Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada

• Non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million may be made to eligible businesses based on specific criteria.
• Non-repayable contributions may also be made to eligible not-for-profit entities; exact amounts are determined during the review process.
• Eligible costs may be retroactive up to 12 months before applying, but not earlier than March 21, 2025.

• The applicant must be an incorporated company, corporation, co-operative, individual operating a business, Indigenous-owned business or organization, non-profit organization, industry or sector association, board of trade, or provincial entity that supports affected businesses.
• The applicant must meet the objectives of the REGI program.
• The applicant must demonstrate that at least 25% of their sales are to the U.S. and/or China, OR show that they or the businesses they support have been directly or indirectly affected by ongoing trade disruptions related to tariffs.
• The project must contribute to strengthening productivity, diversifying markets, or supporting the competitiveness and resilience of businesses impacted by tariffs.

Who is eligible?

• Incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, or individuals operating a business
• Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Industry and sector associations
• Boards of trade and provincial entities supporting affected businesses

Eligible expenses

• Investments in digitization, automation, or technology integration aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness.
• Costs associated with market diagnostics and activities for market development or expansion (such as customer diversification or reducing risk exposure).
• Expenses related to establishing strategic alliances and optimizing supply chain logistics to enhance domestic or international presence.
• Expenditures to strengthen domestic supply chains and facilitate internal trade to improve business resilience and reliability.
• Fees for business support and market development services, including guidance or advisory services from intermediary organizations.
• Costs for reshoring or onshoring of production, research and development, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise to the region.

Eligible geographic areas

• Atlantic Canada

• Ability to generate local economic benefits.
• Targeting of regional, national, or international markets.
• Ownership by Canadians and priority given to the purchase of Canadian goods and services.
• Demonstration of a negative impact suffered due to tariffs or the uncertainty created.

• Eligible costs may be retroactive for up to 12 months prior to application, but only from March 21, 2025 onwards.
• The initiative includes both repayable and non-repayable funding streams, with precise funding amounts determined during the review process.
• Projects in the steel and auto sectors may qualify for non-repayable funding based on specific criteria.