  • Retroactive costs incurred up to 12 months before the signed application date, if the need for financial assistance is justified.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Debt refinancing.
  • Purchasing assets above fair market value.
  • Amortization expenses.
  • Goodwill.
  • Land purchases.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Quebec

Selection criteria

  • Projects with a strong structuring nature, especially those focused on improving competitiveness and diversifying markets, are prioritized.
  • The level of impact from tariffs on the business is considered.
  • Companies in sectors significantly affected by tariffs, such as steel, automotive, copper, aluminum, wood processing, and food processing, are given priority.
  • The company’s economic importance in its regional or sectoral economy is considered.
  • Reasonable costs, the relevance of the financing package, and the ability to complete the project in the short term are also prioritized.

How to apply

Step 1: Review the application process and funding rules- Confirm that the application is for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) and that the project is separate from any active CED project.- Note that a business may receive non-repayable funding only once under the RTRI.- Note that non-repayable funding cannot be combined with repayable funding for the same project.Step 2: Prepare the required application package- Complete the application form.- Prepare the company’s financial statements for the last two fiscal years and the most recent interim financial statements; externally prepared statements are preferred.- Include financial statements prepared externally with at least a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and explanatory notes; internally prepared statements may be provided on a provisional basis for the most recent fiscal year only.- Prepare a work plan or project schedule describing the main activities, milestones, and detailed budget.- Gather documents showing the tangible impact of tariffs, such as reduced revenue, higher costs, or lower profitability.Step 3: Ensure the application is completed by an authorized person- Have the application form completed and submitted by an authorized person.- Make sure the authorized person can legally bind the company.- If applicable, use proof of authorization such as a letter of mandate, a board resolution, or an internal delegation of authority.Step 4: Submit the application through CED Client Space- Submit the application and all required documents via the CED Client Space.- For funding requests up to $1 million, submit the application no later than October 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EST.- Applications are reviewed after the deadline, and incomplete submissions are not considered.- For repayable contributions over $1 million, applications are considered on an ongoing basis.Step 5: Follow up after submission- Keep in mind that CED may offer an amount of assistance different from the amount requested.- Monitor the application status and respond if CED requests additional information.- For requests over $1 million, contact CED for more information.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by CED after the deadline, and late applications are not considered.
  • CED assesses applications case by case against the initiative’s criteria and prioritization factors.
  • Funding is not guaranteed and may differ from the amount requested, depending on the analysis and available funds.
  • For non-repayable funding requests, applications are processed on an ongoing basis until the budget is fully used.
  • For repayable contributions, applications are considered on an ongoing basis.

Additional information

  • This initiative is part of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) framework.
  • It is a temporary measure designed to help manufacturing SMEs adapt to tariff-related economic pressures.
  • Applications that do not meet the published criteria are automatically rejected.
  • Eligible projects may receive funding only once under this initiative.

Other components of this program

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec Program

What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides up to $1 million in non-repayable funding for Quebec manufacturing SMEs affected by tariffs, supporting projects that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and market diversification. Eligible activities include acquiring equipment, digitization, automation, technology adaptation, and market development strategies.

How much funding can be received?

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

Who is eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec program?

To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec program, you must: Manufacturing SME with fewer than 500 employees. Located and operating in Quebec. In business for at least 3 years and generated $2M+ in the last completed fiscal year. Adversely impacted by tariffs and able to prove it.

What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec?

Projects to improve productivity and competitiveness by increasing automation, digitization, equipment use, or technology adoption. Market diversification projects to find new customers and reduce exposure to tariffs, including market analysis, development, and expansion activities. Projects to strengthen business resilience through strategic partnerships and supply chain optimization. Projects to support compliance with standards in order to access markets or increase sales. Technology showcase and demonstration projects.

Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec?

You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

Where is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec available?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec program is available the province of Quebec.

Is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec is a Grant and Funding