Thunder Bay Launches Relief Fund to Support Small Businesses Amid Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) have launched a new initiative to help small and medium-sized businesses affected by the ongoing Canada–United States trade dispute.
Announced on Monday, the Small Business Tariff Response Fund will provide 15 eligible businesses with $7,500 each toward projects with a minimum cost of $10,000. The program is open to businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
“Tell us how the trade situation is impacting your business—what the scale of the challenge is, how you plan to respond, and what resources you need,” said Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. “This will help us determine where the funding can have the greatest effect.”
Robinson acknowledged the fund’s limited scope but expressed confidence that supporting 15 projects would make a meaningful difference in the local market. She also emphasized the importance of acting swiftly.
“While federal and provincial governments are working on broader programs, we didn’t want to wait. We needed something quick and responsive so small businesses aren’t left behind.”
Jamie Taylor, CEO of the CEDC, noted the uncertainty surrounding the evolving trade conflict and its effects on local businesses.
“We’ve been hearing from small business owners, particularly through our entrepreneur centres, about the challenges they’re facing,” Taylor said. “Given the instability caused by the pandemic and now tariffs, we want to support them however we can. The bigger companies have other resources—we’re focused on helping the smaller players weather this storm.”
