Helping our region respond to change.
Tariff-related economic disruption can reach far beyond the businesses directly importing or exporting goods. Its effects can move throughout an entire supply chain, creating higher costs, reduced revenues, delayed investment, layoffs and increased uncertainty for workers and businesses across the region.
The Strategic Tariff-Relief Entrepreneurship Program is a three-year initiative designed to help individuals, entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized enterprises respond to those challenges, with particular attention to the steel sector and businesses throughout its supply chain.
The program combines non-repayable financial assistance with flexible CDC financing, business counselling, advisory services, training and skills development to help participants adapt, strengthen their operations and pursue new opportunities.
Financial support to help you move forward.
Eligible participants may receive non-repayable assistance covering up to 50% of approved eligible project costs.
Up to $10,000 in non-repayable support.
Support for individuals pursuing self-employment, a new business or a business acquisition opportunity following tariff-related employment impacts.
Up to $25,000 in non-repayable support.
Support for eligible SMEs that can demonstrate their business has been negatively affected by tariff-related economic conditions.
What the program can help support.
Eligible support may include investments and professional assistance that help a new or existing business establish itself, adapt its operations, improve efficiency or respond to tariff-related challenges.
Eligibility depends on the proposed project and program requirements. Participants should speak with CDC staff before making commitments or incurring project expenses.
Supporting workers and businesses affected by tariffs.
The program is intended to assist individuals and businesses experiencing tariff-related economic impacts, with particular attention to workers and businesses connected to the steel industry and its supply chain.
The program may be a fit if you:
- Have been laid off from a business affected by tariffs.
- Have received notice of an impending tariff-related layoff.
- Are considering self-employment as your next step.
- Have an idea for a new business.
- Are considering purchasing an existing business.
The program may be a fit if your business:
- Has experienced reduced revenues related to tariff impacts.
- Is facing increased costs for materials, supplies or other inputs.
- Operates within a supply chain affected by tariffs.
- Serves or supplies businesses within the steel sector.
- Needs to adapt operations in response to changing market conditions.
Demonstrating tariff impact.
Applicants will need to provide documentation demonstrating how tariff-related economic conditions have affected their employment or business. The documentation required will depend on the applicant's circumstances.
Proof of employment impact
Documentation confirming a layoff or impending layoff from a tariff-impacted business may include:
- Record of Employment
- Layoff notice
- Impending layoff notice
- Other supporting documentation requested by the CDC
Proof of business impact
Documentation demonstrating tariff-related impacts on the business may include:
- Financial records showing reduced revenue
- Supplier invoices showing increased costs
- Evidence of increased material or input costs
- Records showing lost or reduced business
- Other relevant evidence of tariff-related impacts
Not sure which documents apply to your situation? CDC staff can help identify the information that may be required.
Advice and skills to build resilience.
Financial assistance is only one part of the program. Participants will also have access to business counselling, advisory services and regular free training and skills-development opportunities.
Work directly with CDC staff on issues affecting your business or entrepreneurial plans.
- Business planning
- Financial projections and cash flow
- Business start-up
- Financing
- Business acquisition
- Operational planning
- Growth and diversification
Regular free training opportunities will focus on practical areas that can help participants:
- Strengthen business capacity
- Improve operational efficiency
- Build stronger management skills
- Adapt to changing market conditions
- Identify new opportunities
- Build long-term resilience
Start with a conversation.
You don't need to determine on your own whether every expense or circumstance qualifies. CDC staff can help you understand the program, discuss your situation and identify the next steps.
Contact the CDC
Tell us briefly about your situation, whether you've experienced a tariff-related layoff, are considering entrepreneurship or operate a business affected by tariffs.
Discuss Your Tariff Impact
A CDC advisor will work with you to understand how tariff-related economic conditions have affected you or your business and identify the documentation that may be required.
Develop Your Plan
If the program appears to be a fit, CDC staff can work with you to review your proposed business or project, eligible costs and potential financing requirements.
Explore Available Support
Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, support may include non-repayable assistance, CDC financing, business counselling, training or a combination of these resources.
