Liquidity Support Now Available to Tariff-Impacted companies
Canada's regional development agencies on Sept. 8, 2026, published detailed guidelines for the expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), including a new liquidity support stream. This funding is intended to assist SME firms impacted by US Tariffs.
Liquidity Assistance
Liquidity assistance (non-repayable loans) have been introduced as of September 8th. This is described as:
Funding for businesses experiencing tariff-related financial pressures. This support is intended to help companies maintain Canadian operations and retain employees while responding to trade disruptions and planning for longer-term resilience.
Members should review the guidelines for their region and prepare applications now — agencies process applications on a continuous basis until funds are committed.
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The $1.5-billion expansion brings total RTRI funding to $3.45 billion over four years
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A new liquidity assistance stream provides up to $2 million in non-repayable funding to companies, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, for a period of up to 12 months ending no later than March 31, 2028
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Combined non-repayable funding is capped at $3 million per business: up to $2 million in liquidity assistance plus up to $1 million for a non-repayable pivot project
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Total RTRI funding, including repayable contributions, is capped at $20 million per business
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Liquidity support requires minimum annual revenue of $1 million and proof of viability before tariffs were imposed
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Liquidity support is open to all tariff-impacted sectors, including apparel and textiles
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Pivot projects may run to March 31, 2029 in some regions.
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Confirm all details concerning eligibility and deadlines with your regional development agency.
Other federal programs
This and other federal government support programs are listed HERE
Action for members
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Confirm eligibility using your regional agency's criteria; requirements may vary by region
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Assemble financial statements and other materials documenting tariff impact
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Apply early; funding is allocated on a first-come basis until budgets are exhausted
Links
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RTRI national overview (ISED): https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/regional-tariff-response-initiative
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FedDev Ontario — RTRI in southern Ontario: https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/en/funding-southern-ontario/regional-tariff-response-initiative-southern-ontario
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CED — Quebec: https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-quebec-regions/financing-services/regional-tariff-response-initiative.html
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List of all regional development agencies: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/canadas-regional-development-agencies