Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John businesses hit by tariffs can apply for up to $3 million in federal funding that never has to be paid back, through ACOA. We find the programs, write the application and arrange business loans when you need capital sooner.
The Saint John economy
Saint John is home to Canada’s largest oil refinery, a deep water port and a long history in forestry and shipbuilding, which keeps the city closely tied to U.S. markets.
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 Saint John 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 ACOA.
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 pageNew Brunswick has offered working capital loans and competitiveness programs for export intensive businesses affected by tariffs.
Provincial websiteNeed capital before your grant decision? We arrange financing for Saint John businesses through more than 50 lending partners.
Explore business loansA Saint John example
An illustrative example of how the programs above can stack for one Saint John business. It is not a specific client. Your own numbers decide what you qualify for.
The business
Why it qualifies
The tariff hit
Steel tariffs hit its work for Maine ports and shipyards, and plate costs went up. The yard lost its biggest customer for the year while the welding crew stayed on.
The funding plan
$1.41Min funding that never has to be repaid
Half of payroll, yard lease and insurance for six months.
Half the cost of certifying the yard to build offshore wind and energy components.
Provincial help to win Atlantic Canadian energy and marine work.
Covers welding and lifting gear for the new work.
Tariff relief grants in Saint John are delivered by ACOA. 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 Saint John 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.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for businesses in Atlantic Canada, including Saint John. We prepare your application to ACOA’s requirements.
No. We work with Saint John 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.
