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The City of Waterloo recognizes the impact U.S. tariffs pose for the Canadian economy. We are committed to navigating these challenges with resilience, putting the interests of our local businesses at the forefront.
View the motion from City of Waterloo Council (PDF).
On this page:
Support local, support Waterloo encourages residents to shop locally, while equipping businesses with tools to share their stories and connect with the community.
By participating, your business will join a collective effort to strengthen our local economy, foster community pride and ensure a thriving future for Waterloo businesses.
The resources are free for eligible businesses, with some items having limited quantities.
Resources include:
Applications will be reviewed by the Economic Development department. Eligible businesses will receive instructions to access resources by email.
If you have questions about the Support Local campaign, business eligibility, the application process, or require a different format to apply, contact ecdev@waterloo.ca
If you own a business in Waterloo, you may be eligible to receive resources to support your local storytelling. To receive campaign materials, you must either:
Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC)
The Government of Ontario Regional Development Program - Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream, provides financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. Eligible companies can get support to make investments in technology, equipment or skills to improve your competitiveness.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides expert advice and financing solutions to help Canadian businesses make smart, considered decisions to help you succeed and mitigate risks when dealing with the impacts of tariffs.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL)
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) is a new financing facility announced by the Government of Canada to provide financing support for large Canadian enterprises affected by actual and potential new tariffs and countermeasures and which face challenges accessing traditional sources of market financing.
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. Projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including trade diversity and trade security.
NEW - Protect Ontario Financing Program
Protect Ontario Financing Program is designed to provide critical support for businesses that are facing significant tariff-related disruptions as a result of s.232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos. This fund will provide immediate relief for Ontario businesses that are facing s.232 tariff-related working capital challenges, such as payroll, lease and utility payments.
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Government of Ontario Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to growing companies for economic development in southwestern Ontario.
To support businesses, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):
Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) - Tax Incentives
The Government of Canada Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentives program is eligible to businesses who are engaged in scientific research and experimental development, where you may be able to earn tax incentives that reduce your income tax payable.
Skill Development Trade Fund (SDF)
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, including apprentices, to drive Ontario's economic growth.
Employment and Social Development Canada Work-Share Program provides work-sharing special measures to support businesses affected by tariffs.
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters is Canada’s largest trade and industry association that represents manufacturers and exporters.
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) provides a list of free resources for manufacturers and remains committed to keeping Canadian manufacturers informed about Canada / US trade relations.
Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
The Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing – ecosystem directory provides information about more than 230 publicly funded and non-profit organizations supporting Ontario’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The following associations may represent your business and provide valuable resources to keep you informed about advocacy efforts and industry impacts.
In response to the impacts of U.S. tariffs, the Government of Ontario has announced the Protecting Ontario Account (POA), a $5 billion fund designed specifically to support businesses in preserving jobs, transforming operations, and fostering growth in strategic sectors significantly affected by tariffs.
Key initiatives funded by the POA will include:
Sign up for the City of Waterloo SMART Business e-newsletter to get the latest information about supports available and information for Waterloo businesses.
The City of Waterloo Economic Development team is here to help support businesses. We can connect you to resources, advocate for programs, or help make connections to new supply chains within the region.
To book a meeting with an Economic Development Officer, email ecdev@waterloo.ca
We’re here to help you move your business forward — email ecdev@waterloo.ca.
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