If your Ontario business has faced U.S. tariffs or trade disruptions, the Ontario Together Trade Fund eligibility checklist helps you see if this program fits your situation. The fund offers up to $5 million per project. It can cover most of your costs, but only if you meet specific operational and impact requirements set by the province.
This checklist explains who qualifies, what the government looks for, and how to prepare before you apply.
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) is a provincial program that supports Ontario businesses affected by U.S. trade measures, including tariffs. Funding is usually a grant, but sometimes Ontario may offer a loan instead.
Check the points below to see if your business meets the requirements.
Your business must meet all of these core requirements:
For-profit business
Registered and operating in Ontario
Operating history
Employment size
Meeting the basic business criteria is not enough. You must also show that your business is directly impacted by U.S. tariffs or trade disruptions. The province accepts several forms of evidence, including:
Sector targeted by U.S. tariffs
Significant revenue loss
Supply chain disruption
You will need documentation to support at least one of these scenarios.
If your business qualifies, your project must also fit the fund’s objectives. Eligible project activities can include:
The program will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5,000,000 per project.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your business size, location, and project type fit programs like the Ontario Together Trade Fund.
Applying for the Ontario Together Trade Fund involves several steps. Make sure you are ready before starting your application.
Gather business documents
Prepare evidence of trade impact
Outline your project plan
Check deadlines and forms
Submit your application
Well-prepared documentation can make your application stronger and help avoid delays.
Financial statements
Provide three years of audited or reviewed statements. If you have unaudited statements, explain why.
Proof of employee count
Include payroll records showing at least 5 full-time equivalent employees.
Evidence of trade impact
Attach contracts, supplier communications, or financial reports showing losses from U.S. tariffs.
Project details
Write a clear project plan, including budgets, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Not providing enough proof of tariff impact
General statements are not enough. You need financial data, contracts, or supplier documentation showing how U.S. trade actions affected your business.
Applying with fewer than 5 FTE employees
Part-time staff and contractors do not usually count toward the 5 FTE minimum. Miscounting here can disqualify your application.
Submitting incomplete financial statements
The province expects three full years of financials. Missing years or unaudited statements without explanation can delay or reject your application.
Assuming funding is always a grant
Ontario may offer funding as a loan instead of a grant depending on your project and risk profile.
Q: What is the Ontario Together Trade Fund?
The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a provincial program that supports Ontario businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. It helps fund projects that strengthen supply chains, modernize operations, or diversify markets.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
Eligible businesses can receive up to $5 million, covering a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs. The remaining costs must be covered by your business or other non-government sources.
Q: Can funding be a loan instead of a grant?
Yes. While many projects receive grants, Ontario may offer funding as a loan at its discretion depending on project risk and financial capacity.
Q: What counts as proof of revenue loss due to tariffs?
Accepted proof can include financial statements showing a 30% or greater revenue decline, tariff-related cost increases, or documentation showing disrupted supplier relationships tied to U.S. trade measures.
Q: Is Ontario Together Trade Fund funding taxable?
Government grants are generally considered taxable income. You should confirm the tax treatment with your accountant to understand how funding will affect your financial statements.
If you meet the criteria in this Ontario Together Trade Fund eligibility checklist, your next step is to see how this program fits with other provincial or federal funding options. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada, making it easier to find programs that match your business and project goals.
You may also want to read related guides like What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?, Ontario Scale-Up Programs: Support Options for Growing Tech Companies, and How to Stack Grants and Loans Without Violating Funding Rules.
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