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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports tariff-impacted Northern Ontario SMEs for productivity and growth
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- 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
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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
