Resources and support to help Sarnia businesses respond to tariff challenges

Ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainty continue to create new challenges for Sarnia businesses. Increased operating costs and cash flow pressures can make it difficult for businesses to plan with confidence.

There are many programs and incentives available to assist local businesses effected by trade disruptions.

Connect with the Invest Sarnia team to learn more about available supports and funding programs, and to determine whether your business may qualify.

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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

A key program available to assist businesses operating in southern Ontario is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Administered on behalf of FedDev Ontario, RTRI provides funding to help eligible businesses and organizations respond to trade disruptions, strengthen operations, and build resilience.

Funding can support projects that allow your business to

• Boost productivity (e.g., process improvements, automation, technology adoption
• Strengthen supply chain resilience (e.g., reshoring, supplier diversification, logistics optimization)
• Diversify markets (e.g., export development, domestic market expansion)
• Reduce the impacts of tariffs and lower operating costs through strategic investment

Eligible for-profit businesses may access repayable loans or non-repayable grants.

Recent federal announcements also signal expanded support under RTRI, including higher caps on non‑repayable contributions and additional liquidity options, underscoring the program’s role in helping SMEs manage tariff pressures.

Protect Ontario Financing Program

Ontario businesses facing significant tariff-related disruptions may be eligible for financial support through the Protect Ontario Financing Program.

The program provides term loans to help eligible companies manage immediate working capital pressures resulting from U.S. Section 232 or Section 338 tariffs.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Payroll
• Lease payments
• Utilities
• Other everyday operating costs

To be eligible, organizations need to meet specific criteria and operate within sectors subject to s.232 or s.338 tariffs.

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Ontario Together Trade Fund

Ontario businesses may access grants or loans through the Ontario Trade Together Fund (OTTF) to help them expand interprovincial trade, develop new markets, and re-shore supply chains away from the U.S..

The program supports:

• Expanding market reach to new markets, with a focus on interprovincial trade
• Increasing manufacturing capacity and capabilities and increasing profitability through investmemts in advanced technology and innovative processses
• Strengthening Ontario's supply chains through reshoring and efforts to procure equipment and supplies from Ontario and Canada
• Creating or retaining jobs

Ontario has expanded eligibility under the program. Organizations must meet specific criteria and operate in a sector exclusively targeted by U.S. tariffs, have a significant exposure to trade risk, or are pivoting operations to supply a customer that is looking to replace a current supplier due to tariffs.

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‍Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada 

Export Development Canada (EDC) has committed up to $5 billion in additional financing and insurance capacity through its Trade Impact Program (TIP).

The program may provide support such as:

• Increased access to working capital
• Longer terms and amortization for term loans
• Extended pre-shipment coverage for receivables
• Foreign exchange solutions
• Adapted coverage for certain customs obligations

EDC is also expanding eligibility to support small and medium-sized enterprises as they adapt to changing international trade conditions.

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Additional Resources

A local Tariff & Trade Resources page consolidates programs, data, and practical tools to help businesses adapt and stay competitive amid rising input costs, shifting cross‑border dynamics, and uncertainty around U.S. tariffs.

The online resource is updated regularly and can help businesses evaluate options:

• Links to federal and provincial programs and incentives relevant to tariff-affected businesses
• Tariff and trade data and statistics to inform planning and risk assessment
• Resources to support locally made products, including guidance on compliance, exporting, and market diversificatio

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How Invest Sarnia Can Help

If your business is navigating tariff‑related pressures or exploring new growth opportunities, Invest Sarnia can help you navigate available services and understand which programs you might be eligible to pursue.

Connect with our team and learn more about the supports that might be available to you.

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(updated September 29, 2026)