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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Supports Atlantic Canadian SMEs impacted by international trade tariffs
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) offers non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million to help Atlantic Canadian SMEs and supporting organizations mitigate the impact of U.S. and China tariffs by enhancing productivity, cutting costs, and increasing market diversification. Eligible activities include technology integration, market expansion, supply chain strengthening, business support, and recruitment of specialized personnel.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Research and experimental development
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2025
- Closing date : September 25, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Investing in digitization, automation, or technology integration to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- Conducting market diagnostics, developing and expanding into new markets, including activities to diversify the customer base and reduce exposure to tariff-affected regions.
- Establishing strategic alliances, optimizing supply chain logistics, and ensuring compliance with standards to strengthen global or domestic market presence.
- Reshoring or onshoring production, undertaking research and development, and recruiting highly qualified personnel to the region.
- Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase business resilience and competitiveness.
Eligibility
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
1
Assess your eligibility
- Review eligibility criteria and program objectives
- Contact your local ACOA program officer, if needed, for clarification
- Consult the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information
2
Prepare your application documents
- Gather required documentation (e.g., financial statements, proof of tariff impact, business plan)
- Prepare details demonstrating impact of tariffs or trade disruptions
3
Submit your application
- Complete the Application for Financial Assistance form
- Attach all required documentation to your application
- Submit your application through the appropriate platform or office
Additional information
- 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.
