Resources for Navigating Tariffs

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) Liquidity

Up to $2M (non-repayable) for up to 50% of eligible costs

Canadian businesses viable as of the date the first tariffs impacting their business were introduced, with at least $1M in annual revenue and liquidity need due to tariff impacts

Canadian businesses viable as of the date the first tariffs impacting their business were introduced, with at least $1M in annual revenue, demonstrated tariff impacts, and an eligible pivot project (diversify/become more resilient)

Organizations supporting tariff-affected businesses

Communities significantly impacted by disruptions in the forest sector

Further details coming

BDC Pivot to Grow

Up to $5M; 60-month amortization; up to 24 months interest only; no early repayment penalty

• Canadian; >$1M revenue; 3+ yrs operating; positive cashflow
• >15% US export revenue or >10% revenue decline

BDC Pivot to Grow Equipment Financing

• Canadian; >$1M revenue; 3+ yrs operating; positive cashflow
• >15% US export revenue or >10% revenue decline

BDC Pivot to Grow
Liquidity

Up to $5M for a tariff-related cash-flow shortfall within 12 months; 96-month
amortization; up to 36 months interest-
only; no early-repayment penalty

• Canadian; >$1M revenue; 3+ yrs operating; positive cashflow
• >15% US export revenue; tariffs equal >5% of revenue

• Canadian softwood lumber or remanufacturing mills
• >$1M revenues

BDC Steel and Aluminum Industries

• Canadian steel, aluminum, copper or related- product manufacturer exporting to the US
• 3+ yrs operating; >$1M revenue

• Large enterprise; significant Canadian operations; direct exposure to new U.S. tariffs
• Demonstrated financial pressure; credible adaptation plan

• Capital maintenance expenditures to maintain operations

ESDC Rapid Response
Supports for Workers
and Employers

EI Measures

• One-week waiting period waiver
• Treatment of monies on separation measure
• Up to 20 additional weeks of benefits for long-tenured workers
• Simplification of rules for reasons for separation

Job Bank job-matching enhancements

Workforce Retention & Retraining Program

• Combines enhanced EI work-sharing and worker retention grant
• Extended duration, expanded eligibility, greater flexibility

EI measures

• All EI claimants across Canada

Job Bank:

• All job seekers and employers

Workforce Retention and Retraining Program:

• Employer/workers affected by tariffs
• Reduced business activity or layoff risk;
• Updates coming

BDC Forestry
Support Program
Transformation
Stream

Up to $25M in preferred-rate financing to implement a transformation plan; Interest-only for up to 24 months and extended amortization

• Canadian forestry manufacturer; >$2M revenue; 3+ yrs operating
• Demonstrated financial pressure/tariff criteria

Canada Strong Diversification Fund

• Canadian for-profit or not-for-profit; large-scale, commercially viable transformative project
• Aligns with investment priorities (e.g., domestic
• production, new markets, protecting jobs, etc.)
• Case-by-case funding and repayment terms