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Strategic Response Fund (SRF)
Last Update: March 9, 2026
Canada
Supports Canadian industries facing global trade and supply chain risks
Grant and Funding
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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
Submit your application
- Submit your completed application and documents to the SRF contact email
- Ensure confirmation of receipt from SRF representatives
6
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
