Over the last few weeks, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have announced several new programs to help businesses navigate uncertainty and build long-term resilience.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
On September 5, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new federal measures to protect Canadian businesses from the impacts of global tariffs. These include the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, delivered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), which provides funding and advisory services to help SMEs boost productivity and reduce costs, build more resilient supply chains, and reach new markets.
Eligible activities under this program include, but are not limited to:
- Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness
- Developing and expanding markets to help businesses find new customers
- Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access or enhance sales
- Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of businesses and the reliability of domestic markets
- Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise
Visit PacifiCan’s website for more information on the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
Build Your Own Future
At the provincial level, the Government of British Columbia has expanded its support for workers affected by tariffs through the Build Your Own Future (BYOF) program. Originally focused on the forestry sector, BYOF now supports workers across all industries impacted by U.S. tariffs. The program offers five-day business bootcamps, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship to help displaced workers transition into entrepreneurship. Participants who complete the program are eligible for a $5,000 grant to help cover startup costs.
Delivered by the Northern Innovation Network, BYOF provides foundational training in finance, marketing, operations, customer service, and leadership. Programs are available both in-person and online to ensure accessibility across the province.
Export Navigator Expands with New Specialized Support
In addition to its core advisory services, Export Navigator has introduced two new pilot programs to help businesses respond to trade-related challenges:
- CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI): This initiative supports businesses that trade within North America under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). It facilitates access to expert guidance to help companies understand and meet compliance requirements, which is especially important as tariff structures and trade rules evolve. Learn more about the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative.
- Technical Specialist Pilot Program: This pilot connects businesses with technical experts who can help solve complex trade-related issues. The program is open to Export Navigator clients who are looking to start exporting or who are already exporting outside BC. Learn more about the Technical Specialist Pilot Program here. Not an Export Navigator client? It’s free to join. Contact our local Export Advisor, Brady Calancie, at brady@exportnavigator.ca.
These pilots are designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and Indigenous enterprises.
The Government of Canada has launched a consultation on the operation of CUSMA. Canadians are asked to submit their feedback by November 3, 2025. More details on the CUSMA consultation can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.
Access Additional Support
Economic Development Cowichan is committed to helping local businesses navigate these changes. To explore available programs, learn about eligibility, and access personalized support, visit our Navigating Tariffs page:
👉 www.ecdevcowichan.com/navigatingtariffs
Together, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready economy for the Cowichan region.
