Government of Canada Launches $1 Billion Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

When tariffs squeeze margins and test supply chains, the Government of Canada’s new $1 billion Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is stepping in to help businesses strengthen, adapt, and grow. 

As part of a sweeping $6.5 billion federal tariff and trade relief package, the RTRI program will provide targeted support to Canadian businesses across the country. This initiative is designed to help companies of all sizes, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), withstand tariff impacts while continuing to innovate and expand. 

The RTRI program is specifically tailored to help companies enhance productivity, diversify markets, and reinforce supply‑chain resilience. In this blog, we unpack what funding is on the table and how your business can tap into it. 

 

Funding Snapshot: Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) 

Here’s a snapshot-style breakdown of the newly announced RTRI program, including funding amount, who’s eligible, and the application timeline. 

Program Objectives 

Support businesses impacted by tariffs by enabling them to: 

• Enhance productivity 
• Diversify into new markets 
• Reinforce and adapt supply chains 

Funding Amount 

• Total program size: $1 billion over three years 
• Support for SMEs: Non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million for businesses across all impacted sectors 
• Additional dedicated support for key industries such as steel and automotive 

Eligible Applicants 

• For-profit businesses in sectors directly affected by tariffs 
• SMEs looking to modernize operations, grow into new markets, and build supply-chain resilience 

Eligible Projects 

• Productivity improvements 
• Market diversification strategies 
• Supply chain adaptation and strengthening 
• Costs must be new, directly tied to project objectives 
• Retroactive expenditures eligible up to 12 months prior to application, but no earlier than March 21, 2025 

Timeline 

• Retroactive expenditures eligible from March 21, 2025 
• All projects must complete by March 31, 2028 
• RTRI is open now for applications 

Application Insights and Next Steps 

The RTRI program represents one of the largest federal investments in tariff relief ever announced. For SMEs, the chance to access up to $1 million in non-repayable contributions provides a direct path to accelerate growth despite trade challenges. 

Applications will be assessed on: 

• Degree of tariff impact 
• Project clarity and readiness 
• Capacity to deliver results 
• Risk management and IP strategy where relevant 

Funding support levels include: 

• Non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million for SMEs 
• Larger cost-shared contributions for steel and automotive industries 
• Up to 100% funding for indigenous-led projects 

Successful applicants must provide supporting documentation and finalize contribution agreements within 30 days of approval. 

The RTRI also complements other federal and provincial programs, allowing businesses to stack funding sources and maximize their project budgets. 

How Our Ryan Canada Funding Team Can Help 

The RTRI program creates a critical opportunity for businesses to safeguard operations, strengthen resilience, and seize new growth potential. 

Our Ryan Canada government funding team can help: 

• Assess your business eligibility for RTRI 
• Build a strong application package 
• Identify complementary funding programs to boost project outcomes 

Whether your focus is expanding production capacity, adopting new technologies, or entering new markets, our Ryan team can help you secure the funding needed to remain competitive in a shifting trade landscape. Let’s connect and start building your funding strategy today.