Support Programs/Organizations
The program will deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs, including losses from non-payment, currency fluctuations, lack of access to cash flows, and barriers to expansion.
The Department of Finance Canada has announced $500 million in favourably priced loans available through BDC to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains. Businesses will also benefit from advisory services in areas such as financial management and market diversification.
The Department of Finance Canada has announced $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry. This lending offer will help address cash flow challenges so that businesses can adjust to a new operating environment and continue to supply the high-quality agricultural and food products that Canadians rely on.
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. With a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program will help businesses, build local capacity, enhance trade resiliency, and make the necessary investments to successfully expand into new markets.
Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide. These programs were recently updated in light of the current trade challenges to encourage a greater focus on export diversification.
The Ontario government has launched a program to increase financial flexibility for businesses through a tax deferment. Ontario businesses can temporarily delay payments for select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025 to October 1, 2025. All taxes owed must be paid by October 1, 2025.
The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade offers programs/services regularly for Ontario companies looking to start, expand and diversify their exports. Most of these supports are free – incoming buyer missions; exporter education seminars/workshops such as “New Exporters to Border States” and “Pitch Preparation”; Market/Sector seminars and more.
Export Business Missions include a variety of services for companies looking to participate in a trade mission/exhibition. Ontario delegates benefit from a comprehensive program that may include exhibit space, B2B matchmaking and advisory services, special events and more, at a reduced cost than if they were to participate in these events independently, saving companies both time and money. Access the searchable Online Trade Calendar to find upcoming missions/events and how you can register.
For businesses seeking new markets, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service provides support in over 160 locations worldwide. With 15 ratified Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering 49 countries, Canadian businesses can access 1.5 billion consumers.
Business diversification is critical to business success. The Trade Commissioner Service has developed a suite of tools and information to help businesses through tariff challenges.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service will help exporters navigate the tariffs by understanding how your business is affected, identifying potential new markets, connecting you with the right contacts to help problem solve and helping you find potential partners and opportunities in new markets.
The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium “Member Needs Help” program is an exclusive service for its members, designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the manufacturing community. For a limited time, the Canada/US Trade Relations Edition is open to all Canadian manufacturers. Here you can review questions and pose new ones to a community of peers and experts.
Find New Partners, Customers and Suppliers
Information and Explainers
Are you a business looking to export or expand your business internationally, but not sure where to begin? This online tool helps companies at various stages of export readiness, by providing curated tips and a custom guide with resources offered by Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and other organizations, to support them.
Get Local Support
- City of Kitchener
- City of Cambridge
- Economic Development
invest@cambridge.ca
- Economic Development
- City of Waterloo
- Economic Development
ecdev@waterloo.ca
- Economic Development
- Township of Wilmot
- Development Services
planning@wilmot.ca
- Development Services
- Township of Wellesley
- Director of Planning
tvanhinte@wellesley.ca
- Director of Planning
- Township of North Dumfries
- Chief Administrative Officer
amcneely@northdumfries.ca
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Township of Woolwich
- Economic Development Officer
kwells@woolwich.ca
- Economic Development Officer
- Communitech – Key Contact for Tech Companies
- Matthew Klassen, VP External Relations
klassen@communitech.ca
- Matthew Klassen, VP External Relations
About BESTWR
The Business and Economic Support Team for Waterloo Region was originally created to help the local business community weather the COVID-19 pandemic. BESTWR advocated with federal and provincial governments, shared relevant information and helped companies address low-interest loans and grants. When the trade uncertainty began, Waterloo Region’s municipal governments requested that BESTWR lead the response.
BESTWR is comprised of the organizations Waterloo EDC, Communitech, Explore Waterloo Region, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.
Relevant Industry Associations
The following associations may be able to provide you with more specific information about support programs for your industry:
- Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
- Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
- Food and Beverage Ontario
- Ontario Federation of Agriculture
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business
- Automotive Industries Association of Canada
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
- Restaurants Canada
- Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association
- Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
Recommended Changes? Contact us at info@waterlooedc.ca.
A Special Thanks to the Toronto Board of Trade