Ontario’s Protect Ontario Financing Program provides working-capital loans to eligible Ontario businesses experiencing significant financial pressure because of U.S. tariffs. Funding can support operating expenses such as payroll, leases and utilities rather than capital projects.
The program initially focused on businesses affected directly or indirectly by Section 232 tariffs in sectors including steel, aluminum, copper and automotive manufacturing. Ontario announced on August 24, 2026 that eligibility would be expanded to businesses affected by the new Section 338 tariffs.
Businesses should review the current provincial eligibility criteria, including revenue, employment, operating-history and tariff-exposure requirements, before applying.
Government of Ontario: Protect Ontario Financing Program →
