Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa businesses hit by tariffs can apply for up to $3 million in federal funding that never has to be paid back, through FedDev Ontario. We find the programs, write the application and arrange business loans when you need capital sooner.
The Ottawa economy
Ottawa’s private sector is led by technology, telecommunications and professional services, alongside manufacturers, builders and distributors across the wider Ottawa Valley that sell into 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 Ottawa 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 FedDev Ontario.
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 Ottawa businesses through more than 50 lending partners.
Explore business loansAn Ottawa example
An illustrative example of how the programs above can stack for one Ottawa business. It is not a specific client. Your own numbers decide what you qualify for.
The business
Why it qualifies
The tariff hit
U.S. carriers pushed purchase orders into next year and chip costs kept rising. The engineering team was busy, but cash from product sales slowed to a trickle.
The funding plan
$1.35Min funding that never has to be repaid
Half of payroll and lab rent for six months while delayed orders come back.
Half the cost of redesigning the product for European certification.
Support to sell into Canadian utilities and carriers in other provinces.
Carries certification testing costs before the grant is paid.
Tariff relief grants in Ottawa are delivered by FedDev Ontario. 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 Ottawa 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 Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) delivers the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for businesses in southern Ontario, including Ottawa. We prepare your application to FedDev Ontario’s requirements.
No. We work with Ottawa 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.
