Tariff fight drives $5.2M federal support for businesses in Brampton

Brampton businesses facing mounting pressure from global trade uncertainty and tariffs will receive a $5.2-million federal boost aimed at helping them adapt, expand into new markets and adopt artificial intelligence.

The funding, announced by the federal government through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will support two new initiatives designed to strengthen local competitiveness and resilience across key sectors in Brampton.

Of the total investment, $2.5 million will go toward a new Business Growth Accelerator led by the City of Brampton under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. The program is intended to help local companies respond to shifting trade conditions, reduce exposure to supply-chain disruptions and pursue new domestic and international market opportunities.

Federal officials say participating businesses will receive tailored advisory services, market intelligence and business development support, including access to supply-chain opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, defence and space.

A further $2.7 million will support the BNext AI Program, delivered in partnership with the BHive Innovation & Training Hub under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. The program will help Brampton businesses adopt artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, streamline operations and strengthen competitiveness.

Brampton Centre MP Amandeep Sodhi said the investment is aimed at helping local companies stay competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

“These investments will give Brampton companies the support they need to strengthen their operations, adopt new technologies like AI, and pursue new opportunities for growth,” Sodhi said.

City officials also welcomed the funding, saying it will help businesses adapt to changing global conditions and position themselves for long-term growth.

Mayor Patrick Brown said Brampton’s economy continues to expand rapidly and depends on ensuring businesses have access to tools that support innovation and global competitiveness.

The announcement comes as Brampton continues to position itself as a major hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences and technology—industries that are increasingly affected by global trade pressures and supply-chain volatility.

Federal officials say the tariff-response initiative is part of a broader national strategy to boost productivity, strengthen supply chains and help Canadian businesses diversify into new markets. Similar support programs are being delivered through agencies including the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Brampton, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities with a population approaching 800,000, continues to see strong growth in its industrial and innovation sectors.

Officials say the goal of the new funding is to help local companies not only respond to current trade pressures, but also position themselves for long-term growth in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.