How RTRI Funding Helps B.C. Organizations Respond to Tariffs

Tariffs can raise costs for Canadian businesses overnight. For organizations connected to global supply chains, the effects can show up fast. Cash flow drops, prices go up, and contracts may be lost. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is a federal funding program that helps businesses and not-for-profits in British Columbia adjust, diversify, and stay competitive during trade disruptions. RTRI is not available across all of Canada in the same way. This article focuses on the B.C. stream, with some notes on other regions.

What Is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is a federal program delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies. In British Columbia, Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) manages the RTRI. The program supports projects that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) deal with tariffs and other trade disruptions. The actual funding amount varies by region, and the B.C. not-for-profit stream can provide up to $10 million per project.

RTRI funding in B.C. is meant for not-for-profit organizations that support the wider SME community. It does not fund projects that benefit only one company.

RTRI in British Columbia — Not-for-Profit Stream

According to PacifiCan, the B.C. not-for-profit RTRI stream offers:

Funding type: Non-repayable contributions
Maximum funding: Up to $10 million per project
Cost sharing:
- At least 10% must come from non-PacifiCan sources
- All government funding together can cover up to 100% of eligible costs
Intake: Open until December 31, 2027, or until funds run out
Project completion deadline: March 31, 2028

Who Is Eligible for RTRI Funding in B.C.?

For the B.C. not-for-profit stream, eligible applicants are:

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
Groups whose main purpose is to support SMEs
Organizations operating in British Columbia

Projects must clearly show how they will help SMEs affected by tariffs or trade instability. The applicant does not need to be a business itself. This means industry associations, economic development groups, and sector organizations can apply for projects that benefit their members.

What Types of Tariff-Response Projects Are Funded?

RTRI does not cover losses from tariffs that have already happened. Instead, it supports projects that help businesses adapt and grow for the future.

In B.C., eligible project activities include:

Boosting productivity and reducing costs
- Improving processes
- Adopting new technology
- Creating shared infrastructure or services for SMEs
Building more resilient supply chains
- Finding new suppliers
- Starting domestic sourcing projects
- Planning to reduce risks
Reaching new markets
- Running export readiness programs
- Helping SMEs enter markets outside tariff-affected regions
- Building trade-related skills and capacity

If you are not sure which programs fit your needs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter tariff-response funding by province, organization type, and project focus.

How RTRI Fits Within Canada’s Tariff Response Plan

RTRI is one part of a larger federal plan that includes several billion dollars in support for Canadian businesses and workers. The delivery of RTRI is different in each region. The main goal is to help organizations make long-term changes that lower the risk of future trade shocks.

Other regional RTRI streams include:

Prairies (PrairiesCan): Supports SMEs, Indigenous organizations, and regional supply chains
Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario): Offers both repayable and non-repayable funding, with specific SME employment requirements

Each region has its own rules. Where your organization is based will affect your RTRI eligibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating RTRI as emergency relief
RTRI does not pay for lost revenue. Projects must focus on helping SMEs adapt for the future.
Applying without SME impact data
Not-for-profits must show, with numbers and examples, how SMEs will benefit from the project.
Ignoring stacking rules
Even though government funding can cover up to 100% of costs, you must list all funding sources and get approval.
Waiting too long to apply
RTRI reviews applications as they come in. Funds may be gone before the 2027 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is RTRI funding repayable in British Columbia?
No. For the B.C. not-for-profit stream, RTRI funding is a non-repayable contribution.

Q: Can a not-for-profit apply on behalf of multiple businesses?
Yes. Many RTRI projects are set up to help groups of SMEs through shared services, training, or market development.

Q: What is the minimum project size?
PacifiCan does not set a minimum, but RTRI projects are usually large, strategic initiatives that are reviewed case by case.

Q: Can RTRI funding be combined with provincial grants?
Yes, as long as all government assistance together does not go over 100% of eligible costs and all sources are declared.

Q: Are tariffs required to be already in place?
No. Projects can address current or expected trade disruptions, as long as you explain the risk and your response.

Next Steps

RTRI funding can help B.C. organizations protect SMEs from tariff risk, but only if projects are carefully planned and meet federal priorities. Before applying, review your project’s impact on SMEs, funding sources, and timelines. To compare programs, check eligibility, or find other funding options, GrantHub is a helpful tool for organizations across Canada.

See also:

How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

How RTRI Funding Helps B.C. Organizations Respond to Tariffs