Closed
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada
Supports Atlantic Canadian SMEs impacted by international trade tariffs
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2025
- Closing date : September 25, 2025
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 25, 2025.
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:
Applicant must be an SME or organization affected by tariffs or supporting impacted businesses.
At least 25% of sales to U.S. and/or China, or impacted by U.S./China tariffs or Canadian counter-tariffs.
Must meet objectives of the REGI program.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic Canada?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
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.