Kingston Businesses Get $302K Boost from Ontario

This section is Presented

This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.

by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

The program aims to strengthen economic resilience, diversify supply chains, and create new export opportunities beyond the United States.

Jul 24, 2026  •  Last updated 8 hours ago  • 

Parliamentary assistant Tyler Allsopp, representing the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, announces a funding allocation of $302K for the Kingston Economic Development Corporation on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Photo by Bill Hall /The Kingston Whig-Standard

The Ontario government is putting $302,000 into a Kingston initiative designed to help businesses manage ongoing trade uncertainties.

This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.

Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.

Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.

Access more articles from thewhig. com. Get email updates from your favourite journalists.

.

.

Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors

or

The plan focuses on diversifying away from U. S. markets while establishing new supply chains as tariff pressures continue affecting businesses.

The funding announcement made Thursday at Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) on King Street will support a two-year program worth $492,000 under Ontario’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program. This provincial initiative is designed to assist communities affected by economic disruptions related to U. S. trade policies.

The program emphasizes building economic resilience, diversifying supply chains, and enhancing export opportunities outside of the United States.

Parliamentary Assistant Tyler Allsopp remarked that Kingston’s blend of manufacturing, technology, life sciences and agriculture makes it especially vulnerable to disruptions in cross-border trade.

“Many of these sectors have been deeply connected to cross-border supply chains, leaving local businesses particularly exposed to the ongoing trade uncertainty,” Allsopp said.

The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Noon News Roundup

Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox.

Your signup had issues; please try again.

This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

He stated that this funding would enable businesses throughout Kingston and Eastern Ontario to explore new export possibilities, connect with different suppliers, and lessen their reliance on just one market.

This announcement arrives as Ontario and other provinces are dealing with an increasingly unpredictable trade environment.

The Ford government launched the Trade-Impacted Communities Program during its 2025 budget as part of a wider tariff-relief package aimed at helping communities cope with disruptions caused by American trade measures.

Previous recipients include municipalities and industry organizations working towards diversification strategies and readiness for investment.

KEDCO CEO Donna Gillespie noted that local businesses have spent over a year adapting to rapidly shifting market conditions.

“Over the past 18 months, businesses have navigated one of the most significant periods of disruption to Canada-U. S. trade in decades,” she said. “As tariffs, shifting supply chains , and broader geopolitical uncertainty have reshaped global markets, companies have had to adapt with remarkable speed and resilience.”

This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.

Gillespie mentioned that this new funding aims to ensure that businesses aren’t left alone in tackling these challenges.

“It’s about giving Kingston and region businesses the expertise , connections , and confidence to diversify markets , strengthen their competitiveness and pursue new opportunities for growth,” she said.Kington Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) chief executive officer Donna Gillespie welcomes media members and guests at KEDCO offices located on King Street for a special funding announcement made by Ontario government officials on Thursday , July 23 ,2026. Photo credit : Bill Hall / The Kingston Whig – Standard

According To KEDCO, the initiative will provide various forms of support designed for companies seeking entry into new markets while bolstering their existing operations.

Shelley Hirstwood, KEDCO’s business development director stated they crafted this program after extensive discussions with local firms facing uncertainties regarding tariffs and international commerce.

“Our businesses have been greatly impacted, and there’s been so much uncertainty that when we go into our business community, it’s really about what do they need?” Hirstwood explained.

The program includes an “Ask The Expert” service connecting companies with trade lawyers, tax specialists, international market advisers along with other professionals. In addition, firms can access guidance regarding certifications, exports regulations along with various barriers complicating expansion into foreign markets.

This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Other components consist Of an interprovincial trading assistance program. export-development training conducted alongside Queen ’ s University plus A networking initiative between firms aiming At introducing them To potential customers, suppliers, and Markets.

Recently, premiers From nine provinces including Ontario signed A major agreement enabling direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across participating jurisdictions, a move governments claim intends To bolster internal trading And create New domestic Markets.< p At signing That agreement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated That deal would promote Building A more “ united, resilient And self-reliant ” economy While providing New chances For Canadian Businesses. Read MoreKEDCO And Queen ’ s School Of Business Present An Economic Outlook Bill Hall<KINGSTON ONLY CANADIAN CITY NAMED IN INTELLIGENT COMMUNITY FORUM (ICF)'S TOP7 INTELLIGENT COMMUNITIES OF ) Karen Cross CEO OF GREATER KINGSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAID SHE EXPECTS THE KEDCO INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT LOCAL FIRMS SEIZE THOSE RISING OPPORTUNITIES.
This has not loaded yet, butyour article continuesbelow.

“ We’re really going TO BE ABLE TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGH THE TRADE IMPACT AND GET THEIR PRODUCT TO OTHER MARKETPLACES – DIFFERENT DESTINATIONS,” Cross Stated.“WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO NOT ONLY ONE CANADIAN ECONOMY BUT ALSO GETTING OUR BUSINESSES’ PRODUCTS OVER TO EUROPE AND OTHER MARKETS. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE U. S.” Cross mentioned THAT THE SUPPORT ANNOUNCED ON THURSDAY COULD BE ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL FOR SMALLER FIRMS THAT LACK EXPERTISE OR RESOURCES NEEDED TO NAVIGATE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS ALONE. For KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS MPP TED HSU, the announcement reflects UNIQUE CHALLENGES FACING A BORDER REGION WITH STRONG ECONOMIC TIES WITH THE UNITED STATES. “ KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS ARE RIGHT ON THE BORDER SO WE’RE ONE OF FEW ONTARIO RIDINGS THAT’S RIGHT ON THE BORDER” HSU SAID.“ WE HEAR A LOT OF STORIES FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES ABOUT TARIFFS.” He noted MANY COMPANIES GET THAT THEY NEED TO DIVERSIFY BUT DON’T KNOW HOW TO NAVIGATE FOREIGN MARKETS SET UP RELATIONSHIPS OVERSEAS OR MANAGE COMPLEX REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. This HAS NOT LOADED YET, BUT YOUR ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW.
< This has Not Loaded Yet, but Your Article Continues Below.

. “BUSINESSES HERE MIGHT SAY,’HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH PEOPLE IN ASIA AND EUROPE AND WHAT ARE THE RULES? HOW DO I DO THIS, WHTAT ARE LOGISTICS?’”HSU SAID.”WELL THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE WHO CAN HELP WITH THAT.” While HSU EXPRESSED OPTIMISM ABOUT THIS PROGRAM HE ALSO RECOGNIZED TRADE CHALLENGES FACING BUSINESSES WILL LIKELY TAKE TIME TO RESOLVE. NOTING UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING U. S. TRADE POLICY CONTINUESAND MAY LAST YEARS. FOR THAT REASON HE SAID ASSISTING BUSINESSES FIND NEW CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERSAND MARKETS HAS BECOME AN ECONOMIC NECESSITY RATHER THAN JUST A GROWTH STRATEGY.

Bihall

Share this article within Your social network

‘ Source link ‘