Helping you navigate the changing political and economic climate between Canada and the U.S
With the U.S. President Donald Trump announcing tariffs on goods imported from the States, countless shifting policies and many other unknowns, Canadian entrepreneurs, especially ones who are expanding into the U.S. markets are navigating a lot of uncertainty.
We know things are hard right now and we will always be here to help you and provide support with things like your business model, scaling strategies and new strategic partnerships – helping to keep you informed, explore new opportunities, and to move your business forward.
Your voice matters
As you try to understand the implications of the 2025 U.S Tariffs on your business, we want to hear from you and understand how we can better support you during these challenging times.
Fill out the survey and share how the tariffs will be impacting you. We will use the information collected to understand how this impacts businesses in the region and identify how to best support you with resources.
Here's what we know about the tariffs
What's happening?
A 25% tariff on all Canadian goods being imported into the U.S. is currently under consideration, with an additional 25% on all steel and aluminum.
Who is this affecting?
These tariffs will impact Canadian entrepreneurs across all industries. While businesses of all sizes will feel the effects, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be hit the hardest.
When will this take effect?
Steel and aluminum tariffs take effect on March 12. The broader 25% tariff on all imports is currently on a 30-day pause but could still be implemented.
Watch out for more updates about the tariffs and check the full list of goods and services that will be impacted.
Upcoming Information Session
Join our upcoming information session on Navigating the Impact of US Global Tariffs with Trade Commissioner Sue Rauth on April 15, 2025.
US Global Tariffs: Navigating the Impact with the Trade Commissioner
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How to navigate tariffs
From government funding, to businesses with services to assist with tariffs, here is a list of resources you can leverage to get you started with understanding what this could mean for your business.
Tariff-Specific Financial Support & Assistance
On March 7th, the Government of Canada announced significant funding programs to support Canadian businesses directly impacted by the tariffs.
- $5 billion through Export Development Canada (EDC) for the Trade Impact Program to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and to help navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs.
- $1 billion in financing through Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
- $500 million through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to support businesses directly targeted by tariffs.
- Temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program to increase access and extend agreement durations for business impacted by tariffs.
Tariff-Specific Support & Regulations
- Support from the Trade Commissioner to help exporters with the tariffs
- Tariffs, rules and regulations: Tariff and duty information, sanctions, export and import controls and other rules that affect Canadian traders
- Self-serve resources for problem solving regarding tariffs
- Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
- Process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply on certain goods from the U.S.
Tariff-Related News & Updates
- Stay updated on Canada’s response to the tariffs with ‘Department of Finance News’
- Read the latest Canadian tech news related to tariffs: Betakit: tariff news
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB): What’s happening with the Canada-U.S. Trade
Canada’s Response & Trade Relations
- Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods
- Canada’s engagement with the United States
- The Federal Government has announced updated guidelines on the Investment Canada Act (ICA)
Trade & Economic Development
- List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs
- Resources to help you grow and scale with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Global Affairs Canada: Key facts about Canada’s competitiveness for foreign direct investment
General Business Support & Financing
- Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) helps small businesses get loans by sharing the risk with lenders.
BDC:
- List of BDC resources to support businesses navigating trade
- Canada Tariff Finder is a tool to help you find countries that have a free trade agreement with Canada
- The impact of potential tariffs: How to get your business ready
Gowling WLG:
- How importers of U.S. goods can minimize the impact of Canadian tariffs
- Tariffs and the cost of building: What’s at stake for Canadian construction and infrastructure
- Navigating Canada’s retaliatory tariffs: Strategies and considerations for U.S. exporters
- Tariff-proofing Canadian business: The role of intellectual property
Export Development Canada (EDC)
BDO
Mondaq
Startup Canada
- The Startup Canada Tariff Toolkit is designed to aid entrepreneurs and support organizations in navigating the complexities of tariffs, and their impact on Canadian businesses.
Made in Canada
- View a comprehensive list of Canadian companies that manufacture their products in Canada. Here you can access the application form to be featured in their list.
Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI)
Local Business Chambers
Business chambers are focused on advocacy, and building local networks of entrepreneurs and businesses. Here’s a list of Business Chambers within the Hamilton-Halton region:
- Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
- Simcoe District Chamber of Commerce (Norfolk)
- Burlington Chamber of Commerce
- Oakville Chamber of Commerce
- Milton Chamber of Commerce
- Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce
- Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce
Check out the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s directory to find out if your region has a business chamber.
- Invest Hamilton & Tariff Resources
- Hamilton Small Business Centre
- Burlington Economic Development
- Invest Oakville
- Invest Halton Hills
- Milton Economic Development
- Halton Small Business Centre
- Norfolk Economic Development
- Venture Norfolk
- County of Brant Economic Development Centre
- Advantage Brantford
- Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre
Support Canadian-made
“Support Canadian-made,” is more relevant right now, than ever. We can become a support network for each other, and help the economy withstand the effects of the tariffs.
By sourcing from Canadian innovators, we strengthen our economy, build resilience, and create a more self-sufficient ecosystem – And we just happen to know hundreds of them!
For example, if you are in the transportation industry, like Gravity Slide, looking for prototyping and manufacturing support, you could partner with Ettractive, a fellow Innovation Factory client that offers product development and manufacturing support.
But you are more than just a business owner. There are so many amazing Canadian goods and services for you and your family and friends – especially the incredible products and services from our network, including The Dirty Seahorse, Nuts for Cheese, Beck’s Broth, ELO, and many more!
Access the full list of Innovation Factory clients who are currently in-market and check out the Ontario Made website or website for even more ways to support.
