Tariff Support for Rural Oxford Businesses

Tariff & Trade uncertainty affecting your business? You’re Not Alone.

What started in March 2025 as a 25% tariff on Canadian goods has escalated into the most serious trade conflict between Canada and the United States in generations. As of August 2026, the U.S. has imposed 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian exports, including goods that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with no scheduled end date. The 50% is an additional tariff, meaning it can be imposed on top of other applicable duties; CUSMA/USMCA status does not automatically protect a product from Section 338. 

Trade negotiations between the two governments have been paused, and Canada has announced dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on more than 700 U.S. products, taking effect September 8, 2026. 

The Canada–U.S. trade environment is creating real challenges for some businesses – from rising costs and supply chain disruptions to changing markets, workforce pressures and cash flow concerns.

The good news: support is available. 

There are a number of local, provincial, and federal programs available to help Rural Oxford businesses navigate the impacts of tariffs and trade uncertainty. But knowing what’s available – and which programs are right for your business – can be overwhelming. That’s where we can help.

Book a confidential conversation with Ronda. She can help you find solutions and navigate the supports available to your business.

Ronda Stewart
Rural Oxford EDC

ro***@*********rd.ca
519-619-6895

Resource Quick Sheet:

Tariff Updates, Support Programs & Services:

1. The Government of Canada is actively supporting Canada’s position in the evolving Canada–U.S. tariff discussions through its broader international trade and finance policy framework. The federal Department of Finance plays a lead role in negotiating and implementing Canada’s trade agreements, monitoring whether these arrangements advance Canadian interests, and developing tariff policies and responses to changes in the global trade environment. The government is also providing information on tariff measures and remission options intended to support Canadian businesses affected by tariffs, while working to promote fair and open international trade and protect Canadian economic interests.

2. The Government of Canada’s Support for Workers and Employers Impacted by Tariffs program brings together a range of measures to help Canadian workers, employers, businesses, and industries manage the economic impacts of U.S. tariffs and adapt to changing market conditions. For employers, supports include the Work-Sharing Program, worker retention and training assistance, financial programs such as the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Strategic Response Fund, and Large Enterprise Tariff Loan, as well as resources to expand into new markets and access tariff relief. Workers can access enhanced Employment Insurance measures, job-search assistance through Job Bank, skills training and employment supports, and financial assistance for education and apprenticeships. Overall, the program is designed to protect jobs, provide financial and workforce support, help affected businesses remain competitive, and assist workers in transitioning to new employment opportunities.

3. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) provides businesses with practical information, resources and advocacy to help them navigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and ongoing Canada–U.S. trade uncertainty. Its Navigating U.S. Tariffs resource hub brings together current information on federal and provincial support programs, including financing, grants, workforce supports and trade diversification opportunities, as well as guidance on tariff relief measures such as duty drawback, duties relief and remission orders. The OCC also provides information on export-market diversification, customs and trade considerations, and regularly updates businesses on changes to tariff policies and government programs. Through its Trade & Competitiveness Policy Council, the OCC also advocates for Ontario businesses by bringing business concerns and impact data to government and developing recommendations to strengthen trade and economic competitiveness. Overall, the OCC serves as a centralized resource to help Ontario businesses understand their options, access available supports and build resilience in an uncertain trade environment. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is tracking tariff and trade developments in real time and connecting members to the resources, government programs, and advocacy channels they need to respond. 
   
   
4. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) provides small and medium-sized businesses with information, resources and advocacy support to help them navigate the impacts of U.S.–Canada tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty. Its dedicated tariff resources include updates on current and proposed tariffs, guidance on CUSMA compliance and preferential treatment, information on potential tariff refunds and relief measures, and practical resources to help businesses understand how tariffs may affect their operations. CFIB also connects businesses to relevant federal and provincial programs and services, including financing, workforce supports, trade assistance and market diversification opportunities. In addition, CFIB actively advocates on behalf of small businesses by sharing members’ concerns with governments and pushing for measures that reduce the financial and administrative burden of tariffs. Tariffs and international trade can be complex. 
   
   
5. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by FedDev Ontario, provides targeted funding to help small and medium-sized businesses in southern Ontario respond to the impacts of tariffs and global trade disruptions. The program supports projects that improve productivity and competitiveness, reduce costs, strengthen domestic supply chains, diversify markets, and help businesses access new customers and opportunities. Eligible incorporated, for-profit businesses can generally request $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding or $125,000 to $1 million in non-repayable funding, with projects required to be completed by March 31, 2028. Eligible activities may include adopting new technologies, automation and digitization, market development and expansion, supply-chain improvements, internal trade, and research and development. The initiative is intended to help tariff-affected businesses adapt to changing market conditions, build greater resilience, and maintain or strengthen their long-term competitiveness.

6. The Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) provides financial support to Ontario-based, for-profit businesses experiencing significant working-capital pressures as a result of U.S. tariffs. The program offers term loans of at least $250,000, repayable over up to six years, to help eligible businesses cover essential operating costs such as payroll, lease payments and utilities. Originally focused on businesses in the steel, aluminum, copper and automotive sectors affected by Section 232 tariffs, eligibility was expanded in August 2026 to include businesses affected by new Section 338 tariffs, including sectors such as mechanical and electrical equipment, plastics and packaging, beverages, paper products, furniture, textiles, consumer goods and other products. Eligible businesses must generally have at least $2 million in annual revenue, 10 full-time Ontario employees and three years of operations, and must demonstrate material tariff-related working-capital challenges and that they have exhausted or faced significant barriers to accessing federal support. The program is intended to provide immediate liquidity to help affected businesses maintain operations, protect jobs and strengthen their resilience during ongoing trade uncertainty.

7. The BDC Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty support program provides Canadian businesses with financing, advisory services and practical resources to help manage the impacts of U.S. tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty. Through specialized financing options, businesses can access up to $5 million through the Pivot to Grow program to preserve cash flow, offset tariff-related costs, update supply chains and purchase equipment; forestry businesses can access financing of up to $25 million; and businesses in the steel and aluminum sectors can access up to $50 million in working capital to ease cost pressures and maintain operations. BDC also offers Trade Resilience consulting to help businesses assess tariff exposure, diversify markets and suppliers, strengthen operations and improve long-term resilience. Overall, the program is designed to provide businesses with the financial flexibility, expert advice and resources needed to navigate trade disruptions, protect operations and position themselves for sustainable growth.

8. The Export Development Canada (EDC) Trade Impact Program (TIP) provides enhanced financial and trade support to Canadian exporters, companies that supply exporters, and businesses facing tariff-related challenges and broader trade uncertainty. The program provides up to $5 billion in additional financing and insurance capacity and offers solutions such as increased working capital, longer-term financing, trade credit insurance, foreign exchange risk management, export financing, and support for market diversification. EDC also provides market intelligence, business connections, webinars and export advisory services to help companies understand and manage tariff impacts, strengthen cash flow and supply chains, reduce trade risks, and expand into new international markets. Overall, the program is designed to help Canadian businesses remain competitive and resilient while navigating tariffs, changing global trade conditions and opportunities for international growth.

9. The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to Ontario-based, for-profit businesses affected by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions, helping them strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets, expand domestic and interprovincial sales, and build more resilient local supply chains. The program focuses primarily on small and medium-sized businesses and supports investments such as advanced equipment and facility improvements, increased production capacity, new technologies, product modifications, market development, and reshoring production or sourcing to Ontario and Canada. Eligible projects must generally involve at least $200,000 in eligible costs, be completed within two years, and demonstrate a connection to the impacts of U.S. tariffs. Funding is typically available through grants or interest-free loans covering 10–20% of eligible costs, up to $5 million, with higher support of up to 75% available for projects demonstrating exceptional benefits to Ontario; qualifying loans may also have up to 30% forgiven if investment and job targets are achieved. Overall, the OTTF is intended to help Ontario businesses protect and create jobs, reduce reliance on U.S. markets and suppliers, and build long-term trade resilience.

10. Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) is a sector-based workforce development program jointly funded by the Governments of Ontario and Canada to help employers and workers respond to trade disruptions, tariffs and changing labour-market needs. The program provides funding for partnerships between employers and employment and training service providers to deliver sector-specific training that helps workers upskill, reskill, retain their jobs or advance into new opportunities, while helping employers build and retain a skilled, adaptable workforce. Current priority sectors include steel, softwood lumber, manufacturing and automotive, as well as high-potential sectors such as health care, skilled trades and construction, clean technology, clean energy and natural resources. Eligible employers may receive support for training employees who need new skills or are participating in an Employment Insurance Work-Sharing agreement, while service providers and other eligible organizations can lead projects that connect jobseekers and workers with training and employment opportunities. The program is intended to strengthen workforce resilience, prevent job losses, address skills shortages and support workers and businesses affected by tariffs and broader economic uncertainty. Contact Community Employment Services locally for more information on this program.

11. Community Employment Services can help businesses affected by tariffs by providing practical workforce and employment supports designed to help employers manage changing labour needs, retain employees and build a skilled, responsive workforce. Community Employment Services offers free employer consultation, recruitment and hiring assistance, including job postings and candidate screening, access to government placement incentives and apprenticeship programs, and training opportunities for new and existing employees across Oxford County. Through its Workforce Solutions services, they can also help businesses identify skills gaps, connect with training providers and other community partners, and develop strategies for talent attraction, retention and workforce planning. For businesses experiencing tariff-related uncertainty, these supports can help reduce recruitment and training costs, strengthen employee skills and position the business to adapt to changing workforce and market conditions.

12. Community Futures Oxford can be a valuable local resource for businesses facing the impacts of U.S. tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty. As a not-for-profit organization focused on entrepreneurship and economic development in Oxford County, Community Futures Oxford provides access to capital, business financing, confidential one-on-one business advice, training and connections to other business support resources. Its financing programs can provide loans for working capital, equipment, inventory, commercial real estate and business expansion, including options for businesses that may have difficulty securing sufficient financing through traditional lenders. For businesses experiencing tariff-related pressures, Community Futures Oxford can help assess financing needs, explore available options and connect business owners with the appropriate supports to help maintain operations, adapt and continue growing.

13. The Small Business Centre in Woodstock can support businesses affected by tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty by providing free, confidential guidance and practical business support to help owners identify challenges, explore solutions and plan their next steps. Businesses can access one-on-one business consultations, coaching and mentoring, business planning resources, workshops, networking opportunities and referrals to professional and local resources. For businesses experiencing tariff-related pressures such as rising costs, changing markets, cash-flow challenges or the need to adapt their operations, the Small Business Centre can also help connect owners with relevant government programs, funding opportunities and other supports. Serving entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Woodstock and Oxford County, the Centre is a valuable first point of contact for businesses looking for guidance and connections as they navigate an uncertain economic environment.

Recent News: The US/Canadian Tariff & Trade Conversation Continues…

• August 26^th, 2026: Here’s the Complete List of US products subject to counter tariffs, effective September 8^th, 2026

• August 25^th, 2026: Canada announces targeted countermeasures and substantive support for workers and businesses in response to U.S. tariffs

• July 20^th, 2026: White House Fact Sheet: President Trump imposes additional tariffs on Canada