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Business Supports for United States Tariff Impacts
Federal and Ontario Programs for Sault Ste. Marie Businesses
Validated September 14 2026
This page outlines the federal and Ontario supports available to businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, Canadian counter-tariffs, and related trade disruption.
Programs by Business Need
Please see programs listed below categorized by business need. Double-check stacking rules before applying to multiple programs.
Get in touch for tailored support
Federal Supports
Regional Tariff Response Initiative for Northern Ontario
Federal through FedNor | Open continuous intake
Best for Incorporated Northern Ontario businesses needing short-term liquidity, productivity investment, market diversification or supply-chain resilience.
What it provides Liquidity assistance is non-repayable up to $2 million and up to 50% of eligible costs. Pivot projects can receive up to $1 million non-repayable at up to 50%, or repayable support above $1 million at up to 75%. Combined non-repayable support can reach $3 million; total support including repayable funding can reach $20 million.
Core eligibility Located and operating in Northern Ontario; at least $1 million in annual revenue in one of the last two fiscal years; viable before March 21, 2025; and able to demonstrate direct or indirect tariff impact. Tariff exposure may include U.S. export dependence, supply-chain exposure, higher input costs, lost customers or disrupted supply.
Timing Liquidity costs may be supported for up to 12 months ending no later than March 31, 2028. Pivot projects must finish by March 31, 2029.
How to access Contact a FedNor officer, then submit a one-stage application through the FedNor client portal.
Trade Impact Program
Federal through Export Development Canada | Open
Best for Canadian exporters, suppliers to exporters and businesses navigating tariff-related trade uncertainty.
What it provides EDC has allocated $5 billion in additional capacity for enhanced financing, working-capital support, trade credit insurance, foreign-exchange solutions, export loans, market intelligence and diversification support. EDC working-capital guarantees are generally delivered with a Canadian financial institution; the Export Guarantee Program can guarantee up to $25 million to a lender.
Core eligibility Eligibility depends on the EDC product. The core audience is Canadian companies exporting, supplying exporters, holding an export plan or pursuing international business opportunities.
How to access Use EDC's short online assessment, contact EDC at 1-800-229-0575, or ask the company's commercial lender about an EDC guarantee.
Sector Specific Federal Financing
Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program
Federal through BDC | Open until December 31 2026 or until funds are committed
Best for Manufacturers and exporters of steel, aluminum, copper, fabricated products, or products made mostly or entirely from these metals.
What it provides Working-capital loans from $250,000 to $50 million at preferred rates to manage cost pressure, stabilize operations, cover operating expenses and protect productive capacity. The total program envelope is $1 billion.
Core eligibility Based in Canada; exports to the United States; at least $1 million in annual revenue; at least three years in operation; viable before tariffs; and able to demonstrate a direct or indirect material negative impact from U.S. tariffs.
How to access Submit BDC's online loan request and prepare three years of financial statements for the follow-up review.
Forestry Support Program
Federal through BDC | Open
Best for Forestry manufacturers and eligible forestry service companies facing tariff pressure or undertaking a productivity transformation.
What it provides Liquidity financing of up to $25 million for manufacturers and up to $10 million for service companies. Transformation financing and advisory support can reach $25 million for manufacturers. A separate Softwood Lumber Guarantee Program provides lender-delivered term loans and letters of credit backed by BDC.
Core eligibility Eligibility and terms depend on the forestry subsector, tariff impact, business viability and the selected stream. Transformation financing requires an investment plan with costs and expected gains.
How to access Use the online eligibility check on BDC's forestry program page. For the softwood guarantee, begin with a participating financial institution.
Trade Disruption Customer Support Program
Federal through Farm Credit Canada | Open to March 5 2027
Best for Canadian farm operations, agribusinesses and food processors affected by tariffs, market disruption or related input-price volatility.
What it provides FCC works with eligible customers to address cash-flow challenges and adjust financing arrangements. Support is tailored rather than a fixed grant amount.
Core eligibility Businesses must operate in Canadian agriculture, agribusiness or food processing and meet FCC credit requirements.
How to access Contact an FCC relationship manager or call 1-800-387-3232 for referral to the local office.
Funding for Large and Strategic Projects
Canada Strong Diversification Fund
Federal through the Strategic Response Fund | Open continuous intake while funds remain
Best for Large tariff-affected projects that preserve industrial capacity, develop new products, improve productivity, diversify markets or maintain capital assets.
What it provides Stream 1 supports major adapting, pivoting and diversification projects. Stream 2 provides non-repayable support of $5 million to $30 million for up to two years of eligible capital-maintenance costs. The fund mainly targets projects with more than $20 million in eligible costs and requests of at least $10 million.
Core eligibility Stream 2 generally requires a Canadian registered organization with at least 10 full-time equivalent employees, $20 million in annual revenue, average annual capital spending of at least $5 million over the last three fiscal years, and demonstrated direct or indirect impact from U.S. Section 338 tariffs. Stream 1 prioritizes highly trade-exposed sectors and strategically important industrial projects.
Important Funding is first come, first served and intended for large projects. Most local SMEs should begin with FedNor, BDC, EDC or Ontario's tariff programs.
How to access Review the criteria, complete the SRF eligibility check and request a consultation. Eligible Stream 2 applicants can submit an expression of interest.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility
Federal through CEEFC | Open while the economic situation persists
Best for Large Canadian enterprises with a tariff-related liquidity shortfall that cannot be met through ordinary market financing.
What it provides Commercial, interest-bearing term loans sized to demonstrated liquidity and operating needs. There is no stated minimum loan. Loans may have a term of up to 10 years and can be advanced in tranches during a 24-month availability period.
Core eligibility Significant Canadian operations or workforce; approximately $150 million or more in annual Canadian revenue; viable and solvent before the tariff shock; not in insolvency proceedings; and unable to secure sufficient traditional financing. Applicants must provide employment and Buy Canadian plans.
Important Loan conditions are commercial and may restrict dividends, distributions, share repurchases and executive compensation. Public-company borrowers may be required to issue warrants.
How to access Review the factsheet, complete the CEEFC enquiry form and email only that form to info@ceefc-cfuec.ca. Qualifying applicants receive the full application package.
Workforce Retention
Worker Retention Grant
Federal through Employment and Social Development Canada | Open to December 31 2027 at 3 pm Eastern
Best for Employers already operating under an approved Work-Sharing agreement who will provide training during reduced working hours.
What it provides A grant that supplements income for EI-eligible Work-Sharing participants while they train and reimburses related employer EI and Canada Pension Plan costs. The amount depends on participating employees, the reduction rate and agreement duration.
Core eligibility The employer must have an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement and commit to meaningful training opportunities for participating employees.
Timing Grant-supported weeks cannot extend past March 31, 2028.
How to access Follow the preparation checklist, complete the online application and attach the required grant calculator through the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal.
Tariff and Customs Relief
Tariff Remission Process for United States Goods
Federal through Department of Finance Canada | Open for exceptional requests
Best for Canadian companies paying Canadian counter-tariffs on essential U.S. inputs that cannot reasonably be sourced in Canada or from a non-U.S. supplier.
What it provides Case-by-case relief from otherwise applicable Canadian counter-tariffs. Relief may be prospective or may support a refund where duties have already been paid, subject to an approved remission order.
Core eligibility The requester must be a company registered in Canada and demonstrate exceptional and compelling circumstances, such as documented inability to source substitutes domestically or outside the United States, or a severe adverse effect on the Canadian economy.
Important Remission is discretionary and requires federal approval. Businesses should obtain customs and legal advice before relying on expected relief.
How to access Prepare the evidence specified in the federal submission template and email the request to remissions-remises@fin.gc.ca with U.S. Remission in the subject line.
Duties Relief Program
Federal through Canada Border Services Agency | Open
Best for Importers using commercial goods in products that will later be exported.
What it provides Qualified companies can import commercial goods without paying duties when the goods are later exported as-is or used to produce goods for export.
Core eligibility The company must import eligible commercial goods and maintain records that trace the imported goods through export. CUSMA restrictions may apply to exports to the United States or Mexico.
Timing In most cases, the goods must be exported within four years after entering Canada.
How to access Complete Form K90 and submit it through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management Client Portal.
Drawback Program
Federal through Canada Border Services Agency | Open
Best for Importers that already paid duties on commercial goods later exported, used in exported products, or destroyed as obsolete or surplus.
What it provides A full or partial refund of eligible duties paid on imported goods that are later exported or consumed in manufacturing exported goods.
Core eligibility The claimant needs a valid importer BN15 account and supporting documents proving import, duty payment and subsequent export, use or authorized destruction. CUSMA restrictions may apply.
Timing Most claims must be filed within four years after import, and only after export or destruction has occurred.
How to access Submit the claim and supporting documents through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management Client Portal.
Trade Commissioner Service Tariff Support
Federal through Global Affairs Canada | Open
Best for Export-ready Canadian companies needing help with tariff rules, U.S. market issues, alternative markets, qualified contacts and in-market intelligence.
What it provides Practical advisory support rather than automatic funding. Trade commissioners can help businesses assess markets, connect with partners, understand local conditions and use Canada's trade agreement network.
Core eligibility Canadian companies with a demonstrated capacity and commitment to international business. Service fit depends on export readiness and the market opportunity.
How to access Register for MyTCS or contact the Trade Commissioner Service through its U.S. tariff support page.
Ontario Supports
Protect Ontario Financing Program
Ontario | Open
Best for Ontario businesses in tariff-targeted sectors that cannot meet short-term working-capital obligations after exploring federal support.
What it provides Term loans starting at $250,000 for payroll, leases, utilities and other eligible working-capital costs. Loans can be repaid over up to 72 months, with no prepayment penalty. At Ontario's discretion, interest may be up to prime and principal payments may be deferred for up to 12 months.
Core eligibility For-profit Ontario business; at least $2 million annual revenue; at least 10 full-time Ontario employees; at least three years of operations and financial statements; material tariff-related working-capital pressure; and federal financing options explored or inaccessible. Eligible sectors include steel, aluminum, copper, autos and a broad list of Section 338 tariff-affected manufacturing and goods sectors.
Important This is intended as a backstop. Funding can stack with federal support, but new projects generally cannot stack with another Ontario business-support program.
How to access Complete Ontario's short online eligibility questionnaire. Businesses that screen in will be contacted for the application and third-party due-diligence process.
Ontario Together Trade Fund
Ontario | Open continuous intake
Best for Ontario SMEs investing to diversify markets, reshore supply chains, increase manufacturing capacity or reduce exposure to U.S. trade disruption.
What it provides Most projects receive grants or loans equal to 10% to 20% of eligible costs, up to $5 million. Loans are interest-free during the project period and normally repaid over four years; up to 30% of a loan, to a maximum of $1.5 million, may be forgiven when investment and job targets are achieved. Exceptional projects may be considered for support up to 75% of eligible costs.
Core eligibility For-profit Ontario business; generally at least three years of operations; at least five full-time equivalent employees; at least $200,000 in eligible project costs; project completion within two years; financing in place; and evidence of tariff exposure or a qualifying supply-chain opportunity.
How to access Complete the mandatory self-assessment, speak with an Ontario advisor, register in Transfer Payment Ontario and submit the application with the advisor's assistance.
Get in touch for tailored support
The Economic Development team is here to support your business. Please reach out if you need assistance.
