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Source verified July 13, 2026
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces
Supports Prairie businesses impacted by trade tariffs and disruptions
Latest source updateLast Update: June 24, 2026Latest change: The RTRI applicant guide and expression of interest help guide were updated with new eligibility wording, revised required fields, and expanded document guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 24, 2026
Latest change: The RTRI applicant guide and expression of interest help guide were updated with new eligibility wording, revised required fields, and expanded document guidance.
RTRI guide and EOI instructions updated
The RTRI applicant guide now uses revised eligibility wording, including a new “majority owned or led” definition and tighter commercial eligibility guidance, while still showing the existing program structure for incorporated businesses, not-for-profits, and Indigenous applicants. The expression of interest help guide was also updated with new form fields and instructions, including mailing address, phone/fax, CRA number status, Indigenous majority-owned or led status, and expanded document guidance for incorporation proof, financial statements, and confirmed funding. The overall application flow still points applicants to the full application after EOI review, with the existing 30-day EOI review window, 90 business day funding decision standard, and March 31, 2028 completion date still visible in the program pages.
Funding available
$ 500,000 - $ 1,000,000
Deadline
December 31, 2027
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Who can apply
Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives operating in the Prairie provinces
See full eligibility
Overview
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces offers up to $1.5 billion in support to help businesses and supporting organizations adapt to trade disruptions and tariffs. The program funds activities such as market diversification, export development, adoption of innovative technologies, and strengthening supply chains to improve productivity and competitiveness.
/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 : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-499 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Market diversification projects to reduce reliance on tariff-impacted markets and expand into new domestic or international markets.
- Adoption and implementation of innovative technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- Modernization and automation of manufacturing or business processes to mitigate the impact of tariffs.
- Development of advisory services, training, or support hubs to assist businesses affected by trade disruptions.
- Initiatives that strengthen and redesign supply chains to increase resilience and incorporate more Canadian inputs.
Documents Needed
- Incorporation documents and proof of signing authority
- Business plan or pitch deck
- RTRI attestation and supplemental form
- Financial statements for the past 2 years
- Interim financial statements for the last 6 months
- Confirmation of non-PrairiesCan funding
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
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)
Selection criteria
- Ability to achieve RTRI objectives and economic impact.
- Project viability, market potential, management capability, and financial capacity.
- Alignment with government priorities and applicable regulations.
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
- EOIs with the strongest merit are invited to a full application within 30 days.
- Funding decisions are usually made within 90 business days of a complete application.
- Successful applicants must sign a contribution agreement within 30 days of notification.
- Approved funding is provided as periodic reimbursements based on claims submitted.
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028 to remain eligible for reimbursement.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- FedNor — Regional Tariff Response InitiativeSupports Northern Ontario SMEs affected by international trade tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Atlantic CanadaSupports Atlantic SMEs affected by tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — British ColumbiaSupports B.C. firms facing tariff disruptions
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern CanadaSupports Canadian businesses facing trade disruptions
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — QuebecSupport for Quebec manufacturing SMEs impacted by international tariffs
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Southern OntarioSupports southern Ontario businesses impacted by international trade disruptions
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 offers up to $1.5 billion in support to help businesses and supporting organizations adapt to trade disruptions and tariffs. The program funds activities such as market diversification, export development, adoption of innovative technologies, and strengthening supply chains to improve productivity and competitiveness.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
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:
Incorporated company, corporation, or co-operative in the Prairies
Employs 1 to 499 full-time employees
At least 25% of sales in impacted markets or directly affected by tariffs
What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces?
Market diversification projects to reduce reliance on tariff-impacted markets and expand into new domestic or international markets.
Adoption and implementation of innovative technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Modernization and automation of manufacturing or business processes to mitigate the impact of tariffs.
Development of advisory services, training, or support hubs to assist businesses affected by trade disruptions.
Initiatives that strengthen and redesign supply chains to increase resilience and incorporate more Canadian inputs.
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.
Is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces is a Grant and Funding