
Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada
Supports Atlantic SMEs affected by tariffs
Latest source updateLast Update: May 19, 2026Latest change: The RTRI Atlantic page now shows a larger funding envelope, a later end date, and a new extension notice for manufacturing SMEs.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 19, 2026
Latest change: The RTRI Atlantic page now shows a larger funding envelope, a later end date, and a new extension notice for manufacturing SMEs.
RTRI Atlantic funding expanded
The RTRI Atlantic page now reflects an extension notice and says details for the next phase will be available shortly. It also increases the Atlantic Canada funding allocation to $110 million and moves the program end date to March 31, 2029.
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Who can apply
Businesses and not-for-profit organizations currently eligible under the REGI program authorities that are directly or indirectly affected by trade disruptions, or that support affected businesses
See full eligibility
Overview
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides ACOA support to Atlantic Canadian businesses and eligible not-for-profit organizations affected by trade disruptions, including tariffs, to improve productivity, resilience, and market diversification. Funded projects can include technology adoption, market expansion, supply-chain improvements, and research and development.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
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 $
- 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
Activities funded
- Investing in digitization, automation, or technology integration to improve productivity.
- Developing and expanding markets, including customer diversification.
- Strengthening domestic supply chains and internal trade.
- Reshoring or onshoring production, research and development, and talent.
Documents Needed
- Proof of tariff impact
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses and not-for-profit organizations currently eligible under the REGI program authorities that are directly or indirectly affected by trade disruptions, or that support affected businesses
- Incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, and individuals operating a business
- Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
- Non-profit organizations, industry and sector associations, boards of trade, and provincial entities that support affected businesses
- Multinational companies may be eligible if they operate in Atlantic Canada and the project delivers regional economic benefits
Eligible expenses
- Capital costs, such as machinery, equipment, and infrastructure
- Material costs
- Labour costs, such as salaries, wages, and benefits
- Consultancy fees and advisory expenses, including professional and technical services, planning, counselling, coaching, mentoring, workshops, training, networking events, and conferences
- Market expansion or maintenance costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Paying dividends
- Refinancing debt
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the REGI program
- Alignment with the initiative’s objectives to raise productivity, enhance competitiveness, and reduce costs
- Contribution to greater business resilience through domestic supply chains, internal trade, market diversification, or future-proofing operations
- Regional economic benefits, such as employment, value-added, and supply chain impact
- Ability to demonstrate that the project will help mitigate negative impacts from U.S. or China tariffs or Canadian counter-tariffs
How to apply
- Contact your nearest ACOA office or local ACOA program officer to discuss your project.
- Complete and submit your application through the Application for Financial Assistance page, following the directions on the How to apply for financial assistance page.
Processing and Agreement
- Exact funding amounts are determined during the review process.
- If approved, funding must be used as specified in the Contribution Agreement.
- If a repayable contribution is received, the recipient is expected to fulfill the repayment terms.
Additional information
- The initiative complements other federal tariff support programs, including Sectoral Alliances, the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow initiative, and the Strategic Response Fund.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)Helps Northern Ontario SMEs respond to tariff impacts
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — British ColumbiaSupports B.C. businesses facing tariff disruptions
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern CanadaSupports Canadian businesses facing trade disruptions
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie ProvincesSupports Prairie organizations facing tariff disruptions
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — QuebecSupport for Quebec manufacturing SMEs impacted by international tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Southern OntarioSupports southern Ontario businesses impacted by international trade disruptions
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada Program
What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides ACOA support to Atlantic Canadian businesses and eligible not-for-profit organizations affected by trade disruptions, including tariffs, to improve productivity, resilience, and market diversification. Funded projects can include technology adoption, market expansion, supply-chain improvements, and research and development.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada Funds up to 1% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada program?
To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada program, you must:
Must meet the objectives of the REGI program.
Must have been viable prior to March 21, 2025 and directly or indirectly affected by trade disruptions.
Must have at least 25% of sales in affected markets, or show a significant likelihood of negative tariff-related impact.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
Investing in digitization, automation, or technology integration to improve productivity.
Developing and expanding markets, including customer diversification.
Strengthening domestic supply chains and internal trade.
Reshoring or onshoring production, research and development, and talent.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
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 available?
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada is a Grant and Funding