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Source verified September 9, 2026
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada
Support for tariff-impacted Atlantic businesses
Latest source updateLast Update: September 9, 2026Latest change: The RTRI application guide now shows broader applicant language, new activity and documentation requirements, and updated funding and project timing details.View change
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.
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
Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Atlantic Canada provides $110 million through ACOA to support SMEs and eligible not-for-profit organizations affected by trade disruptions and tariffs. It funds productivity and market diversification projects such as digitization and automation, market development, and supply-chain strengthening.
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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
- Short-term liquidity assistance to help businesses maintain operations and employment
- 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
- For liquidity assistance, payroll records or payroll documentation, a quantified demonstration of liquidity needs such as cash flow forecasts, employment retention targets, and operational obligations; for pivot project requests, project schedules
Official resources
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
- Non-profit organizations seeking liquidity support for their own operating expenses
- Businesses that are unable to demonstrate direct or indirect tariff exposure
Eligible expenses
- Employee salary and wages
- Rent or commercial lease payments
- Utilities
- Business insurance and property taxes
- For pivot projects, new additional costs directly related to activities that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification, or long-term growth
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
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?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Atlantic Canada provides $110 million through ACOA to support SMEs and eligible not-for-profit organizations affected by trade disruptions and tariffs. It funds productivity and market diversification projects such as digitization and automation, market development, and supply-chain strengthening.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada 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 program?
To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada program, you must:
Applicants must meet the objectives of the REGI program.
Applicants, or the businesses they support, must be directly or indirectly affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. or China tariffs or Canadian counter-tariffs.
Applicants must have been viable prior to March 21, 2025, and must either have at least 25% of sales in affected markets or demonstrate a significant likelihood of negative tariff impact.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
Short-term liquidity assistance to help businesses maintain operations and employment
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?
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.