Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is a federal program, delivered by Canada's seven regional development agencies, that pays non-repayable and repayable contributions to businesses hurt by U.S. tariffs. It is for incorporated, for-profit companies with at least $1 million in revenue and real tariff exposure. Intake is open.
Start an applicationProgram facts
| Type | Grant (non-repayable) or repayable contribution |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Incorporated for-profit businesses with at least $1M in revenue in one of their last two fiscal years, and real U.S. tariff exposure: a Section 232 sector, 25% or more of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., or significant cost increases caused by tariffs. |
| Amount or rate | Liquidity stream: non-repayable, up to $2M at up to 50% of costs. Pivot projects: non-repayable up to $1M at 50%, repayable above $1M. Caps: $3M non-repayable per business, $20M in total. |
| Intake status | Open. CED Quebec lists intake as ongoing; PrairiesCan accepts applications until 31 December 2028 or until its funds are committed. PacifiCan, FedDev Ontario, FedNor and ACOA are also accepting applications. |
| Run by | Government of Canada, through the seven regional development agencies (CED in Quebec) |
| Checked on | 8 October 2026 |
| Official page | https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/regional-tariff-response-initiative |
How it pays
The liquidity stream pays up to 50% of costs such as wages, rent, utilities, insurance and property taxes. The business pays the other half itself.
Pivot projects are funded at 50%. The contribution is non-repayable up to $1 million; above $1 million it is repayable, which means the business pays that part back.
The program has $3.45 billion over four years, and the federal package announced on 25 August 2026 added $1.5 billion. One business can receive at most $3 million non-repayable and $20 million in total.
Funding your share while you wait
At 50% cost-sharing, a $400,000 pivot project leaves $200,000 for the business to fund. For a company whose margins are already squeezed by tariffs, that half usually comes from a line of credit or a term loan rather than from cash on hand.
Voxen arranges that financing on the strength of the business's revenue and bank statements, the same way as any other file. The contribution agreement is not used as security, and Voxen has no part in the agency's decision.
The Voxen products that fit this program. Ranges are the ones on each product page; every file is assessed on the business's revenue and bank statements.
| Financing | Range | What it covers here |
|---|---|---|
| Line of Credit | Credit Limit: $10,000 – $1,000,000 | Working capital while you wait for a reimbursement or a refund. Draw what the project needs, pay it down when the money arrives. |
| Bridge Loan | Loan Amount: $30,000 – $5,000,000 | A short loan for a defined gap, when you know where the money that repays it will come from. |
| Term Loan | Loan Amount: $10,000 – $2,000,000 | Your share of a larger project, repaid in fixed instalments over several years. |
Related programs
| Program | Type | Status | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDC Pivot to Grow | Loan | Open | 8 October 2026 |
| FORCE (Investissement Québec) | Loan | Open | 8 October 2026 |
| ESSOR | Grant (non-repayable), loan or loan guarantee | Continuous intake | 8 October 2026 |
- BDC Pivot to Grow
- FORCE (Investissement Québec tariff fund)
- ESSOR (Investissement Québec)
- More programs for this situation: Tariffs and U.S. exposure
Not sure which program fits? Ask us
Tell us about the project and we will tell you which programs are worth a look and what financing could carry your share. Voxen does not prepare grant applications; if you want help with one, we can point you to specialists who do that work.
Notice
Voxen Capital is a private financing broker, not a government body. It does not decide, influence or guarantee any grant, credit or government loan, and it does not prepare grant applications. Program details change: check the official page before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Does my business have to export to the U.S. to qualify for RTRI?
Not necessarily. Earning 25% or more of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S. is one way to show exposure. Working in a Section 232 sector, or facing significant cost increases caused by tariffs, are the other two.
Is RTRI a grant or a loan?
It can be either. The liquidity stream is non-repayable. Pivot projects are non-repayable up to $1 million and repayable above that amount.
Which agency do I apply to?
The regional development agency for your region. In Quebec that is Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). Others delivering RTRI include FedDev Ontario, FedNor, PrairiesCan, PacifiCan and ACOA.
Can someone apply to RTRI on my behalf?
CED's project submission guide says a representative who presents a project for you must be registered in the Registry of Lobbyists. Voxen does not prepare or present grant applications; it arranges financing for the share the business pays itself.