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Strategic Response Fund (SRF)

Q: Who is eligible for the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) program?

To be eligible for the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) program, you must: Must operate in sectors exposed to U.S. tariffs and global trade risks (e.g., automotives, steel, aluminum). Activities should support industrial transformation or reinforce supply chains in Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Strategic Response Fund (SRF)?

You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at strategicresponsefund-fondsdereponsestrategique@ised-isde.gc.ca.

Q: Where is the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) available?

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Strategic Response Fund (SRF) is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Strategic Response Fund (SRF)?

Strategic Response Fund (SRF) is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Last Update: March 9, 2026

Canada

Supports Canadian industries facing global trade and supply chain risks

Grant and Funding

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Overview

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada supports Canada's industrial transformation by investing in sectors vulnerable to trade disruptions, including automotive, steel, and aluminum. The program funds activities such as trade diversification, domestic production strengthening, new value-added product development, productivity improvements, and supply chain reinforcement; the maximum funding amount is not specified.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Develop strategic partnerships

Develop a new product

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : March 9, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Location

Canada

Legal structures

For-profit business

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Canadians

Activities funded

Projects aimed at diversifying trade opportunities beyond the U.S. market.
Initiatives to strengthen and expand domestic production capacity.
Development of new value-added products in strategic industries.
Projects focused on improving productivity and reinforcing supply chains.
Support for sectors such as automotives, steel, aluminum, and other industries significantly affected by global trade risks.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 495,000

Install energy-extrusion system for sustainable aluminum profile production

$ 470,000

Develop light-weight steel chassis for electric vehicles export markets

$ 500,000

Purchase automated welding robots for aluminum component fabrication

$ 370,000

Create modular steel greenhouses for domestic agricultural expansion

$ 370,000

Implement ERP system to optimize steel fabrication supply chains

$ 295,000

Launch export program for advanced aluminum window systems

Eligibility

The applicant must operate in a sector that is strategically exposed to U.S. tariffs or global trade risks, such as automotive, steel, or aluminum sectors.
The applicant's project should contribute to industrial transformation, diversification of trade, strengthening of domestic production, development of value-added products, improvement of productivity, or reinforcement of supply chains.
The project must support the development of long-term industrial capabilities to build economic resilience in Canada.

Who is eligible?

Companies in strategic sectors exposed to U.S. tariffs
Businesses in industries facing global trade risks
Firms in the automotive sector
Steel and aluminum industry participants

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

How to apply

Assess eligibility and program fit

Review the Strategic Response Fund overview and objectives
Determine if your organization belongs to a strategic sector exposed to trade risks
Evaluate the program's fit with your business needs

Contact the program representatives

Contact the Strategic Response Fund team by email for detailed information
Request a consultation to discuss your project or eligibility
Collect any preliminary documents or information requested

Attend consultation with fund team

Participate in the consultation session with SRF representatives
Receive guidance on eligibility, required documents, and application process
Clarify any questions related to the submission

Prepare your application

Prepare the application, including all required documents
Ensure that your project details and financials align with SRF requirements
Double-check your submission for completeness

Submit your application

Submit your completed application and documents to the SRF contact email
Ensure confirmation of receipt from SRF representatives

Await results from program

Await review and evaluation by the SRF team
Respond promptly if further information or clarification is requested

Additional information

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) prioritizes support for sectors exposed to U.S. tariffs and global trade instability, with flexibility for timely interventions in other high-value industries.
The program builds on the existing Strategic Innovation Fund’s mandate, broadening its focus beyond innovation to include responsive, targeted strategic investments.
Updates regarding the fund, including related government programs and industry news, are disseminated through official newsletters and communication channels.
Applicants can access additional background and related programs through frequently asked questions and links provided on the program’s information page.

Contacts

strategicresponsefund-fondsdereponsestrategique@ised-isde.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Strategic Response Fund (SRF). 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 Strategic Response Fund (SRF)?

Who is eligible for the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) program?

What expenses are eligible under Strategic Response Fund (SRF)?

Projects aimed at diversifying trade opportunities beyond the U.S. market. Initiatives to strengthen and expand domestic production capacity. Development of new value-added products in strategic industries. Projects focused on improving productivity and reinforcing supply chains. Support for sectors such as automotives, steel, aluminum, and other industries significantly affected by global trade risks.