Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces

• For commercial (revenue-generating) projects, a strong application is typically well-leveraged with more than 50% of total project costs funded by sources other than PrairiesCan, supported by written proof.
• RTRI contributions may be repayable or non-repayable and are provided as periodic reimbursements for approved and paid eligible project costs.
• Repayable funding normally involves a 1-year grace period after project completion, followed by equal monthly repayments over 5 years, with no interest, no security or collateral requirement, and no penalty for early repayment.

• The applicant must be an incorporated company, corporation, co-operative, Indigenous-owned business or organization, or a not-for-profit organization that supports businesses.
• The business must have been viable before the newly imposed U.S., China, or Canadian counter-tariffs and prior to March 21, 2025.
• The company must employ between 1 and 499 full-time employees and be incorporated to conduct business in the Prairie provinces.
• The business must have been operating for at least 2 years and have staffed operating facilities in the Prairie provinces.
• The applicant must demonstrate that at least 25% of their sales are in impacted markets or prove direct negative impact from recent tariffs or trade disruptions.

Who is eligible?

• Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives operating in the Prairie provinces
• Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in the Prairies (including post-secondary institutions, business accelerators and incubators, angel networks, social enterprises, industry associations, consortia, and municipalities)

Eligible expenses

• Purchase and installation of automation equipment and technologies.
• Hiring of personnel directly involved in the project (e.g., engineers, technical staff).
• Expenses related to supply chain redesign and sourcing of Canadian inputs.
• Development and implementation of digital platforms or tools supporting diversification or resilience.
• Advisory and consulting services to address tariff impacts or support market diversification.
• Costs for workshops, training and export readiness support linked to the project.
• Market assessment and compliance certification costs required for export or new market entry.

Eligible geographic areas

• Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)

• Ability to achieve RTRI objectives and alignment with program goals.
• Economic impact and benefits for the Prairie provinces or local economy.
• Viability and feasibility of the project.
• Strength of market potential, management capability, and financial capacity.
• Degree of alignment with governmental priorities.

• Applications are accepted until December 31, 2027, or until all funding is allocated.
• All funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2028.
• Participation in virtual information sessions is available for applicants seeking further guidance.
• Applicants must assign a project lead to serve as the primary contact for PrairiesCan communications.