Open
Strategic Response Fund (SRF)
Supports Canadian industries facing global trade and supply chain risks
Last Update: March 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : March 9, 2026
Location
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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
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
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)?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where is the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) available?
The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) program is available across Canada.
Is the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Strategic Response Fund (SRF) is a Grant and Funding
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)