Business Resources for Navigating Changing Trade Conditions
Business Resources for Navigating Changing Trade Conditions
Businesses across Central Alberta are navigating a changing trade environment, with new information, programs and supports being announced regularly.
While the Chamber continues to monitor developments through its policy and advocacy work, there are practical resources available to help businesses understand available supports, assess their options and plan for changing market conditions.
We have pulled together several current resources that may be useful to businesses across Central Alberta.
New PrairiesCan support now available
Prairies Economic Development Canada recently announced an expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), with applications now open to eligible businesses and organizations in the Prairie provinces.
The expanded program is designed to help tariff affected businesses address short-term pressures while also investing in longer-term competitiveness and resilience.
Eligible incorporated businesses may receive up to $3 million in non-repayable support, including:
- Up to $2 million for eligible liquidity assistance
- Up to $1 million for eligible pivot projects
- Support for productivity improvements, technology and automation
- Market expansion and diversification
- Supply-chain resilience and trade related risk reduction
Learn more: PrairiesCan – Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Share how tariffs are affecting your business
The Government of Alberta has launched an online portal for Alberta businesses to share information about how U.S. tariffs, Canadian counter tariffs and other international trade measures are affecting their operations.
Businesses can provide details about specific products, tariffs and the direct impacts they are experiencing, including increased costs, reduced sales, lost contracts or supply chain disruptions. The information collected will help inform Alberta’s response and advocacy as the province works to understand the real world impacts across sectors.
If your business is being affected by tariffs or changing trade conditions, you can share your experience with the Government of Alberta through its online tariff feedback portal.
Share how tariffs are affecting your business
Explore Canada's broader business supports
The federal government's Canada Strong resource brings together current programs and supports for businesses, workers and employers.
For businesses, the site includes information on funding, financing and other supports designed to help organizations adapt, grow and reach new markets. Current measures include the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, BDC's Pivot to Grow liquidity support and the new Canada Strong Diversification Fund.
Learn more: Canada Strong – Business and Industry Supports
Looking at new markets?
For businesses considering export opportunities or market diversification, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service offers webinars, market information and tools to help Canadian companies explore international markets.
Its current webinar library includes topics such as selecting a new market, working with U.S. customers and brokers, CUSMA compliance and using CETA to diversify into Europe.
Upcoming webinars: Canadian Trade Commissioner Service – Webinars
Upcoming webinar: Managing tariffs and cash flow
Businesses that export may also be interested in an upcoming online session from Export Development Canada (EDC).
On September 17, EDC, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and an experienced CFO will discuss trade relief, financing options, working capital and practical steps businesses can take to manage cash flow during ongoing trade uncertainty.
The free webinar runs from 1–2 p.m. ET.
Register at: EDC – Managing tariffs and cash flow for Canadian exporters
Workforce supports
Trade conditions can also affect staffing, training and workforce planning.
The Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative provides support to eligible employers and organizations operating in sectors affected by a shifting global trade environment. Its Employer led Training Grant is currently accepting applications until September 30, 2026, or until funding is fully allocated.
The program can support training for employed workers, while the Workforce Planning stream supports sectors and communities developing strategies for workforce transitions.
Learn more: Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative
Business outlook
For businesses looking beyond individual programs, BDC's September 2026 Monthly Economic Letter provides a current look at Canada's economic outlook, including the impact of tariffs on Canadian businesses and the outlook for Alberta.
BDC notes that while trade uncertainty is creating challenges, businesses can take practical steps such as assessing exposure to U.S. customers and tariff sensitive inputs, stress-testing cash flow and costs, and considering opportunities to diversify customers and suppliers.
Read more: BDC – September 2026 Monthly Economic Letter
Staying informed matters
Trade conditions can change quickly, and not every program will apply to every business. Before making decisions or applying for funding, businesses should review the full eligibility requirements and, where appropriate, consult their financial or professional advisors.
The Chamber will continue to share relevant business information, resources and opportunities as they become available. For businesses, staying informed is one more tool for navigating change and planning for what comes next.
