Trade and Business Support

Practical resources to help Kawartha Lakes businesses manage tariff impacts, strengthen supply chains and reach new markets.

Kawartha Lakes is committed to supporting local businesses and working with community, regional, provincial and federal partners to respond to U.S.-imposed tariffs, protect our local economy and safeguard local jobs. This page also provides information for residents looking to support local businesses during this uncertain time.

Find the right support for your business

Check

Tariffs on your products

Search by product, market or HS code. 

Find

Business funding

Explore programs matched to your needs.

Grow

Reach new markets

Get expert export and market support.

Connect

With our team

Talk through your business challenges. 

Latest trade updates

Last updated: August 2026

Latest updates

Business resources

Explore resources to help your business understand tariff impacts, access financial support, protect your workforce, strengthen supply chains and pursue new markets.

Programs and eligibility requirements may change. Businesses are encouraged to confirm current details and application requirements directly with the responsible organization.

Identify tariff impacts

Review current U.S. tariff measures, CUSMA exemptions and federal resources available to Canadian exporters through the Trade Commissioner Service’s tariff information page.

Use the Canada Tariff Finder to search tariffs for specific products and markets using a product description or Harmonized System code.

Review the Affected Products Guide to identify product categories that may be exposed to U.S. tariffs. Confirm product classifications with a customs broker or qualified trade professional.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Canada–U.S. Trade Tracker provides current data and insights on trade flows, affected industries and changes in the trading relationship.

Canadian businesses importing tariffed goods may qualify for a waived tariff or refund in certain circumstances. Review Canada’s available tariff remission and relief programs.

Access funding and financial support

Complete the Business Benefits Finder to receive a customized list of government funding, programs and support services.

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative supports eligible businesses and organizations affected by tariffs to improve productivity, strengthen supply chains and diversify markets.

The BDC Pivot to Grow Loan provides financing and advice to help eligible businesses manage tariff impacts, modernize operations and pursue new markets.

Export Development Canada helps Canadian businesses grow internationally through financing, credit insurance, market intelligence and export-risk management.

Farm Credit Canada’s Trade Disruption Customer Support Program offers financing options for eligible agriculture, agri-food and food-processing businesses affected by trade disruptions.

The Ontario Together Trade Fund supports eligible businesses investing in new markets, stronger supply chains and improved competitiveness.

The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides financing to qualifying businesses experiencing working-capital pressures caused by tariff-related disruptions.

The federal Strategic Response Fund supports large-scale projects that strengthen industrial capacity, supply-chain resilience and Canada’s long-term competitiveness.

The Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for eligible investments in manufacturing and processing buildings, machinery or equipment in Ontario.

Protect and support your workforce

The EI Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when business activity temporarily declines for reasons beyond the employer’s control.

The Worker Retention Grant supports eligible employers participating in Work-Sharing agreements with funding for employee training and skills development.

Strengthen your supply chain

Explore Canadian business directories to identify domestic suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and potential business partners.

The Startup Canada Tariff Toolkit provides practical guidance on tariffs, supply-chain risks, regulations and market-expansion strategies.

NGen ResilienceHQ provides Canadian manufacturers with information and tools to address trade disruption, supply-chain challenges and changing market conditions.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters offers trade information, training, advocacy and resources to strengthen productivity, supply chains and export readiness.

Reach new markets

Connect with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service for market intelligence, qualified contacts and guidance on expanding internationally.

Explore upcoming Government of Canada trade missions and events that help businesses investigate international markets and develop new relationships.

Find upcoming Ontario trade missions and export events, including international business-development opportunities and export seminars.

Use Canada’s Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting to assess export readiness, research markets and develop an export plan.

Learn about Canada’s international trade agreements and the preferential market access available to Canadian businesses.

Explore export support for Canadian agriculture and agri-food businesses managing trade disruptions or pursuing new markets.

Support local, Ontario-made and Canadian-made

Supporting local businesses

Kawartha Lakes' towns and villages feature a diverse network of businesses, artisans, and suppliers. Connect with local businesses and vendors.

Supporting Ontario-made products

Businesses and consumers can use Ontario Made to discover products manufactured in Ontario. Eligible manufacturers can also register their products at no cost.

'Made in Canada' logo

Supporting Canadian-made products

Explore Made in CA to discover Canadian-made products and businesses from across the country.

Connect with Kawartha Lakes Economic Development

Connect with Lindsey Schoenmakers, Economic Development Officer - Business Development

Businesses facing tariff-related costs, supply-chain disruptions or import and export barriers are encouraged to connect with Kawartha Lakes Economic Development. Staff can help assess your needs, identify relevant programs and connect you with organizations that can support your business.

Telephone: 705-324-9411 extension 1197
Toll Free: 1-866-397-6673
Email Lindsey

Contact Us

Kawartha Lakes 
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337

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