Cloverdale Chamber highlighting programs to help with tariff troubles
Published 2:30 pm Saturday, September 12, 2026
The Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce is letting businesses know about possible support programs to help with their tariff troubles.
Scott Wheatley, the executive director of the Cloverdale Chamber, said the federal government has set up a few programs to help support businesses affected by tariffs. The programs are being offered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).
“Getting the information out is the most important aspect of it right now,” Wheatley said.
He noted whenever he gets info, he sends it out as fast as possible. He said they’ll be more stuff coming next week as he thinks the city is introducing some measures as well.
Wheatley added the federal program is called the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
According to government info about RTRI, businesses could get up to $2 million in non-repayable liquidity support and/or another $1 million in non-repayable funding for transformation projects “depending on their circumstances.”
Wheatley said he’s talked to many business owners who are concerned over tariffs.
“People are very cautious right now,” he said. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen. This is going to impact everybody—whether your importing or exporting or if you’re a customer.”
He said he’s looked into info about items affected by tariffs and he said it’s lengthy amount of things.
“It’s amazing if you’ve gone through the list,” he said. “It covers a lot of stuff, from clothes to steel.”
He talked to one business owner who makes windows. He said that owner has to pay tariffs going both ways now—both on imports and exports.
“Many business owners are just trying to hunker down,” Wheatley added. “Some want to ignore it, hoping it’ll go away. Others I’ve talked to are out trying to find new markets to sell their products.”
Companies can apply through the RTRI application portal found on canada.ca through PacifiCan.
PacifiCan is also hosting two virtual information sessions on the RTRI on Sept. 14 and 21—both run from 1 – 2 p.m. To register, visit PacifiCan to find out more info: canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development.html.
Once on the page, scroll down to “Regional Tariff Response Initiative.”
The government has also introduced measures for businesses and workers affected by tariffs. Info on these programs, including financing, diversification funding, technology adoption supports, and workforce measures, can be found by visiting the “Canada Strong: Support for Businesses and Industries” link, also found on canada.ca.