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Grants and tariff relief

Answer these seven questions. In a few minutes, you’ll know if the tariff relief grant is worth a closer look.

Check eligibility Call 437-525-4210

3 minute readUpdated October 13, 2026By the NorthAxis Capital team

The short answer

  • The grant is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. It gives up to $3 million you don’t pay back.
  • You likely need: a business run for profit, at least $1 million in yearly sales, and proof tariffs hurt you.
  • You don’t have to export. Suppliers to businesses that were hit can qualify.
  • If you say yes to the first four questions, it’s worth a closer look.

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative gives up to $3 million per business. These questions follow the rules the regional agencies use.

1. Is your business run to make a profit?

The grant is for businesses run for profit that are located and working in the agency’s region. Most regions want the business to be incorporated.

2. Do you make at least $1 million a year?

You need at least $1 million in yearly sales. Some regions also have staff rules. In southern Ontario, for example, you need at least 5 full-time staff.

3. Was your business doing well before tariffs?

The program helps businesses that were healthy before the tariffs hit. It is not for problems that started long before.

4. Did tariffs hurt your business?

You need to show harm. Any of these can count:

  • You work in a sector hit by U.S. tariffs, like steel, aluminum, autos or lumber, or you supply one.
  • A big part of your sales goes to the U.S.
  • Your costs went up, your supply chain broke, or you lost sales or customers because of trade measures.
You don’t have to exportSuppliers and service providers to businesses that were hit often qualify. Here’s how to show it.

5. What will the money pay for?

Help with bills (up to $2 million): wages, rent, utilities, insurance and property taxes.

Pivot projects (up to $1 million): new equipment, automation, new markets and a stronger supply chain.

The grant covers up to half of the costs. You pay the rest.

6. Where is your business?

Your region decides who reviews your file: FedDev Ontario, FedNor, CED in Quebec, PacifiCan, PrairiesCan, ACOA or CanNor. Find your province or city.

7. Is your timing right?

Help with bills covers up to 12 months, ending by March 31, 2028. Pivot projects must be done by March 31, 2029. Money goes out as files are approved, so earlier is better.

What if you said no?

There may still be help. Look at other tariff programs, like BDC loans with 0% interest for a year, Work-Sharing, or your province’s programs. A business loan may also fit.

Start a free check and a specialist will tell you where you stand.

Rules summarized from regional development agency program pages, October 2026. Programs can change.

FAQ

Quick questions, quick answers.

Automated packaging line in a food plantStill unsure? Call 437-525-4210
How do I know if my business qualifies for tariff relief?

Answer the seven questions above. If you run for profit, make $1 million or more a year, were healthy before tariffs and can show harm, you may qualify.

What if my sales are under $1 million?

You likely won’t qualify for this grant. But Work-Sharing, provincial programs or a loan may still help.

Can a new business get tariff relief?

It is hard. The program is for businesses that were doing well before tariffs. Some regions look at newer businesses case by case.

How much tariff relief can I get?

Up to $3 million in total: up to $2 million for bills and up to $1 million for pivot projects. It covers up to half of your costs.

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Check eligibility Call 437-525-4210