
Source change captured:
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec — Pivot projects
Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Quebec.
Guides for this program
- Can food processors qualify for RTRI funding?
Three tips for aligning a food-processing project with RTRI objectives.
Overview
The RTRI pivot project stream supports Quebec businesses and business-support organizations affected by tariffs. Eligible projects improve productivity and competitiveness, modernize processes, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains. Business funding may cover up to 50% of eligible costs through non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million, or up to 75% through interest-free repayable contributions over $1 million for larger transformative projects. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2029.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase operational productivity
- Maximum amount : 20,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Quebec
- For-profit business
- $ 1,000,000 minimum revenue
- All organization sizes
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
Availability timeline
Activities funded
- Productivity improvements and process modernization.
- Equipment and technology adoption, including automation and digitization.
- Market diversification and export development.
- Supply chain resilience and other activities that increase competitiveness and reduce trade-related risks.
Documents Needed
- Corporate information and a business profile.
- Financial statements for the past two years.
- Evidence of tariff impacts, such as export sales information.
- Information regarding other government funding received.
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
RTRI Quebec page updated
The RTRI Quebec page now emphasizes combined support and tariff-impacted businesses, and the application guide link with calculation and document details was removed.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative page now highlights combining RTRI support and focusing on tariff-impacted businesses. The FAQ section no longer points applicants to the application guide for calculation details and required documents.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Quebec.
- Businesses in all tariff-impacted sectors may be eligible.
- Quebec not-for-profit organizations whose primary focus is to support businesses.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that are unable to demonstrate direct or indirect tariff exposure.
Eligible expenses
- New, incremental costs directly related to project activities that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification or long-term growth.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs deemed unreasonable, non-incremental, and/or not directly related to project activities.
- Land and building acquisition.
- Entertainment expenses.
- Motor vehicle costs.
- Refinancing existing debt.
Selection criteria
- Demonstrated need.
- The business’s proposed response to tariff impacts.
How to apply
- If you are already a DEC client, contact your advisor directly.
- If you are not yet a DEC client, contact DEC by phone or email to discuss your project.
- In both cases, DEC will contact you during 24 business hours to assess your organization's eligibility for the IRRT, answer your questions and send you the required form to submit an application for assistance.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications may be shared with other government departments, including Employment and Social Development Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and other Regional Development Agencies.
- Automated systems and/or artificial intelligence may be used to assist review and assessment of applications.
- If approved, the schedule of payments will be set out in the contribution agreement.
- Adjustments will be made should other government supports be received.
Additional information
- This temporary initiative supports tariff-affected businesses across eligible sectors and organizations whose primary focus is supporting businesses.
Contacts
Other components of this program
- FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario — Pivot projectsFunding for Northern Ontario pivot projects that improve productivity, diversify markets or strengthen supply chains in response to tariff impacts.
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (Prairies) — Liquidity assistanceTemporary liquidity support for Prairie businesses
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projectsSupport for tariff-affected Atlantic Canadian businesses and business-support organizations to implement pivot projects, improve productivity, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains.
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Atlantic Canada — Liquidity assistanceLiquidity support for businesses affected by tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — British Columbia — Liquidity assistanceHelp for businesses affected by tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — British Columbia — Pivot projectsFunding for B.C. pivot projects that strengthen productivity, competitiveness and supply chain resilience in response to tariffs.
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projectsFunding for pivot projects by tariff-affected businesses and business-support organizations in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon to improve productivity, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains.
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces — Pivot projectsSupports tariff-affected Prairie businesses with pivot projects that improve productivity, develop markets and strengthen supply chains, and organizations helping these businesses adapt.
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec — Liquidity assistanceSupport for Quebec businesses affected by tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Southern Ontario — Pivot projectsProject funding for tariff-affected southern Ontario businesses to improve productivity, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains.
