Quebec manufacturing companies must contend with a challenging economic environment. Raw material costs are rising, tariff pressures are increasing, and some contracts are being lost. To address these challenges, the new RTRI Grant (Regional Tariff Response Initiative) was launched by the Government of Canada. This program helps SMEs turn difficulties into growth opportunities. Thus, it is aimed at companies that want to invest in productivity and automation, particularly through the integration of AMRs and AGVs, while diversifying their markets to remain competitive.
Eligible companies under the new RTRI Grant can receive up to $1M in non-repayable funding for productivity projects. This includes equipment purchases, digitization, automation, or technology adaptation. In addition, projects that combine productivity improvements with market diversification are also eligible. For projects focused solely on market diversification, funding can reach up to $300,000. The contribution covers up to 50% of eligible costs. Applications must be submitted between October 10 and October 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (ET).
For projects over $1M, repayable funding may be granted. It can cover up to 75% of eligible costs, depending on the application review and available budget. However, unlike the first stream, applications for this type of project can be submitted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline.
The application window for projects under $1M is very short: from October 10 to October 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Therefore, it is recommended to submit your project as early as possible, since funds are limited. Once approved, the project must begin before March 31, 2026, and be completed no later than March 31, 2028. In addition, the company must demonstrate that it was financially sound before the imposition of tariffs, that is, prior to March 21, 2025. Finally, additional application windows may be announced later, depending on the available budget.
The new RTRI Grant comes at a pivotal moment. Automation is a major investment and always carries a degree of operational risk. For companies just starting out, taking the first step can be difficult. However, for more advanced organizations, the remaining projects are often more complex. They involve cutting-edge solutions such as robotic handling with AMRs/AGVs or internal logistics optimization.
It is in this context that the new RTRI Grant becomes a strategic lever. It helps significantly reduce financial risk and enables ambitious projects without budgetary compromise. With this support, Quebec manufacturing companies can accelerate their technological transformation and strengthen their competitiveness, both locally and internationally.
To benefit from the new RTRI Grant, your company must meet a few simple criteria. It must be a Quebec manufacturing SME with fewer than 500 employees. It must have been in operation for more than three years and generate at least $2M in annual revenue. Finally, it must demonstrate that it has been impacted by tariff-related costs.
Take advantage of the new RTRI Grant to finance your automation projects, including the integration of high-capacity AMRs and AGVs developed by Noovelia, and turn your challenges into growth opportunities. This way, your financial risks are reduced and your chances of success increase.
At Noovelia, we support organizations at every stage of their automation journey. This includes strategic monitoring to identify the most promising projects. Next, we provide guidance and training through our lunch & learns and integrator sessions. Finally, we deliver turnkey projects, ranging from analysis and pre-engineering to proof of concept, pilot projects, and full deployments.
👉 Contact our experts today to discuss your eligibility and build a qualified project together that will boost your competitiveness.
Official References
