Mississauga Partners in Trade

March 5th – Mississauga’s Partners in Trade Response: Presentation: Click here to view the slides

The City of Mississauga is committed to supporting Mississauga’s businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents through the uncertainty and disruptions related to changes in US trade policy towards Canada and the world.

While trade policy falls outside municipal jurisdiction, the City is taking action to support the local business community and residents. Efforts will include direct outreach to impacted businesses, supporting business access to available resources and advocating for local business interests to higher levels of government. Further, the City has launched the Choose Canada initiative, encouraging residents and businesses to support the local economy by purchasing Canadian-made products and services. The City will be amending its Procurement By-law to prioritize Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers and streamline the process to support more local, diverse, and smaller businesses.

Please read Mayor Parrish’s statement on U.S. tariffs here.

Invest Mississauga has a team of dedicated staff with information, services and connections that can help you navigate these challenging business conditions. Whether you are just starting or an established business, we understand that each situation is unique, and we have services that can be tailored to your specific needs.

The City will continue to monitor and regularly update this page with the latest developments, resources and supports.

NEWS UPDATE: On March 4th, the U.S. administration imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian products entering the United States. A temporary pause on CUSMA-compliant goods has been applied until April 2nd, with a 30-day exemption for automobiles. On March 12th, a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum was imposed.

In response, Canada imposed 25% counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, while an additional $125 billion in counter-tariffs remains on pause. Effective March 13th, the federal government has imposed reciprocal retaliatory tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of U.S. metal products, including steel and aluminum products as well as additional goods. The Government of Canada has also announced $6 billion in new funding to support businesses and workers. Read here for more details on Canada’s response.

Meanwhile, Ontario has introduced additional retaliatory measures, including the removal of U.S. products from LCBOs and a ban on U.S. companies from provincial procurement contracts. A 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. was also imposed but has since been paused for negotiations.

Please find below a list of resources that can help you stay informed and respond to trade flow disruptions with the U.S.

Support & Funding for Businesses Affected by US Tariffs

Pivot to Grow Loan: Offers up to $2 million in competitively priced loans for businesses affected by tariffs, including those in their supply chains, through Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
Trade Disruption Customer Support Program: Canadian agriculture and food businesses can receive additional support through Farm Credit Canada, which is offering new lending options to manage cash flow and adjust to shifting market conditions.
CanExport SMEs Grant: Government of Canada funding stream to support Canadian exporters gain access to new international markets.
Tariff Remission Process: Provides relief from tariffs imposed by the Government of Canada in response to U.S. trade measures. Businesses facing exceptional hardship due to countermeasures can apply for remission of duties.
EI Work-Sharing Program Expansion: increased flexibility to the program to provide EI benefits to employees working reduced hours due to business slowdowns. This will help employers retain skilled workers while supporting employees with income stability.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Trade-focused business advisory services and financing programs for small and medium-sized businesses.
Canadian Border Services Agency: Trade incentive programs to keep Canadian companies competitive by providing relief from import duties under special circumstances.

Invest Mississauga – Business Funding & Support Finder: Invest Mississauga has partnered with Fundica to provide businesses with an easy way to find funding in Canada. Through its proprietary search tool and intelligent filtering, Fundica helps entrepreneurs and businesses find grants, tax credits, other tax incentives, loans, loan guarantees, equity and accelerators. Access this Business Funding and Support Finder and discover a growing list of resources aimed to address your business needs.

Funding & Resources for Trade Diversification & Global Market Access

Trade Impact Program: Provides $5 billion over two years to help Canadian exporters expand into new international markets and manage financial challenges caused by tariffs.
Trade Commissioner Service: Offers market intelligence, trade missions, and business advisory services to support Canadian businesses interested in exporting across the globe.
Global Affairs Canada: Provides export market intelligence, trade agreements, and business development services to help businesses navigate international trade.
Export Development Canada (EDC): Offers financing, equity and insurance solutions, and business connection services for businesses looking to expand into new global markets.
Canadian Pavilion Program: Supports Canadian food and beverage companies participate in international trade shows to gain exposure in new markets.
2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition: Supports early-stage entrepreneurs looking to export their products and/or services outside of Canada. 2025 competition will be held in Mississauga.
Tariff Finder: A tool that helps businesses find import and export tariff information for specific products in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) markets.
Global Bid Opportunity Finder: through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this tool enables Canadian businesses to search for commercial opportunities internationally with foreign governments.
Forum for International Trade Training (FITT): Provides export-import training and certification services to help businesses successfully navigate global trade. Endorsed by the Government of Canada, EDC and Trade Commissioner Service.
Women Exporters Program: Supports women-led businesses in expanding internationally through trade and e-commerce opportunities.

Buy & Supply Canadian: Resources & Directories

Made in Canada Directory: Directory of Canadian-owned products and companies.
Ontario Made Directory: Directory of Ontario made products.
ByCanada.tech: Directory of Canadian startups, products, and businesses.
Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council: Connects Aboriginal and minority owned businesses to procurement opportunities with companies and governments.
Trillium Manufacturing Network: Interactive map highlighting Ontario-based manufacturing companies.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce: 10 Tips for Ontario Small and Medium Enterprises to Stay Competitive.
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, EMC: Business intelligence and networking services for the manufacturing industry.
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, CME: Business intelligence and advocacy initiatives for the manufacturing industry.