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.
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.
- Support from the Trade Commissioner to help exporters with the tariffs
- List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs
- 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
- Tariffs, rules and regulations: Tariff and duty information, sanctions, export and import controls and other rules that affect Canadian traders
- Resources to help you grow and scale with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB): What’s happening with the Canada-U.S. Trade
Global Affairs Canada: Key facts about Canada’s competitiveness for foreign direct investment
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:
Export Development Canada (EDC)
BDO
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.
