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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

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 20,000,000
Up to 1% of project cost
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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$20,000,000
Maximum share of project costs
1%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Automate business operations
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Optimize production processes
  • Access new markets
  • Digitize or modernize organizational tools

Eligible candidates

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

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

RTRI eligibility and application guide updated

The RTRI application guide now shows broader applicant language, new activity and documentation requirements, and updated funding and project timing details.

See more

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.

Official source: acoa-apeca.canada.ca
September 9, 2026

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

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

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.

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.

Selection criteria

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

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

Official sources

Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Atlantic Canada

Program guide

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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: Incorporated for-profit business located and operating in Atlantic Canada. At least $1M in annual revenue in one of the last two fiscal years; viable before tariffs. Demonstrated trade-disruption impacts: affected sector, at least 25% of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., significant tariff-related cost increases, supply disruption, or lost revenue or customers. Atlantic Canada non-profits may also apply if their primary mandate is to support businesses.

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

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.

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.