Navigating Tariffs

Key Financial Support

Key Financial Support Programs for Tariff Challenges

Businesses affected by international tariffs can access several government-backed financial support programs:

• Regional Tariff Response Initiative: FedDev Ontario’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative helps southern Ontario small and medium sized businesses respond to tariff pressures and adapt, grow and compete as trade and market conditions change.

  The Government of Canada has added $1.5 billion to the initiative, bringing the total national investment to $3.45 billion. Eligible businesses may receive up to $3 million in non repayable funding, including up to $2 million in liquidity support to help manage tariff related pressures.

  Eligibility has been expanded to businesses with at least $1 million in annual revenue that can demonstrate tariff impacts. Repayable funding also remains available for eligible projects.

  Applications are open and will be accepted until FedDev Ontario’s funding allocation is fully committed. Businesses are encouraged to apply early. Virtual bilingual information sessions will also be offered.

  Learn bout the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and apply

• Protect Ontario Financing Program: The program provides working capital loans to eligible Ontario businesses experiencing financial pressures resulting from U.S. tariffs. Eligibility has been expanded to include businesses whose exports are affected by Section 338 tariffs, while continuing to support businesses affected by Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotive products. Funding may help cover expenses such as payroll, lease payments and utilities.Businesses should review the official program page for current eligibility and application information.
• Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit: Eligible Ontario corporations may be able to claim a corporate income tax credit for qualifying investments in buildings, machinery and equipment used for manufacturing or processing in Ontario. Eligibility and credit rates depend on the corporation and investment. Businesses should review the official provincial guidance for details.
• Ontario Together Trade Fund: The Ontario Together Trade Fund supports Ontario businesses affected by trade disruptions. Funding can help businesses diversify into new markets, serve more interprovincial customers, increase manufacturing capacity and bring critical supply chains back to Ontario.

  Eligible projects may receive up to $5 million in funding, subject to program assessment and project eligibility.

• CanExport SMEs: CanExport SMEs provides eligible Canadian small and medium sized businesses with up to $50,000 to support activities related to entering new international markets. Eligible activities may include market research, trade events, adapting marketing materials and pursuing international business development opportunities.The current application period closes August 31, 2026, at noon ET.
• Trade Impact Program (EDC): Export Development Canada’s Trade Impact Program provides eligible Canadian exporters and companies that supply exporters with expanded access to financing, working capital support, trade credit insurance and foreign exchange solutions. EDC also offers market intelligence and support for businesses pursuing new international markets.
• Business Development Bank of Canada Tariff Support: BDC provides financing and advisory services to help Canadian businesses manage tariff related cash flow pressures and adapt their operations.Through Pivot to Grow, eligible Canadian businesses with at least $1 million in annual revenue may access financing of up to $5 million. On August 25, 2026, the federal government announced a second $500 million liquidity stream for businesses directly affected by U.S. tariffs across all sectors. Loans through the new stream will range from $250,000 to $5 million, with interest only payments available for up to 36 months, subject to BDC eligibility and approval.

• Canada Strong Diversification Fund: The Government of Canada has created a new $2 billion stream through the Strategic Response Fund to support tariff affected businesses, including medium sized firms, with ready to proceed projects involving capital maintenance and continued business operations.

  The fund will work with Canada’s regional development agencies to identify and assess projects. A faster, one step review and approval process is also planned. Businesses should consult the official federal announcement while detailed application information is being published.

• Farm Credit Canada Financing: Farm Credit Canada provides financing and support to Canadian farm operations, agribusinesses and food processors affected by tariffs and input price volatility. Support may include assistance with cash flow, term financing and payment arrangements for existing FCC customers.The Trade Disruption Customer Support Program has been extended until March 5, 2027.

• Work Sharing Program: The federal Work Sharing Program can help employers avoid layoffs when tariffs cause a temporary reduction in business activity. Special tariff measures have been extended to March 31, 2027.

• Worker Retention Grant: Employers with an approved and implemented Work Sharing agreement may be eligible for funding that supports employee income while participating employees work reduced hours and complete training.

  Applications are open until December 31, 2026.

• Workforce Retention and Retraining Program: The Government of Canada has announced that the existing Work Sharing Program and Worker Retention Grant will be combined into a new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program.The new program is intended to provide employers with access to Work Sharing flexibilities and up to $1,000 per participant to help cover training and administrative costs. Additional eligibility, application and implementation details have not yet been published.
• Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL): The Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility provides financing to large Canadian enterprises affected by tariffs and countermeasures that are experiencing difficulty accessing traditional financing.The program is generally intended for businesses with approximately $150 million or more in annual Canadian revenue that can demonstrate a significant liquidity need. On August 25, 2026, the federal government announced new flexibilities that will increase support from 24 to 36 months of company liquidity needs and extend the maximum loan term from 10 to 15 years.

Tariff Tools and Relief

Canadian counter tariffs effective September 8, 2026: Review the official list of goods originating from the United States that will be subject to Canadian counter tariffs of 15, 25 or 50 per cent. The list is organized by Harmonized System tariff item and should be reviewed with Canada’s Customs Tariff.

Businesses should confirm their product classification, origin and tariff treatment with their customs broker.

View the official list of products subject to Canadian counter tariffs

The following official tools can help businesses determine whether tariffs apply and whether relief may be available.

• Government of Canada Business Support Finder Use the Government of Canada’s online tool to explore tariff support measures, programs, and remission options available to Canadian businesses. The tool helps businesses identify relevant federal supports based on their needs and provides direct access to information and resources that can help them respond to tariff-related impacts, manage costs, and navigate available relief measures.
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  Government of Canada tariff overview and supports: Access current information about Canada and U.S. tariffs, CUSMA, financial assistance and support for importers and exporters.

• Canada Tariff Finder: Search tariff information for specific products and markets, including countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement.

• Tariff remission requests: Canadian businesses may request exceptional relief from certain tariffs, including situations where required inputs cannot reasonably be sourced from Canada or another country.

Educational Resources

Webinars, Seminars and Workshops:

To help businesses navigate tariff challenges and enhance their operational strategies, several organizations in the Niagara region offer educational events, including webinars, seminars, and workshops:

• Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) – Hosts various events, including the Niagara Business Leadership Series, Business After 5 networking events, and Lunch & Learn sessions focused on diverse business topics.
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce – Explore upcoming export seminars, trade missions, market development programs and international business events offered by the Government of Ontario.
• St. Catharines Enterprise Centre – Offers training seminars and webinars for new entrepreneurs and small business owners, covering topics such as business planning, market research, and marketing strategies.
• Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre – Provides events geared towards both new start-up businesses and existing businesses, covering topics like digital advertising and social media strategies.
• Innovate Niagara – Connects innovative entrepreneurs with industry professionals through events designed to encourage growth and collaboration.

Key Partners

Key Partners for Exporters and Importers

Niagara businesses can access trade, financing, customs, workforce and market development support from federal and provincial government agencies and Crown corporations. These organizations can help businesses understand tariffs, access financing, comply with customs requirements and pursue new markets.

Key partners include:

• Global Affairs Canada & Trade Commissioner Service
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
• Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Export Development Canada (EDC)
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
• Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Department of Finance Canada
• Agriculture and Agri Food Canada
• Farm Credit Canada
• Employment and Social Development Canada

These agencies offer programs and services designed to reduce barriers and help businesses succeed on the international stage.

Diversifying Markets

Diversifying Markets for Growth

In 2023, 72% of Niagara’s exports and 54% of its imports were with the United States, representing $6 billion and $2 billion in trade, respectively. However, diversifying markets is critical for mitigating risks associated with trade disruptions. Niagara businesses have access to Canada’s 15 trade agreements with 51 countries, including with major trading partners such as:

• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): This agreement opens up opportunities with 10 Indo-Pacific countries.
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Provides access to significant growth opportunities within the European Union.
• Indo-Pacific Strategy by Global Affairs Canada: Canada’s Indo Pacific Strategy supports increased trade, investment and business relationships within one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions.
• Trade Commissioner Service diversification support: The Trade Commissioner Service provides market intelligence, business contacts and practical guidance to help Canadian businesses identify and enter new international markets.

Foreign Trade Zone

Niagara’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Benefits

Niagara has been a designated Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) for over a decade, providing local businesses with access to essential programs that help them save time and capital. Eligible importing, processing and exporting businesses can access programs that may defer, reduce or recover duties and taxes, helping businesses preserve working capital and compete in international markets.

• Duties Relief Program
• Drawback Program
• Custom Bonded Warehouse Program
• Export Distribution Centre Program
• Exporters of Processing Services Program

These programs ensure that businesses engaged in international trade can operate more efficiently, cutting down costs and enhancing competitiveness.

Trade Accelerator Program

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) The Trade Accelerator Program provides export ready small and medium sized businesses with workshops, mentorship and expert guidance to help them develop a practical international growth plan. Topics include market research, marketing, supply chains, finance, legal considerations and trade compliance.

Program availability, delivery format and participation costs vary by cohort.