Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is March 31, 2028. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Q: Who is eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario program?

To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario program, you must: • Located and operating in Northern Ontario • Incorporated small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with 5+ full-time employees • Viable for at least 3 consecutive years

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario?

You can contact Government of Canada or by phone at 1-877-333-6673.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario program.

Last Update: November 7, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports tariff-impacted Northern Ontario SMEs for productivity and growth

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : March 21, 2025
Closing date : March 31, 2028

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Government of Canada

Program status

Open

Overview

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario provides up to $1 million in non-repayable contributions and higher amounts as repayable contributions to help SMEs affected by tariffs boost productivity, catalyze growth, and diversify markets. Eligible activities include digitization and technology integration, market development, strengthening supply chains, consulting services, and reshoring or onshoring of production.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Repayable contributions over $1 million, covering up to 75% of eligible project costs, with repayment terms determined during the contribution agreement development.

Activities funded

Investments in digitization, automation, or technology integration to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Activities for market diagnostics, development, and expansion, such as participating in trade missions to diversify customer bases and reduce exposure to tariffs.
Creating strategic alliances, optimizing supply chain logistics, and achieving compliance with standards to strengthen domestic and global market presence.
Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase market resilience and reliability.
Reshoring or onshoring production, research and development activities, or attracting highly qualified personnel to the region.

Eligibility

The applicant must be an incorporated small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), including Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) businesses.
The business must be located and operating in Northern Ontario.
The company must employ at least 5 full-time employees.
The business must have been viable for at least 3 consecutive years.
The applicant must have a minimum of 25% of sales in markets targeted by tariffs or be able to demonstrate negative impacts from tariffs such as increased costs or loss of market access.

Who is eligible?

Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located and operating in Northern Ontario
Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) businesses meeting program criteria
Manufacturers
Suppliers
Value-added businesses in the steel, automotive, critical minerals, mining, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy, and agriculture sectors

Who is not eligible

Retail businesses.
Companies operating in the tourism sector.

Eligible expenses

Incremental labour costs, including wages and benefits, directly related to the project.
Material costs specifically used for the project.
Capital expenditures for the purchase of machinery, equipment, and infrastructure required for project activity.
Consultancy fees for professional and technical services directly supporting the project.
Advisory expenses, such as planning, business information, counseling, coaching, mentoring, workshops, conference fees, and participation in business training relevant to the project.
Expenses related to expanding or maintaining markets.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located and operating in Northern Ontario.

Selection criteria

Ability to enter into a legally binding agreement.
Managerial, technical, and operational capacity to achieve project objectives within the required timeframe.
Extent to which the project supports new or expanded initiatives for the company.
Quality of the project plan and budget, including project readiness and, if applicable, ability to repay.
Financial capacity to complete the project and expected results for Northern Ontario.

How to apply

Determine your eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects on the FedNor website
Consult the initial application guide for detailed requirements and instructions
Ensure your business and project align with the RTRI program objectives

Consult with a FedNor Officer

Contact a FedNor Officer at 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your proposal and receive guidance
Clarify any questions about eligibility or application content
Request support for the application process if necessary

Prepare your application documents

Prepare all required documents and information for the application
Develop a detailed business case and financial projections for your project
Gather any supporting evidence of tariff impacts and eligibility

Submit your application online

Complete and submit the application through the FedNor self-service portal
Ensure all fields are filled out and documentation is uploaded as required

Await application review

Wait for your application to be reviewed and assessed by FedNor
Monitor communications for any requests for additional information or clarifications

Additional information

Eligible costs may be retroactive to up to 12 months before funding application receipt, but not earlier than March 21, 2025.
Projects must be completed no later than March 31, 2028.
All applications will be evaluated as received, and funding is subject to availability.
Completing an application does not guarantee funding approval.

Contacts

1-877-333-6673

ON, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario. 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) — Northern Ontario?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario?

Investments in digitization, automation, or technology integration to improve productivity and competitiveness. Activities for market diagnostics, development, and expansion, such as participating in trade missions to diversify customer bases and reduce exposure to tariffs. Creating strategic alliances, optimizing supply chain logistics, and achieving compliance with standards to strengthen domestic and global market presence. Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase market resilience and reliability. Reshoring or onshoring production, research and development activities, or attracting highly qualified personnel to the region.