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Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees
Financing for commercial fishing activities in New Brunswick
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Overview
Get a loan or loan guarantee to cover the costs of buying a new or used vessel, buying or repairing an engine, buying a commercial fishing license, obtaining a quota, and more.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- New Brunswick
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 30,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant is designed to support projects and activities that enhance the fisheries sector through strategic financial assistance. Eligible projects focus on improving operational capacities, upgrading fishing vessels, and enhancing processing facilities.
- Procurement and upgrading of fishing vessels.
- Investment in advanced fish processing technologies.
- Enhancements in storage capabilities for fish products.
- Innovative projects aimed at sustainability in fisheries operations.
- Financial management systems to improve profitability in the fisheries sector.
Documents Needed
- Application form for financial assistance
- Business plan
- Three years of financial statements or income tax returns, if existing operation
- Security details for the loan or loan guarantee
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
This grant program is designed for those involved in the fisheries sector who require additional financial support to supplement private lender financing. The program includes specific allowances for new entrants in terms of interest rates and equity requirements.
- Individuals or businesses purchasing a new or used vessel.
- Applicants seeking to buy an engine or equipment related to fisheries.
- Projects involving major repairs to a vessel's hull or engine.
- Entities looking to acquire a commercial fishing license or quota.
- New entrants who have owned a farm for five years or less eligible for lower equity requirements and interest rates.
- Businesses that can provide acceptable security for the loan or guarantee and demonstrate the required equity contribution.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses seeking refinancing or debt repayment
Eligible expenses
This grant provides opportunities for individuals and businesses within the fisheries sector to expand and enhance their operations. The eligible activities are specifically targeted towards acquiring essential resources and making pivotal improvements to fishing capabilities.
- Purchase a new or used vessel.
- Purchase an engine or equipment related to fisheries.
- Make major repairs to the hull or engine of a vessel.
- Purchase a commercial fishing license or obtain a quota.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refinancing existing debt
- Repaying existing debt
Eligible geographic areas
- New Brunswick
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are intended to assess the viability and alignment with the specific objectives of the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries' loan program.
- Viability of the business plan, including detailed financial projections and assumptions.
- Management qualifications and experience, ensuring responsible operation of the business.
- Marketability and strategic planning in terms of target market and competitive positioning.
- Production capacity and historical performance against projected outputs.
- Level of equity contribution by the applicant and adequacy of security provided.
- Alignment of the project with sectoral development goals and sustainability objectives.
How to apply
- Step 1: Seek private financing
- Apply to a private lender first
- Obtain private financing approval before submitting to the department
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the application form for financial assistance
- Prepare a business plan
- Gather required financial information and security details
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the application to the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are not processed until all required information is received
- Additional information may be requested during review
- If requested information is not received within 30 days, the application is returned
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees Program
What is the Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees?
Get a loan or loan guarantee to cover the costs of buying a new or used vessel, buying or repairing an engine, buying a commercial fishing license, obtaining a quota, and more.
What expenses are eligible under Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees?
This grant is designed to support projects and activities that enhance the fisheries sector through strategic financial assistance. Eligible projects focus on improving operational capacities, upgrading fishing vessels, and enhancing processing facilities. Procurement and upgrading of fishing vessels.
Investment in advanced fish processing technologies.
Enhancements in storage capabilities for fish products.
Innovative projects aimed at sustainability in fisheries operations.
Financial management systems to improve profitability in the fisheries sector.
Who can I contact for more information about the Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees?
You can contact Government of New Brunswick.
Where is the Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees available?
The Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees program is available the province of New Brunswick.
Is the Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees?
Fisheries Loan and Loan Guarantees is funded by Government of New Brunswick, Aquaculture and Fisheries (NB)