If your business has been affected by recent trade actions or U.S. tariffs, there may be new federal support available.
The Government of Canada recently announced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced supports for Canadian workers and businesses, including an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
Through Prairies Economic Development Canada, the expanded RTRI can help eligible Prairie businesses respond to tariff-related pressures, diversify markets, improve productivity, develop new export opportunities and strengthen supply chains.
What has changed?
➡️ Up to $3 million in non-repayable contributions per eligible business, including up to $2 million for liquidity support to help manage tariff-related pressures.
➡️ Eligibility has been expanded to include businesses with at least $1 million in annual revenue that can demonstrate impacts from tariffs.
Not-for-profit organizations that support small and medium-sized businesses affected by trade disruptions may also be eligible.
Learn more about the Government of Canada's tariff response:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/08/canada-announces-targeted-countermeasures-and-substantive-support-for-workers-and-businesses-in-response-to-us-tariffs.html
Learn more about RTRI and how to apply:
https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/funding/regional-tariff-response-initiative.html
Contact PrairiesCan:
https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/corporate/contact/offices.html
Want to learn more?
PrairiesCan is also hosting two webinars with updates on the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and other Government of Canada programs available to support small and medium-sized businesses.
? September 14 – Register:
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e87e1cb7-8499-49f5-b8c2-6a05786826dc@807958b8-f64c-4304-ab43-16ddee8ba0bd?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog
? September 15 – Register:
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/772e5d7d-dcbc-41d1-a752-1a127bcd681e@807958b8-f64c-4304-ab43-16ddee8ba0bd?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog
If tariffs or changing trade conditions are affecting your business, take some time to explore the available support and determine whether the RTRI could be a fit.