How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $250000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program?

Aquaculture Capital Equity Program is funded by Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Fisheries and Land Resources

What are Aquaculture Capital Equity Program's eligibility criterias?

Companies must demonstrate strength in technical, marketing, and management capabilities in their business plan. Applicants must be financially and technically sound. Applicants must partner to increase production from hatcheries and marine sites in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Aquaculture Capital Equity Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NL, Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador commercial aquaculture funding

Aquaculture Capital Equity Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $250,000 to $250,000
Up to 20% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Fisheries and Land Resources

Program status

Open

Overview of the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program program

This program offers at least $250,000 for finfish operations and $100,000 for shellfish operations to match private sector cash investments.

Financing terms and conditions

The Aquaculture Capital Equity Program provides foundational monetary support to boost aquaculture projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. The financing modalities are structured to match private sector investments and enhance the region's aquaculture capacity.

Minimum investment of $250,000 for finfish operations to match private sector cash investments.
Minimum investment of $100,000 for shellfish operations to match private sector cash investments.

Eligible projects & activities

The Aquaculture Capital Equity Program specifically targets projects that aim to enhance aquaculture productivity in Newfoundland and Labrador. Eligible activities are geared towards increasing production capacity at hatcheries and marine sites through significant capital investment.

Expansion of finfish hatchery operations.
Development or modernization of marine aquaculture sites for finfish.
Enhancement of shellfish cultivation operations.
Acquisition of advanced aquaculture technology and equipment.
Implementation of sustainable aquaculture practices to boost output.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 250,000

Launching of a shellfish farming initiative, Newfoundland and Labrador

$ 250,000

Establishment of a large-scale finfish farming operation in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

$ 250,000

Expansion of a shellfish aquaculture farm, Newfoundland and Labrador

$ 250,000

Launching a finfish farming and processing plant, Newfoundland and Labrador

$ 250,000

Establishment of an automated finfish processing facility, Newfoundland and Labrador

$ 250,000

Development of a sustainable shellfish aquaculture site, Newfoundland and Labrador

Eligibility criteria of the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program program

Eligibility for this grant requires companies to meet specific criteria demonstrating their business plan's soundness and operational capacity.

The company must demonstrate strength in their business plan, covering technical, marketing, and management capabilities.
The company must be financially sound and capable of matching the investment with private sector cash investment.
The company must be involved in aquaculture operations within Newfoundland and Labrador, focusing on either finfish or shellfish production.

Who is eligible?

The Aquaculture Capital Equity Program is available to companies operating in the aquaculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes businesses involved in farming Atlantic salmon, Steelhead trout, Atlantic cod, and blue mussels. Eligible companies must demonstrate strength in all aspects of their business plan, including technical proficiency, marketing capability, and management expertise.

Eligible expenses

The grant program is designed to support the expansion and intensification of aquaculture activities in Newfoundland and Labrador. It focuses on increasing production capabilities and infrastructure development for finfish and shellfish operations.

Expansion and development of hatchery production systems for finfish.
Enhancement of marine site infrastructure for finfish and shellfish aquaculture.
Investment in new and existing aquaculture technologies to improve operational efficiency.
Initiatives to increase production capacity and output in aquaculture ventures.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is intended for businesses operating within the Newfoundland and Labrador province. The eligible locations are designed to support the regional aquaculture industry.

Companies located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program are based on the strength of the business plan across technical, marketing, and management capabilities, although specific point scores are not provided.

Technical soundness and feasibility of the business plan.
Marketing strategies and plans for product distribution.
Management capability and track record of the company.
Financial soundness and adequacy of capital structure.

How to apply to the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program program

Initiate Contact

Contact the Director of Aquaculture Development for consultation.
Use the provided phone number, Tel: (709) 292-4100, or Fax: (709) 202-4113.

Obtain Documentation

Request the Aquaculture Capital Equity Program Brochure and Policy and Procedures Manual.
Ensure you have access to Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view documents.

Develop Project Proposal

Prepare a comprehensive project proposal demonstrating technical and marketing strength, management capabilities, and financial soundness.
Identify matching private sector cash investment for your project.

Formal Application

Complete all required application forms as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual.
Compile necessary supporting documents, such as business plans and financial statements.

Submit Application

Submit your formal application and all supporting documents to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
Follow any specific submission instructions provided during initial contact.

Await Response

Wait for the department to review your application and provide a response.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The minimum investment requirement is $250,000 for finfish operations and $100,000 for shellfish, with a matching private sector investment.
Prospective applicants should contact the Director of Aquaculture Development for guidance and support.
The program not only encourages financial soundness but also emphasizes technical and management capability proofs in business plans.
The use of Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software is recommended for accessing program documents such as the brochure and policy manual.