Federal Government Announces Nearly $26 Million to Support 31 GTA Businesses and Organizations
BRAMPTON, Ont. The federal government is investing nearly $26 million to help 31 businesses and organizations across the Greater Toronto Area respond to tariff pressures, expand their operations and explore new markets.
Who Made the Announcement and What the Funding Covers
The announcement was made October 2 in Brampton by the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), alongside the Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Member of Parliament for Brampton Chinguacousy Park.
The funding is being provided through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) and is designed to help businesses adopt new technologies, increase production capacity, strengthen supply chains and diversify their markets.
“Tariffs are putting real pressure on businesses and workers across the Greater Toronto Area,” Solomon said. “We are helping 31 local companies and organizations invest in Canadian production, become more competitive and reach new customers.”
Featured Project: Daybar Industries
One of the largest projects announced involves Daybar Industries Limited, a Brampton-based manufacturer of commercial and industrial steel doors and frames. The company is undertaking a project worth more than $12 million, with FedDev Ontario contributing $700,000 toward expanding production capacity and diversifying into new markets.
Shafqat Ali said the investment would help strengthen local businesses and create opportunities for workers and families across the region.
“Strong local businesses are at the heart of building strong communities,” Ali said. “By supporting our local businesses and organizations, we are investing in the continued strength and prosperity of our communities.”
Tariff Pressures and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The latest announcement comes as Canadian businesses continue to face uncertainty arising from tariffs and changing international trade conditions.
The federal government announced in August an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, bringing the total investment delivered nationally through Canada’s regional development agencies to $3.45 billion.
Under the enhanced program, eligible businesses may receive up to $3 million in combined non-repayable funding, including up to $2 million to address demonstrated liquidity needs and up to $1 million for projects designed to help businesses pivot. Repayable funding is also available for larger-scale transformative projects.
Who Is Receiving Support
The 31 GTA recipients represent a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, food production, technology, automation, steel, digital production and tourism.
Recipients include APS Metal Industries, Axiom Plastics, Barocco Coffee, Brannon Steel, Brentwood Classics, Canada Smoked Fish, Cesaroni Technology, Daybar Industries, Exco Engineering, Future Steel Buildings, ICON Digital Productions, Indigenous Tourism Association of Ontario, PakFactory, Pulp Moulded Products, Rapid Aid, Ricci Food Group, SinaLite and Technical Steel, among others.
What the Funding Means for GTA Businesses
The federal government says the broader support package is intended to help Canadian businesses maintain competitiveness, protect and create quality jobs, strengthen domestic production and build greater resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty.
For businesses across the GTA, the funding could provide additional resources to invest in technology, increase production and pursue new customers both in Canada and international markets.
About FedDev Ontario
FedDev Ontario is responsible for delivering federal economic development programs across southern Ontario and supporting businesses and organizations seeking to grow, innovate and compete in changing markets.
