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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — British Columbia
Last Update: March 3, 2026
British Columbia, Canada
Supports B.C. businesses adapting to tariff-related trade disruptions
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in British Columbia offers up to $10 million in government funding to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations impacted by international trade disruptions. The program aims to boost productivity, strengthen supply chains, and diversify markets through eligible activities such as digitization, automation, market expansion, and supply chain optimization.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 10-499 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Activities funded
- Investment in digitization, automation, and technology adoption to improve productivity and competitiveness.
- Development and expansion into new markets to find additional customers.
- Optimization of global supply chain logistics and compliance with international standards to enhance market access or sales.
- Strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding internal trade to increase business resilience and reliability.
- Reshoring production, or enhancing research and development operations with new expertise and personnel.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 55,000
Creation of an urban beekeeping educational training program
$ 150,000
Implementation of an automated packaging line for organic teas
$ 108,000
Development of a mobile application for local health food delivery
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an incorporated for-profit business located in British Columbia with 10 to 499 full-time employees.
- The business must have been in continuous and viable operation for at least 3 years prior to March 21, 2025, with at least 2 complete years of externally prepared or reviewed financial statements.
- The applicant (or the businesses supported, if a not-for-profit) must demonstrate viability prior to the imposition of U.S. and China tariffs before March 21, 2025.
- At least 25% of the business’s sales must be to the U.S. and/or China, or the business must have been affected, or have a high likelihood of being affected, by recent trade disruptions including new U.S./China tariffs or Canadian countermeasures.
- The project must focus on activities such as boosting productivity, growing and diversifying markets, or strengthening supply chains in response to tariff impacts.
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated for-profit businesses employing between 10 and 499 full-time employees in British Columbia
- Not-for-profit organizations that support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Businesses operating in industries such as forestry, metal, machinery and equipment, agriculture, and seafood (specifically prioritized for non-repayable funding applications)
Eligible expenses
- Investments in digitization, automation, and modernization of technology aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
- Costs associated with developing and expanding into new markets.
- Expenses related to optimizing and strengthening supply chain logistics, including compliance with market access standards.
- Expenditures for reshoring production or research and development operations.
- Recruitment and hiring expenses for highly qualified personnel and expertise essential to project objectives.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Demonstrated capacity and readiness to complete a significant portion of project activities by March 31, 2026, and the entire project by March 31, 2028.
- Evidence of business viability and performance prior to tariff impacts, and capacity for future growth (revenues, exports, jobs, etc.).
- Clear and viable project or business plan, including articulation of future growth opportunities.
- Confirmed non-PacifiCan and non-government financial contributions that exceed the minimum required share of eligible project costs.
- Clear demonstration of economic benefits for British Columbia and Canada, focusing on productivity, market diversification, supply chain improvements, and value for money.
How to apply
1
Review eligibility and guidelines
- Review all eligibility requirements and funding details for your organization type
- Consult the official applicant guide for either small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or not-for-profits
2
Access and prepare application
- Access the online application portal designated for the RTRI program
- Select the correct organization category and program stream when creating your application
3
Complete and verify application
- Complete all sections of the application accurately and attach all required documentation
- Ensure your application meets the recommendations and requirements described in the guide
4
Submit application
- Submit your completed application using the online portal before any applicable deadlines
- Note that complete applications received by October 15, 2025 will be prioritized
5
Await assessment results
- Monitor your application status and respond promptly to any information requests from the RTRI program
- Applications will be evaluated based on prioritization and assessment criteria
Additional information
- Eligible costs may be retroactively claimed up to 12 months prior to application, provided they are not incurred before March 21, 2025.
- Projects must start on or after March 21, 2025 and be completed by March 31, 2028.
- Applications received before October 15, 2025 will receive priority in the review process.
- Recipients can apply for multiple projects, but non-repayable funding is limited to one project per business for the lifetime of the RTRI.
Contacts
PacifiCan.RTRI-SME_IRRT-PME@pacifican.gc.ca
