Eligible activities and costs
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What can be funded
Eligible activities
Liquidity assistance projects
Eligible activities include short-term support, where necessary, to maintain operations and employment.
Pivot projects
Eligible activities may include:
- productivity improvements and process modernization
- equipment and technology adoption, including automation and digitization
- market diversification and export development
- supply chain resilience
- activities that increase competitiveness and reduce trade-related risks
Not-for-profit organization projects
Eligible activities may include supports for:
- business advisory and technical services
- market development and diversification
- export readiness
- strengthening supply chains
Eligible costs
Eligible costs depend on the type of support being requested.
Pivot projects with businesses or not-for profit organization projects
For pivot projects and not-for-profit organization projects, eligible costs are new, additional costs directly related to activities that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification, or long-term growth.
Costs may be eligible retroactively for up to 12 months prior to the receipt of a signed funding request, but no earlier than March 21, 2025. Projects must be completed by no later than March 31, 2029.
Eligible costs can include the following:
- labour (e.g. wages and benefits) and material costs
- capital costs (e.g. purchase of machinery or equipment)
- consultancy fees (e.g. professional, advisory and technical services)
- advisory expenses (e.g., planning, business information, counselling advisory services; coaching, mentoring or networking events, workshops or conference fees, fees associated with participation in business training through a business service organization)
- costs related to expanding or maintaining markets
Liquidity assistance projects with businesses
For businesses seeking liquidity assistance, funding is intended to help maintain operations and employment in Canada during periods of tariff-related disruption.
Liquidity assistance is based on the business’ demonstrated and quantified liquidity needs. The amount is based mainly on 50% of your average monthly payroll for up to 12 months, although other operating costs are eligible and may be taken into consideration.
This type of assistance is provided for a limited period to help address short-term tariff-related pressures, up to a maximum of 12 months starting no earlier than August 22, 2026 and ending no later than March 31, 2028.
Eligible costs include:
- employee salary and wages
- essential recurring operating expenses, specifically rent or commercial lease payments, utilities, business insurance and property taxes
Businesses may apply for both liquidity assistance and a pivot project at the same time if they require immediate financial support while undertaking activities to strengthen their long-term competitiveness and resilience. Previous RTRI recipients may also be eligible for this liquidity assistance. Existing RTRI recipients should contact their project officer for more information.
What cannot be funded
For pivot projects, costs are ineligible if they are deemed not reasonable, non-incremental and/or not directly related to project activities.
For all types of projects, examples of ineligible activities and costs include:
- land and building acquisition
- entertainment expenses
- refinancing existing debt
- salary bonuses and dividend payments
RTRI funding does not support projects that move company operations outside of Canada.
Other funding considerations
Talk to your accountant and/or the Canada Revenue Agency to understand how RTRI funding could affect your taxes or other current or future funding agreements.