Open
Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development)
Supports Indigenous communities in business and fisheries development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2026
- Closing date : July 31, 2026
Location
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) provides funding—covering up to 90% of eligible position salaries—to support Indigenous communities in hiring qualified staff and developing business management skills for sustainable commercial fisheries. Eligible activities include hiring key fisheries business personnel, business and technical assistance, governance design, and support for business plan implementation aligned with community development goals.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2026
- Closing date : July 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and implementation of a Business Development Plan for a commercial fishing enterprise (CFE).
- Hiring qualified staff to support CFE business operations (e.g., Fisheries Director, Coordinator, Bookkeeper, or Fisheries Management System Coordinator).
- Undertaking business and technical assistance projects to strengthen CFE operations.
- Designing or improving governance and management practices to support sustainable fisheries operations.
- Implementing capacity building initiatives that promote long-term sustainability and economic growth of communal commercial fishing activities.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy (Peskotomuhkati) First Nations communities in the Gaspé region of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia affected by the Supreme Court of Canada Marshall Decision
Who is not eligible
- No specific information is provided regarding companies or industries that are not eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) grant.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages, and related costs for positions supporting business operations, such as Fisheries Director, Fisheries Coordinator, Assistant Fisheries Coordinator, Bookkeeper, or Fisheries Management System (FMS) Coordinator.
- Business and technical assistance related to enterprise development.
- Support for governance design and enhancement of management practices.
- Accounting and accountability measures, including enterprise risk management.
- Communications related to business development activities.
- Travel costs directly associated with business operations development.
- Administrative expenses required to implement the Business Development Plan.
Eligible geographic areas
- Mi'kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) First Nations in the Gaspé region of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia affected by the Supreme Court of Canada Marshall Decision
Additional information
- Support from the Business Development Team (BDT) is provided at no cost to the applicant.
- All information provided in the application and supporting documentation, as well as collaboration with the BDT, will be kept confidential by the Program Authority.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible in the fiscal year, as notional funding may be re-allocated after July 31.
- A letter of support from the Chief or Band Council Resolution must be included with the application.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development)?
The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) provides funding—covering up to 90% of eligible position salaries—to support Indigenous communities in hiring qualified staff and developing business management skills for sustainable commercial fisheries. Eligible activities include hiring key fisheries business personnel, business and technical assistance, governance design, and support for business plan implementation aligned with community development goals.
How much funding can be received?
Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **July 31, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) program?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) program, you must:
Available exclusively to the 35 Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati First Nations in the Gaspé region of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia affected by the Supreme Court of Canada Marshall Decision.
Application must be supported by an active CFE Business Development Plan and a letter of support from the Chief or a Band Council Resolution.
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development)?
Development and implementation of a Business Development Plan for a commercial fishing enterprise (CFE).
Hiring qualified staff to support CFE business operations (e.g., Fisheries Director, Coordinator, Bookkeeper, or Fisheries Management System Coordinator).
Undertaking business and technical assistance projects to strengthen CFE operations.
Designing or improving governance and management practices to support sustainable fisheries operations.
Implementing capacity building initiatives that promote long-term sustainability and economic growth of communal commercial fishing activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development)?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at AICFI-IPCIA.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Where is the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) available?
The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development) program is available Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.