Open
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces
Supports Prairie businesses impacted by trade tariffs and disruptions
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2027
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
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
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.
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)
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **December 31, 2027**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
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.