This initiative comes at a time when trade tensions between Canada and the U. S. are on the rise.
The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced that the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) will get $302,000 from Ontario’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
This funding is part of KEDCO’s larger investment totaling $492,000 over two years aimed at shielding workers in Kingston from the effects of U. S. tariffs, according to a statement from John Jordan, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.
“Through our government’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are ensuring communities throughout the region and throughout this Province are positioned to protect workers against the impacts of U. S. tariffs today while building a more resilient, self-reliant, and competitive economy for the future,” Jordan said in the release.
KEDCO noted that one important goal of its program is to aid local businesses looking for new markets in places like Europe and Asia.
“At a time of global uncertainty, there’s an opportunity presenting itself to explore new markets abroad,” explained Shelley Hirstwood, KEDCO’s Director of Business Development during an interview with Kingstonist.
“It’s easy to say that but actually accessing those markets requires time, effort, and money since every market has different requirements.”
![]()
![]()
MPP Tyler Allsopp announces $300,000 for KEDCO to support local businesses looking to expand into global markets. Photo via KEDCO.
Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. He mentioned in a release that they aim to enhance trade resiliency so local businesses won’t have to depend only on the U. S. market.
“As U. S. tariffs continue creating uncertainty, our government is taking bold action to protect workers and strengthen Kingston’s economy,” said Allsopp.
Allsopp was accompanied by Kingston and the Islands MPP Ted Hsu along with local business representatives during Thursday’s funding announcement at KEDCO’s downtown offices on Jul. 23, 2026.
The funding announcement came shortly after U. S. President Donald Trump threatened additional 50 percent tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian trade affecting over 500 specific items like wine and cement as well as hockey sticks.
These heightened U. S.-imposed tariffs are set to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
However, Hirstwood stated that timing regarding this trade diversification program coinciding with potentially higher American tariffs is “coincidental” since it took some time for KEDCO to apply for and receive this provincial ministry funding which has been available for about a year now.
“I think both federal and provincial governments are genuinely trying to create pathways toward new export markets around the world,” she added.
![]()
![]()
Shelley Hirstwood, Director of Business Development, Kingston Economic Development Corporation. Photo via KEDCO.
KEDCO will oversee how this $302,000 will be allocated across various programs aimed at providing local companies access to experts who can help them navigate logistics strategies along with red tape regulations involved in exporting their products overseas. This may include one-on-one consultations with customs brokers international trade lawyers or product certification specialists as explained by Hirstwood.
“We’re hoping we can reach up to 50-plus businesses,” she mentioned.
KEDCO also plans two trade forums-one scheduled this fall followed by another next year-to connect local business leaders with industry experts speaking about international trading practices.
“This could include traditional manufacturers here in Kingston exploring different markets or even smaller businesses-for instance if a brewery wants to export its products over in Europe,” detailed Hirstwood.
The program isn’t just focused on offshore opportunities either-Hirstwood pointed out it’ll assist companies wanting growth within Canada since inter-provincial trade barriers have become more relaxed recently.
During last week ’s meeting among Canada ’s first ministers held in Charlottetown P. E. I., Ontario signed an agreement alongside eight other provinces allowing breweries wineries distilleries easier access when reaching out directly towards customers throughout Canada , shared Allsopp.
Accordingly , according TO k Ed Co The recent provincial funding granted will benefit LOCAL BUSINESSES aiming TO Sell THEIR goods AND services IN OTHER provinces AS WELL.
The Local development corporation ALSO emphasized THAT THE three hundred thousand dollar boost IS A solid START BUT “there’s ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE” funds IN connecting LOCAL COMPANIES WITH NEW GLOBAL CUSTOMERS.
Earlier THIS month Ontario floated SIX million dollars TO kingston-based Metal Craft Marine Inc TO enhance ITS shipbuilding capacity catering TO growing demand FOR ontario-made vessels.
Metal Craft specializes IN designing AND building custom fire rescue AND patrol boats FOR various international clientele.
To learn MORE ABOUT k Ed Co ‘S tariff business SUPPORT VISIT its WEBSITE.
Source link
