PrairiesCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) can give an eligible Alberta business up to $3 million in non-repayable support. Applications opened September 8, 2026 and applicants need to demonstrate specific tariff harm, such as higher landed costs on US-origin product.
What’s Available
Eligible businesses can receive up to $3 million in non-repayable support, split into two parts. The expanded initiative is $3.45 billion nationally, delivered by PrairiesCan and other regional development agencies.
| Stream | Maximum | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidity assistance | $2 million | Demonstrated tariff-related financial pressure; maintaining Canadian operations and employment |
| Pivot projects | $1 million | Investments to adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets and build trade resilience |
| BDC liquidity stream (separate) | $500 million program total | New liquidity support under BDC’s Pivot to Grow program, announced August 25, 2026 |
Pivot projects can include supply-chain redesign that uses more Canadian inputs.
How To Apply For Regional Tariff Response Initiative In The Prairie Provinces
You start with an expression of interest (EOI), and PrairiesCan uses it to decide whether to invite a full application.
- Submit the EOI, with a project title starting “RTRI-“.
- Include the signed attestation and supplemental form, required for for-profit businesses.
- For liquidity requests, add payroll records, CRA remittance reports, a cash flow forecast and employment retention targets.
- For pivot projects, add key staff biographies, a milestone schedule, and evidence of confirmed funding from sources other than the regional development agency.
Intake is open until December 31, 2027, or until funding runs out. PrairiesCan counts eligible costs from 12 months before the signed funding request, and no earlier than March 21, 2025.
How The Regional Tariff Response Initiative Can Be Used
- Incorporated businesses only. The official eligibility page lists criteria that incorporated businesses must meet.
- Must demonstrate tariff harm. PrairiesCan needs to see that the money solves a tariff-linked problem in specific terms. Canada’s counter-tariffs of 15%, 25% or 50% on US-origin goods took effect September 8, 2026, so the evidence is higher landed costs on US-origin product.
- Small businesses report problems. The CFIB has argued that many tariff-impacted small businesses are excluded. Its specific example was a British Columbia ruling, so it may not apply in Alberta.
- Distributor, not manufacturer. The broader counter-tariff remission for US inputs covers manufacturing, processing, agriculture and food packaging, which may not fit a distributor but that is unconfirmed.
Application Assistance For The Regional Tariff Response Initiative
KWB works with our clients to navigate the application process for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Learn more about becoming a KWB client by booking an introductory meeting with us.