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Toronto Area's York Region

Trade Support Resources for Businesses in York Region

Please use the accordions below to find export programs, research and business support organizations, and potential funding programs to help Canadian companies with market diversification and export trade.

Tariff-Related Programs

  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative: The $450-million RTRI helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses in the steel and automotive industries.
  • Ontario Together Trade Fund: Helps businesses make near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains, strengthening Ontario’s trade security and diversification.
  • Trade Impact Program: The Export Development 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.
  • Protect Ontario Financing Program: This fund will provide immediate relief for Ontario businesses that are facing tariff-related working capital challenges, such as: payroll, lease payments, utility payments, etc.
  • BDC Business Loans: $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.
  • Farm Credit Canada Trade Disruption Support Program: $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
  • EI Work-Sharing Program: The Work-Sharing Program provides EI benefits to employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer’s control.

Trade-Related Programs

Note: This list does not contain all federal or provincial funding programs that might be available. Always confirm accuracy of details and application requirements directly with the responsible organization.

Canada Business Benefits Finder

Canada Business Benefits Finder

A simple way to search for business benefits and/or programs to support your business in a variety of areas, including:

  • Grants and Funding
  • Loans and Capital Investments
  • Tax Credits
  • Wage Subsidies and Interns
  • Expert Advice
  • Partnering and Collaboration
  • Researchers and Facilities

PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS

* This list does not contain all federal or provincial funding programs that might be available. Always confirm accuracy of details and application requirements directly with the responsible organization.

The Government of Canada and Ontario Government regularly participate in trade missions across the world. Participating in one of these in-market opportunities can provide insight and other benefits to companies that are considering exporting to new markets. Use the calendar links below to discover in-market opportunities that your company might want to participate in.

The Tariff Impact Podcast, brought to you by Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing and York Region Economic Development, is here to help York Region and Ontario-based manufacturers navigate global trade shifts, tariffs, and new funding opportunities.

Episode 1 | Todd Winterhalt, Senior Vice President | Export Development Canada

Episode 2 | Dennis Darby, President | Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Episode 3 | David Paterson, Ontario Representative in Washington D.C. | Government of Ontario

Episode 4 | Dennis Dussin, President | Alps Welding

As national organizations continue to survey and analyze the impacts of tariffs on Canadian businesses the results of those studies will be added to the list below:

York Region is comprised of nine local cities and towns and our economic development teams work collaboratively to support the local business community. Below you will find links to their trade support resources or their main economic development pages:

Trade & Tariff Support Events

York Region Economic Development Business Support Services

With the uncertainty around potential tariffs and trade disruptions, York Region Economic Development is working closely with our partners at all levels of government to ensure we are ready to assist businesses. The Regional Municipality of York is committed to supporting the business community across York Region.

VIEW OUR BUSINESS SERVICES

REGIONAL EXPORT OVERVIEW

York Region Business Exports / Imports Profile

According to Statistics Canada 2023 data, nearly 2,900 business establishments in York Region export goods and services with an annual total export value of $14.5 billion. Most exports are to the U.S. with 81% (or $11.8 billion) of total exports value, remainder of the exports are to non-U.S. countries with 19% ($2.7 billion).

Manufacturing is by far the largest export sector in York Region with 82% (or $11.9 billion) of total export value and 87% share of the overall U.S. destination. Wholesale trade is the next largest export at $1.7 billion (12%) of the total export value.

In 2023, York Region’s total goods imports amounted to $45.4 billion. Of these, over 62% ($28.1 billion) originated from non-U.S. countries, while the remaining 38% ($17.3 billion) came from the U.S. The largest importing sector in the Region was wholesale trade, which accounted for 76% ($34.3 billion) of the import value. At the enterprise level, over 9,100 establishments in the Region were engaged in import activities.

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NOTICE:
The resources provided on this page are for informational purposes only. Programs, criteria, and other information are subject to change without notice.