Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is sponsored by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). This program provides funding to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Prairie provinces, including Alberta, in adapting to trade disruptions and advancing economic growth. It helps businesses cut costs, strengthen operations, and expand into new markets.

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces – Who can apply - Canada.

ca Eligible applicants include: incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations not-for-profit organizations that support businesses Applicants must show that at least 25% of their sales are in impacted markets or demonstrate they (or the businesses they support) have been directly affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including new U.S. and China tariffs or Canadian countermeasures.

Preference may be given to: majority Canadian-owned businesses applicants with higher proportions of Canadian inputs applicants demonstrating higher leverage of funding from non-PrairiesCan sources applicants or industries experiencing a higher severity of tariff impact Additional eligibility information To be eligible for this program, you must meet all of the following criteria: have been viable prior to newly imposed tariffs by the U.S., China, and/or Canadian counter-tariffs and prior to March 21, 2025 employ between 1 and 499 full-time employees be incorporated to conduct business in the Prairies have been in operation for at least 2 years have staffed operating facilities in the Prairie provinces have at least 25% of your sales in the markets targeted by tariffs or are able to demonstrate having been directly negatively affected by the tariffs or the uncertainty they create.

This could be demonstrated by: higher cost from suppliers higher retail cost of finished product fewer purchase orders or sales addition of an import or export tax loss of access to markets other proof of negative impact have confirmed, at the time of application submission, other project funding sources including government and non-government are capable of entering into legally binding agreements If you are applying for non-repayable funding, you must also: generate economic benefits for the local economy or region play an important role in supporting the local supply chain Not-for-profit organizations To be eligible for this program, not-for-profit* organizations must meet all of the following criteria: support businesses, innovators, or entrepreneurs in the Prairie provinces negatively impacted by the new tariffs by the U.S., China and/or Canadian counter-tariffs are capable of entering into legally binding agreements have an operating presence in the Prairies *Not-for-profit organizations include post-secondary educational institutions, business accelerator and incubators, angel networks, social enterprises, groups of eligible applicants such as an industry association or consortium, municipalities and other levels of government.

Indigenous-led organizations and businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. For assistance with the application process, call one of our regional offices or 1-888-338-9378 .