Nine Hamilton businesses receive $12.5M to combat tariff impacts

FedDev Ontario is investing over $12.5 million to help nine Hamilton area businesses respond to tariff-related pressures, strengthen supply chains and protect jobs.

Hamilton and the surrounding region play a critical role in Ontario’s economy through advanced manufacturing, automation technologies, steel production, packaging solutions and specialized industrial equipment.

These industries support thousands of jobs, drive investment and help strengthen Canada’s supply chains.

As part of Monday’s investment announcement, Niko Apparel Systems, a Canadian-owned manufacturer specializing in high-quality technical apparel, is undertaking a $400,000 project.

“Anybody who exports knows it’s been very difficult. It’s getting worse I would say,” says Joe Camillo, the founder of Niko Apparel.

While the company is looking to expand its sales within Canada and Europe, around 20 per cent of the sports equipment and jerseys produced at the Hamilton site are exported to the United States.

As well as many of their hockey neck guards, which aren’t produced at the Hempstead Drive location.

“For example, our neck guards, which we sell a lot of down there, and we sell to the largest hockey retailer in the US, we have to absorb all tariffs and duties and all brokerage fees, and we’re losing a lot of money there,” says Camillo.

FedDev Ontario provided $200,000 to modernize production infrastructure through equipment upgrades and enhanced workforce skills to deliver made-in-Canada high-performance apparel and protective gear.

“Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), we are taking action to help businesses confront tariff-related pressures, secure their place in critical supply chains, protect jobs and unlock new opportunities for growth and investment,” said Evan Solomon, minister of AI and digital innovation.

“Today’s investment for these nine companies in the Hamilton area will support growth and innovation, helping ensure the region remains a key centre for manufacturing and economic activity while contributing to a stronger Canadian economy.”

READ MORE: Canada pulls back U.S. tariffs on seafood, fish products

Last week, the Government of Canada introduced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures that deliver fast, simple and agile supports to Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in supports the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. tariffs.

Effective Sept., the Government of Canada is investing an additional $1.5 billion in the RTRI, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, to help businesses respond to tariff pressures.

The maximum limit for non-repayable contributions will be increasing from $1 million to $3 million. It will now include support for demonstrated liquidity needs and existing support for pivot or capital investment plans.

Meanwhile, liquidity support available will be up to $2 million.

“Hamilton’s success is built on the strength of its businesses and workers. Today’s investment in these nine businesses will strengthen our local economy, protect jobs, and seize new opportunities, creating lasting economic benefits for our community,” said Aslam Rana, MP for Hamilton Centre.

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