Resources for Regina Businesses Affected by Tariffs
*Information is up to date of August 25th, 2026.
Regina businesses continue to navigate a shifting trade relationship with the United States. Following the announcement of an expanded support package on August 25, 2026, a wider range of financing, liquidity, and diversification programs is now available.
For the complete, federally maintained list of every program and tool available, visit the Government of Canada’s central hub: Canada-United States: Overview and federal supports. Below is a guide to assist Regina businesses in understanding the supports and how to access them.
Financing and cash flow support
- BDC Pivot to Grow Loan – Financing from $250,000 up to $5 million for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. Minimum annual revenue requirement is $1 million. Includes a six-month principal payment deferral for eligible exporting clients. Apply online or call 1-877-232-2269. https://www.bdc.ca/en/financing/pivot-grow-loan
- BDC Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program – $1 billion in working capital financing for manufacturers of steel, aluminium, or copper that export to the U.S. Apply via BDC’s online form. https://www.bdc.ca/en/solutions/steel-aluminium-support-program
- BDC Forestry Support Program – Up to $25 million in liquidity financing for forestry manufacturers ($10 million for service companies), plus support for automation and a softwood lumber guarantee. https://www.bdc.ca/en/solutions/forestry-support-program
- Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility – Financing for larger employers affected by tariffs, administered by the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation. https://ceefc-cfuec.ca/letl-overview/
- Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) – Term loans and lines of credit up to $1.15 million for small businesses (revenues under $10 million), through participating financial institutions. https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-small-business-financing-program/en
Regional and diversification support
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Liquidity support and non-repayable grants for small and medium-sized businesses, delivered in Saskatchewan through PrairiesCan. Saskatchewan has already received $8.1 million across four projects, including $5.1 million to STEP. https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/funding/regional-tariff-response-initiative.html
- Canada Strong Diversification Fund – $2 billion for tariff-affected businesses, including medium-sized firms, to fund shovel-ready capital maintenance projects. Delivered through regional development agencies like PrairiesCan. https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/canadastrong.html?utm_campaign=fin-fin-tariffs-tarifs-26-27&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_canadastrong
- Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) – Direct support for Saskatchewan exporters on market diversification and access to new markets. Contact through the website or call (306) 787-9210. https://sasktrade.com/
- EDC Trade Impact Program (TIP) – Up to $5 billion in credit insurance, financing, and guarantees to help exporters manage risk and reach new markets. Register through EDC’s Export Help Hub or call 1-800-229-0575. https://www.edc.ca/en/campaign/trade-support-canadian-companies.html
Sector-specific supports
- FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program – For agriculture and food businesses: a credit line up to $500,000 and principal payment deferrals of up to 12 months on existing loans, extended through March 5, 2027. Contact an FCC Relationship Manager or call 1-800-387-3232. https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/financing/trade-disruption-customer-support-program#3Y0LzC3=0
Tariff relief and exposure checks
- List of products subject to Canada’s counter-tariffs (effective September 8, 2026) – Check whether specific U.S. imports used by your business will face new duties. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/08/list-of-products-from-the-united-states-subject-to-counter-tariffs-effective-september-8-2026.html
- Business Benefits Finder – Answer a few questions to get a tailored list of grants, loans, tax credits, and wage subsidies your business may qualify for, from over 1,500 federal supports. https://innovation.canada.ca/s/?language=en_CA
Support for workers
- Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers – $3.5 billion in extended Employment Insurance flexibilities, workplace training investment, and Job Bank enhancements for workers affected by tariff-related disruption. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/united-states-canada.html
- Worker Retention and Retraining Program (WRRP) – A newly announced program (August 25, 2026) intended to help employers retain staff during tariff-related disruptions. Application details to come. For more information, please see https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/08/support-for-canadian-workers-and-businesses-affected-by-us-tariffs.html
Where to check for current details
Program eligibility and funding availability continue to change. These hubs are maintained directly by the organizations offering the programs and are the best source for up-to-date details:
