For updates on how the U.S tariffs impact the Vaughan business community, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/tariffs.
Resources for Businesses Impacted by U.S. Tariffs
The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development Department is committed to helping local businesses navigate challenges brought on by the recent imposition of US tariffs. Local businesses can leverage a variety of supports and resources below. Vaughan Economic Development will continue to monitor the situation and update this page with new supports and resources. Contact Economic Development staff at ed@vaughan.ca to meet with our Economic Development team.
Canada and the U.S. share one of the most integrated and beneficial trade relationships globally – annual two-way trade amounts to more than $1.3 trillion, supporting millions of jobs on both sides of the border. If your business is currently affected by recent Canada-U.S. trade tariffs, please see the below list of resources and support. Vaughan Economic Development staff will continue to update this page as additional resources and support are established. To learn more about Canada-U.S. Trade, please visit the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker.
For up to date information from the Government of Canada regarding ongoing tariffs please visit Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
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Vaughan Economic Development staff are available to visit your location or meet virtually to provide business advisory support, learn more about your business needs, and address challenges. This includes providing information on relevant funding or financing programs, value-add partnership and business development opportunities, or advocacy and government relations toolkits. To have a member of our Economic Development visit your business please contact ed@vaughan.ca.
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Vaughan Economic Development staff can provide research on national, provincial, regional, and local economic trends relevant to your business and sector. Our business intelligence services include data analysis, market research, and the provision of data to support business operations, expansion, and workforce development. To learn more about available research and intelligence please contact ed@vaughan.ca.
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The Government of Canada is outlining a framework and process for how it will consider remission requests for the tariffs on products from the United States (U.S.) that apply beginning on February 4, 2025. Under specific circumstances, remission allows for relief from the payment of tariffs, or the refund of tariffs already paid.
Should the government decide to impose additional tariffs on other goods, the remission process would also be available for those goods, with further details provided at that time.
For more information click here.
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The Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian businesses to check import or export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement.
The tool shows the tariff rates generally applicable to all nations. It also shows the preferential rates applicable to Canada when a Free Trade Agreement is in place, including the phasing-out period of such tariffs when applicable.
Click here to learn more.
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BDC experts can address your business challenges and equip you with the knowledge, know-how and tools to manage every function of your business with confidence.
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Was your business affected by the counter-tariffs announced by the Government of Canada in response to tariffs on Canadian goods imported in the U.S? You can request a remission order, which exempts you from Canada’s counter-tariffs, which can into effect March 4, 2025.
The Government of Canada is outlining a framework and process for how it will consider remission requests for the tariffs on products from the United States (U.S.) Under specific circumstances, remission allows for relief from the payment of tariffs, or the refund of tariffs already paid.
Request for remission will be considered in the following instances:
- To address situations where goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically, either on a national or regional basis, or reasonably from non-U.S. sources.
- To address, on a case-by-case basis, other exceptional circumstances that could have severe adverse impacts on the Canadian economy.
Need more information on what to include and how to submit? Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/international-trade-finance-policy/process-requesting-remission-tariffs-that-apply-on-certain-goods-us.html
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Launching the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada. The program will deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs, including losses from non-payment, currency fluctuations, lack of access to cash flows, and barriers to expansion.
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Making $500 million in favourably priced loans available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains. Businesses will also benefit from advisory services in areas such as financial management and market diversification.
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Providing $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry. This lending offer will help address cash flow challenges so that businesses can adjust to a new operating environment and continue to supply the high-quality agricultural and food products that Canadians rely on.
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Get financial support and personalized advice to connect with potential foreign partners, pursue new business opportunities abroad or attract foreign investment into Canadian communities.
CanExport for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Get up to $50,000 to reimburse up to 50% of eligible expenses to promote your business in new international markets.
CanExport Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-led Delegations
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for funding to cover up to 50% of costs for participating i
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The Export Guarantee Program (EGP) provides guarantees of up to US$25 million to your financial institution so they can extend your access to working capital. Click here to learn more.
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TELP allows you to access more working capital, enabling you to take on larger projects, enter new markets and invest in your company’s growth without the stress of cash flow issues. You can use your additional capital to:
- fund your operations
- take on new contracts
- expand production capacity (with a CapEx loan)
- pursue other opportunities to grow your business internationally
Click here to learn more.
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The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
The enhanced program provides lenders and small businesses with additional financing products, new class of loans, increased loan amounts and terms, improved loan conditions and decreased administrative burden.
Visit Canada Small Business Financing Program for more information.
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Insurance solutions to protect your exports, working capital and financing options. Visit Export Development Canada for more information.
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The Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs, when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer.
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Financial services to small businesses, including, term loans, subordinate financing and venture capital. Visit Business Development Bank of Canada.
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The Canadian Food Innovation Network is providing 45% funding to a maximum of $225,000 for prototype development, pilots and demonstrations of Canadian-made technologies/innovations in the food sector. Learn more and apply for the FoodTech Next program.
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Allowing qualified companies to import commercial goods without paying duties, as long as those goods are eventually exported. Visit CBSA to learn more.
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Helping Canadian companies compete in export markets by removing the domestic duty impact from their commercial goods. Visit CBSA to learn more.
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To support businesses, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will:
- Defer GST/HST remittances and corporate income tax payments from April 2 to June 30, 2025
- Waive interest on GST/HST and T2 instalment and arrears payments that are required to be paid between April 2 and June 30, 2025
- Provide interest relief on existing GST/HST and T2 balances between April 2 and June 30, 2025
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Reduce or eliminate regular customs duties on imported goods under specific conditions, such as for scientific research or certain manufacturing processes. Click here to learn more.
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The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) by World Trade Centre Toronto empowers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strategically expand into the US market. Explore the TAP session on US Export Strategies on February 11, 2025.
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COEF is a partnership of federal, provincial and non-profit organizations to coordinate the delivery of export programs and services to the Ontario business community. Get export skills training, counselling, market entry support, financing, in-market assistance, and more.
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For custom information on exporting or expanding your business internationally visit the Province of Ontario’s Custom Guide to Export Supports to receive a tailored list of resources and supports.
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The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. Eligible companies can apply for 15% up to $5 million in interest-free loans and $1.5 million in grants (i.e. non-repayable/forgivable) towards investments that create jobs and lead to economic growth, expansion, and global competitiveness.
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The federal government’s Canadian Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses grow with confidence by connecting them with our funding and support programs, international opportunities, and our network of trade commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.
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Trade Data Online is a service provided by the Government of Canada that allows the user to view Ontario’s trade relationships with top export and import markets. You can also find rankings of exports and imports from a given country in comparison to other international markets.
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Global Bid Opportunity Finder (GBOF) is an online tool funded by the Government of Canada that enables Canadian businesses to search for commercial opportunities with foreign governments. Made in Canada for Canadians, this tool provides information on what opportunities are available to Canadian businesses to grow and expand into new international markets. Click here to learn more.
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Online portal to source or promote Ontario-made goods for manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Hosted by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).
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Interactive map highlighting Ontario based manufacturing companies. Hosted by Trillium Network for advanced manufacturing.
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Supplier diversity programs encourage major corporations and governments to include diverse suppliers in their supply chains. This means they proactively buy goods and services from businesses owned or led by women entrepreneurs, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+, and visible minorities, among others.
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Continue to follow this page for up to date information on tariffs, resources and supports for business.
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Follow Vaughan Economic Development on LinedkIn for up to date information on tariffs, resources and supports for business.
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The Government of Canada has a comprehensive plan to fight back against the unjustified U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods while supporting Canada’s interests, industries, and workers.
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Vaughan Economic Development is working with partners to host webinars on the latest trends and topics.
These webinars—and other events relevant to Vaughan businesses—are listed on our Events page.
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