Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay businesses hit by tariffs can apply for up to $3 million in federal funding that never has to be paid back, through FedNor. We find the programs, write the application and arrange business loans when you need capital sooner.
The Thunder Bay economy
Thunder Bay’s economy rests on forestry, mining, rail car manufacturing and the Port of Thunder Bay, the western gateway of the Great Lakes for grain and resources.
When customers south of the border delay orders, or the price of steel, aluminum and imported components jumps, the pressure lands on payroll and cash flow first. That is exactly the gap federal tariff relief was designed to fill.
We work with Thunder Bay owners by phone and video, so there is no need to travel. You tell us how tariffs have affected the business, and we map every federal, provincial and municipal program you could qualify for.
Programs
Grants that never have to be repaid come first. Provincial programs and business loans fill the gaps.
Covers up to 50% of eligible costs like payroll, rent, utilities and insurance for up to 12 months, through FedNor.
Official program pageFunds equipment, automation, new markets and supply chain projects at up to 50% of eligible costs. Larger projects can access interest free repayable support.
Official program pageProvincial loans that help tariff affected businesses cover payroll, leases and utilities while they adjust. Eligibility was expanded in 2026 to cover newer U.S. trade measures.
Provincial websiteGrants or loans for projects that help Ontario businesses grow interprovincial trade, reach new markets and reshore supply chains away from the United States.
Provincial websiteNeed capital before your grant decision? We arrange financing for Thunder Bay businesses through more than 50 lending partners.
Explore business loansA Thunder Bay example
An illustrative example of how the programs above can stack for one Thunder Bay business. It is not a specific client. Your own numbers decide what you qualify for.
The business
Why it qualifies
The tariff hit
Tariffs on top of existing softwood duties pushed its lumber out of reach for U.S. buyers. Yards filled up, and the mill cut a shift while the logs kept coming in.
The funding plan
$2.4Min funding that never has to be repaid
Half of payroll, utilities and insurance for six months to keep the crews together.
Half the cost of kiln and planer upgrades to make engineered wood for Canadian builders.
Support to sell into Ontario and Prairie building markets instead of the U.S.
Covers the balance of the kiln project.
Tariff relief grants in Thunder Bay are delivered by FedNor. We build the file to its requirements.
Illustrative only. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible costs, and actual amounts depend on your costs, the agency’s review and program intake.
Yes. Incorporated businesses in Thunder Bay with at least $1 million in annual revenue that were operating before March 21, 2025 and can show a direct or indirect tariff impact can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Up to $3 million is available per business in funding that does not need to be repaid.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) delivers the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for businesses in Northern Ontario, including Thunder Bay. We prepare your application to FedNor’s requirements.
No. We work with Thunder Bay owners by phone and video, and documents are shared securely online. Most files move from the first call to a submitted application without anyone needing to travel.
Yes. We arrange term loans, lines of credit, CSBFP loans and invoice factoring from $20K to $2M through more than 50 lending partners, which is useful when you need capital before a grant decision lands.
Typically evidence such as lost or delayed U.S. orders, higher costs for steel, aluminum or imported inputs, supply chain disruption, or at least 25% of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the United States. We help you document it clearly.
Nearby
Free eligibility check
Fill in one short form or give us a call. A grant specialist reviews your situation and walks you through the programs that fit, and how much you could receive.
One short form. A specialist calls you back.
Open 7 days a week, 7 AM to 7 PM ET
Get in touch
Send us your details and a grant specialist will call you back to walk through the tariff relief programs that fit your business. No obligation.
Takes about a minute. A specialist will call you back.
