Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects - New Brunswick - Canada
Open
Source verified September 29, 2026

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects

Support for tariff-affected Atlantic Canadian businesses and business-support organizations to implement pivot projects, improve productivity, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains.
Offered by
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Official source: canada.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: September 9, 2026
Latest change: The RTRI application guide now shows broader applicant language, new activity and documentation requirements, and updated funding and project timing details.
View change
RTRI eligibility and application guide updated
The RTRI Application Guide now shows broader applicant language and clearer project activity rules, including businesses rather than SMEs, updated eligible activities, and expanded liquidity and pivot-project instructions. It also now states liquidity assistance can be 50% of average eligible monthly payroll, with exceptional consideration of up to 50% of eligible operating costs and a maximum of $2 million. The guide now confirms pivot projects may start up to 12 months before application and must end by March 31, 2029, and it adds detailed requirements for milestones, risks, indicators, budgets, and mandatory supporting documents such as financial statements, tariff-impact evidence, payroll records, and project schedules.
Funding available
$ 20,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Who can apply

Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Atlantic Canada

See full eligibility

Overview

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative supports pivot projects by Atlantic Canadian businesses and business-support organizations affected by tariffs. Projects can modernize operations, adopt technologies, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains.

  • For business pivot projects with local or regional benefits, non-repayable contributions can reach $1 million and cover up to 50% of eligible costs.
  • For larger transformative business pivot projects, interest-free repayable contributions over $1 million can cover up to 75% of eligible costs.
  • Projects must be completed by March 31, 2029. Funding is assessed according to demonstrated need and the proposed response to tariff impacts.

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

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 20,000,000 $
  • Up to 1% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
  • Financial cooperative
  • Non-financial cooperative
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Non-profit
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Business Associations
Target groups
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Activities funded

  • Productivity improvements and process modernization
  • Equipment and technology adoption, including automation and digitization
  • Market diversification, export development, and supply chain resilience
  • Projects by non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada that support businesses impacted by tariffs

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 or requested
  • Provide a detailed pivot project description, budget and implementation schedule.

Official resources

Official page

Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Atlantic Canada

Program guide

Include only

Program guide

Program guide

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Atlantic Canada
  • Indigenous-led enterprises
  • Non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada 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 and additional costs directly related to eligible pivot projects that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification or growth.
  • Costs must be justified by the proposed project and assessed by ACOA.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Contributions cannot be used to pay dividends or refinance debt.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Atlantic Canada

Selection criteria

  • Applications are assessed based on program criteria, demonstrated need, and the business’s proposed response to tariff impacts.

How to apply

  • Review the information on the How to apply for financial assistance page before applying.
  • Apply online through the MyACOA Client Portal.
  • Submit required documentation, including proof of tariff impact, as part of the application process.

Processing and Agreement

  • Each application is evaluated according to the RTRI criteria, taking into account the unique circumstances of each area.
  • Exact funding amounts are determined during the review process.
  • Approved funding must be used as specified in the Contribution Agreement.
  • If a repayable contribution is provided, the recipient is expected to fulfill the repayment terms.

Additional information

  • RTRI works alongside the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL), Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Pivot to Grow program, Canada Strong Diversification Fund, and Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers.
  • The initiative is part of the broader Government tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers and strengthen business competitiveness.

Contacts

bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
1-888-576-4444

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) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects Program

What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative supports pivot projects by Atlantic Canadian businesses and business-support organizations affected by tariffs. Projects can modernize operations, adopt technologies, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains. For business pivot projects with local or regional benefits, non-repayable contributions can reach $1 million and cover up to 50% of eligible costs. For larger transformative business pivot projects, interest-free repayable contributions over $1 million can cover up to 75% of eligible costs. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2029. Funding is assessed according to demonstrated need and the proposed response to tariff impacts.

How much funding can be received?

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects Funds up to 1% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects program?

To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects program, you must: Business applicants must be incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Atlantic Canada. Business applicants must have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of the company’s last two fiscal years. Business applicants must have been viable prior to tariffs. Business applicants must demonstrate they have been affected by ongoing trade disruptions, such as operating in a tariff-impacted sector, having at least 25% or more revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., or experiencing significant tariff-related cost increases, supply chain disruption, or loss of revenue or customers. Non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada are also eligible when their primary focus is to support businesses.

What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects?

Productivity improvements and process modernization Equipment and technology adoption, including automation and digitization Market diversification, export development, and supply chain resilience Projects by non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada that support businesses impacted by tariffs

Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects?

You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) by email at bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.

Where is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects available?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada — Pivot projects program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.