FedDev Ontario Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
Federal - FedDev Ontario · $125,000–$10 million repayable, or $125,000–$1 million non-repayable
Southern Ontario tariff-response contributions for existing incorporated businesses (Markham / York qualifies). Primary product is a repayable contribution of $125,000–$10 million; a non-repayable option of $125,000–$1 million is also published. Expansion announced late August 2026; southern Ontario implementation details for higher national caps were still pending on the FedDev page. Published amount: $125,000–$10 million repayable, or $125,000–$1 million non-repayable. Best for: Established southern Ontario firms hit by tariffs or trade disruption. This is a loan, not a grant. Administered by FedDev Ontario. Official source: FedDev Ontario Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
Criteria
| Who qualifies |
|
|---|---|
| Who does not |
|
| Amount | $125,000–$10 million repayable, or $125,000–$1 million non-repayable |
| Rate / repayable | Repayable contribution terms set by FedDev. Repayable: yes (loan / repayable contribution — not a grant). |
| What it funds | Southern Ontario tariff-response contributions for existing incorporated businesses (Markham / York qualifies). Primary product is a repayable contribution of $125,000–$10 million; a non-repayable option of $125,000–$1 million is also published. Expansion announced late August 2026; southern Ontario implementation details for higher national caps were still pending on the FedDev page. Highlights: Southern Ontario — Markham qualifies; Repayable $125K–$10M or non-repayable $125K–$1M; Existing businesses, typically 2+ years and 5+ employees; Late Aug 2026 expansion announced. |
| Intake window | See the official page |
| Region | Southern Ontario — Markham and York qualify. The bar is high: existing incorporated businesses, typically 2+ years and 5+ employees. A brand-new shop should self-select out. |
| Administrator | FedDev Ontario (Federal - FedDev Ontario) |
Published highlights
- Southern Ontario — Markham qualifies
- Repayable $125K–$10M or non-repayable $125K–$1M
- Existing businesses, typically 2+ years and 5+ employees
- Late Aug 2026 expansion announced
FAQ
Is this a grant?
No. FedDev Ontario Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is catalogued as a loan / repayable contribution. Repayable contribution terms set by FedDev Confirm terms on the official page.
Who qualifies in Markham?
Southern Ontario — Markham and York qualify. The bar is high: existing incorporated businesses, typically 2+ years and 5+ employees. A brand-new shop should self-select out. Qualifies where the published criteria fit: existing businesses; typically 2+ years in business; at least 5 employees; Canadian citizens, permanent residents; for-profit; Ontario; established southern Ontario firms hit by tariffs or trade disruption.
Is there a minimum years in business or employee count?
Catalog floors: 2 year(s) in business; at least 5 employee(s). See the official page if a rule is not listed here.
Can newcomers or work-permit holders apply?
The catalog lists Canadian citizens and permanent residents only — work-permit is not in the eligibility list. Do not assume a work-permit newcomer qualifies.
Should a brand-new shop apply?
Real bar: existing incorporated southern Ontario business; typically 2+ years and 5+ employees; project sizes start at $125,000. A brand-new shop should self-select out.
Related programs
Eligibility is determined by the government administrator (FedDev Ontario), not Markham Office. Amounts, rates, and windows change. Verify every detail on the official page before you apply. Markham Office is an assessment helper only. As of September 2026.