Sign in Start a project
Active · Limited envelope Non-repayable

FedDev Ontario RTRI.

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

Up to $1,000,000

Non-repayable funding for Southern Ontario SMEs hit by US / China tariffs. Supports diversification, digital transformation, and productivity projects with a minimum $125K project size.

Talk to us Check eligibility

Who qualifies

Eligibility checklist.

All criteria must be met at time of application.

Incorporated, for-profit SME Active for at least 3 years in Southern Ontario.
5+ FTE employees Full-time equivalents on payroll.
Tariff exposure ≥ 25% At least a quarter of sales exposed to US or China markets.
Minimum $125K project RTRI funds larger diversification or modernization projects, not small initiatives.
Not eligible

The RTRI envelope is limited and competitive. Strong applications lead with measurable diversification or productivity outcomes — not just "go digital".

Eligible services

What's covered.

High-leverage project types we ship under RTRI.

New-market web presence Localized sites, multilingual content, and digital campaigns to open new geographies.
AI-driven productivity systems Automation for quoting, ops, support, or scheduling that removes unit cost.
Direct-to-customer channels E-commerce, order portals, and distributor extranets to reduce channel dependence.
Data & analytics platforms Sales, ops, and financial dashboards that make diversification measurable.

Process

How to apply.

RTRI typically takes 3–6 months from EOI to first disbursement.

  1. 1

    Diversification thesis

    We scope a project that moves you measurably off tariff-exposed revenue or cost structure.

  2. 2

    Expression of interest

    You submit an EOI to FedDev Ontario. We contribute the project scope, cost, and expected outcomes.

  3. 3

    Full application

    If invited, submit the detailed application. We supply the technical and commercial narrative.

  4. 4

    Review & contribution agreement

    Approved projects sign a CA with milestones and reporting obligations.

  5. 5

    Build, report, claim

    We execute the workplan. Claims are submitted against milestones for reimbursement.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Where is Southern Ontario for RTRI purposes?

FedDev Ontario covers most of the province south of Algoma / Parry Sound / Nipissing. Eligibility is keyed to permanent establishment and operations.

What does "tariff exposure" mean in practice?

A demonstrable dependency on US or China markets — sales revenue, input costs, or both. Strong applications quantify the exposure and how the project reduces it.

Is $125K the minimum we pay you?

No — $125K is the minimum total project size. Our invoice is one line item among multiple eligible project costs, including internal labour, other vendors, and capital.

Do you manage the claims and reporting?

We produce the engineering and delivery evidence your FedDev officer needs. Your accountant files claims; we make sure the technical narrative is watertight.

Tariff response · Non-repayable

Diversify before the next tariff cycle.

Let us shape the diversification project and build the application with you.

Book a free consultation Browse all programs