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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario
Supports tariff-impacted Northern Ontario SMEs for productivity and growth
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2025
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
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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
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2025
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 5 employees minimum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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.
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
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?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
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.
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
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) or by phone at 1-877-333-6673.
Where is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario available?
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.