Open
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Supports Prairie businesses impacted by trade tariffs and disruptions
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) for the Prairie Provinces offers up to $1 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 enhance the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs affected by recent tariffs.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications
Eligible Funding
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2027
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-499 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 185,000
Developing digital seafood traceability for export market access
$ 260,000
Supply chain overhaul to increase Canadian agricultural inputs
$ 450,000
Automating food packaging processes with smart robotics system
Eligibility
- 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)
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
1
Assess eligibility and program fit
- Review the eligibility criteria for your business or organization
- Understand program objectives and expected outcomes
2
Prepare necessary documentation
- Read all available program materials and guides
- Assign a project lead as main contact for PrairiesCan
- Gather required supporting documentation for your application
3
Submit expression of interest
- Complete the expression of interest (EOI) form
- Ensure all information is accurate and aligns with program goals
- Include detailed descriptions and supporting evidence of tariff impact
4
Await response to your submission
- Wait for PrairiesCan evaluation of your EOI
- Respond promptly if further information is requested
- Applications with the strongest merit will be invited to full application stage
5
Submit full application and documents
- If invited, complete and submit the full application
- Provide any additional documentation required (business plans, financials, evidence of funding, etc.)
- Ensure application is complete and detailed
6
Application assessment by PrairiesCan
- PrairiesCan assesses the full application for merit and compliance
- You may be contacted for clarifications, additional details, or further documentation
- Not all full applications will receive funding offers
7
Sign the contribution agreement
- If approved, enter into a contribution agreement with PrairiesCan
- Confirm all funding sources before signing
- Sign the agreement within 30 days of notification
8
Carry out the funded project
- Implement project activities as detailed in your agreement
- Track key milestones and deliverables
- Submit progress reports and claims for reimbursement as required
- Ensure all activities are completed by March 31, 2028
9
Complete final reporting and claims
- Provide all final project reports and deliverables
- Submit final claims for reimbursement
- Comply with any additional reporting obligations as per agreement
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
1-888-338-9378
