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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces - Alberta - Canada
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Source verified September 11, 2026

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces

Supports Prairie organizations facing tariff disruptions
Offered by
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Official source: canada.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: September 11, 2026
Latest change: The RTRI information sheet now confirms up to $1 million in non-repayable support for eligible pivot projects, up to $2 million for tariff-related liquidity needs, and a help line at 1-888-338-9378.
View change
RTRI support expanded for Prairie businesses
The RTRI information sheet now states that eligible pivot projects can receive non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million, and that repayable contributions are also available for eligible pivot projects. It also says businesses with demonstrated tariff-related liquidity needs may be eligible for up to $2 million in non-repayable support, and that existing RTRI project recipients may also qualify for liquidity funding. The sheet also adds the RTRI help number 1-888-338-9378 and directs Prairie businesses to contact their nearest PrairiesCan service location for support.
Funding available
$ 500,000 - $ 20,000,000
Deadline
December 31, 2028
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Who can apply

Incorporated businesses

See full eligibility

Overview

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces supports incorporated businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations affected by tariffs or trade disruptions to boost productivity, growth, and market diversification. Eligible activities include automation and digitization, market development, and supply chain resilience initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 20,000,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 500,000 $
  • Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
  • Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 1-499 employees
Audience
  • All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Availability timeline

2027
Periods: 1

Activities funded

  • Investing in digitization, automation, or technology to enhance business productivity and competitiveness
  • Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise
  • Developing and diversifying markets to help businesses find new customers, including business support and guidance services
  • Optimizing supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access or enhance sales
  • Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase business resilience and the reliability of domestic markets

Documents Needed

  • Incorporation documents and proof of signing authority
  • A business plan or pitch deck describing the organization and the proposed project
  • A signed Regional Tariff Response Initiative attestation and supplemental form
  • Financial statements for the past 2 years, interim financial statements for the past 6 months, and forecasted income statements and cash flows with rationale and assumptions for 3 to 5 years
  • Evidence of all other non-PrairiesCan project funding, plus the completed cost clarification form and completed financial disbursement disclosure form for full applications

Official resources

Official page

Before you apply

Program guide

expression interest help guide

Help guide for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) expression of interest form

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) applicant guide - For businesses

Application form

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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) attestation and supplemental form

Regional Tariff Response Initiative Attestation and Supplemental FORM

Application portal

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces - Apply

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Incorporated businesses
  • Not-for-profit organizations that support tariff-impacted businesses
  • Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
  • Eligible not-for-profit organizations include post-secondary educational institutions, business accelerator and incubators, angel networks, social enterprises, and groups of eligible applicants such as an industry association or consortium, municipalities and other levels of government
  • Current RTRI business recipients may be eligible for liquidity assistance beginning no earlier than August 22, 2026 for up to 12 months, provided there is no duplication of funding for costs already supported through an existing contribution agreement

Eligible expenses

  • Labour, wages and benefits, material costs, and management fees
  • Capital costs, including the purchase of machinery or equipment
  • Consultancy fees for professional, advisory, and technical services
  • Advisory expenses such as planning, business information, counselling, coaching, mentoring, networking events, workshops, conference fees, and business training through a business service organization
  • Costs related to expanding or maintaining markets

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects that move company operations outside of Canada, and basic or applied R&D at technology readiness levels 1 to 6
  • Land acquisition and goodwill, amortization or depreciation of assets, and the purchase of assets for more than fair market value
  • Salary bonuses, dividend payments, and entertainment or hospitality expenses
  • Refinancing of existing debts, lobbying activities, donations, dues, and membership fees
  • Business plan preparation, sole sourced consultant fees, and fees related to advocacy work are generally not supported

Eligible geographic areas

  • Prairie provinces

Selection criteria

  • For not-for-profit organizations, EOIs with the strongest merit and alignment with program objectives, priority areas, and significant economic benefits will be invited to complete a full application and undergo detailed assessment.
  • Applications are assessed on program criteria such as viability, economic impact, and ability to achieve program objectives.
  • PrairiesCan also assesses demonstrated need and the proposed response to tariff impacts.
  • Applications are evaluated on their relative strengths in market potential, management capability, financial capacity, economic benefits, and degree of alignment with governmental priorities.
  • PrairiesCan may prioritize projects demonstrating the strongest potential impacts, such as advancing productivity, competitiveness, and regional economic benefits.

How to apply

  • Step 1
    • Review eligibility, program information, and the applicant guide.
    • Assign a project lead and gather required documents.
  • Step 2
    • Log in to the PrairiesCan portal.
    • Complete and submit the expression of interest form.
    • Attach the required documents and confirm authorized sign-off.
  • Step 3
    • If selected, submit a full application through the online portal.

Processing and Agreement

  • Within 30 days of submission, EOIs with the strongest merit and alignment with program objectives, priority areas, and significant economic benefits may be invited to complete a full application and undergo detailed assessment; if you are not contacted, your project will not be considered further.
  • Funding decisions are usually made within 90 business days of receiving a complete application, including satisfactory supporting documentation.
  • If approved, you will be invited to enter into a contribution agreement with PrairiesCan that must be signed within 30 days of notification and cannot be signed until all funding sources are confirmed.
  • Funding for successful projects is provided as periodic reimbursements based on submitted claims for the approved portion of eligible project costs that have been paid.
  • Successful applicants must provide periodic progress reports at least twice per year, annual financial statements from project start to the end of the repayment period if applicable, and track and report project activities and deliverables up to the final reporting date.

Additional information

  • RTRI is part of the national Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
  • Funding under this program is intended to complement financial support from other federal or provincial tariff initiatives, and applicants are encouraged to explore industry specific support where available.
  • Applicants are encouraged to consider Canadian materials and content where such materials and content are competitive and available.
  • Talk to your accountant and/or the Canada Revenue Agency to understand how RTRI funding could affect your taxes or other current or future funding agreements.

Contacts

1-888-338-9378

Other components of this program

Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces Program

What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces supports incorporated businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations affected by tariffs or trade disruptions to boost productivity, growth, and market diversification. Eligible activities include automation and digitization, market development, and supply chain resilience initiatives.

How much funding can be received?

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces program?

To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces program, you must: Applicant must be an incorporated company, corporation, co-operative, Indigenous-owned business or organization, or a not-for-profit organization that supports businesses Incorporated businesses must be viable before March 21, 2025, operate in the Prairies, and employ 1 to 499 full-time employees Applicants must show at least 25% of sales in impacted markets or direct effects from tariffs or trade disruptions

What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces?

Investing in digitization, automation, or technology to enhance business productivity and competitiveness Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise Developing and diversifying markets to help businesses find new customers, including business support and guidance services Optimizing supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access or enhance sales Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase business resilience and the reliability of domestic markets

Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces?

You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.

Where is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces available?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.