Closed
Source verified July 19, 2026
Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative
Indigenous marine business development support
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative supports Indigenous communities and Indigenous Commercial Fishing Enterprises in developing Indigenous marine servicing businesses and increasing participation in the marine industry supply chain. It funds opportunity assessments, business planning, capacity building, training, and project investment for marine servicing activities such as vessel repair, marina services, and decommissioning.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
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
- Opportunity assessment, business planning, and development support for a viable marine services industry.
- Capacity building support, including business and technical assistance, governance design, management practices, accounting, and accountability.
- Training and skill analysis and development tailored to specific projects.
- Project investment / financing, including project implementation supported by opportunity assessments and business cases.
Documents Needed
- Completed IMSI Application Form
- Supporting Letter of Support
- Business Case and related documents, such as quotes
- Detailed project budget identifying all sources of funding
- Documentation verifying that regulatory requirements are met, if applicable, such as copies of licenses, permits, or environmental assessment
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous Commercial Fishing Enterprises
Eligible expenses
- Project investment / financing, including capital costs.
Selection criteria
- Technical and economic feasibility of the proposed work.
- Practicality of the proposed work.
- Strength of the project and business case.
- Project merit.
How to apply
- Work with the Business Development Team to develop project work plans and supporting business cases, and complete the IMSI Application.
- Submit the application documents to the IMSI Program Authority with a letter of support from the community or CFE.
Processing and Agreement
- DFO refers the application to an independent Third Party Evaluator for review.
- The application and the evaluator’s report are forwarded to the regional Application Review Board/Committee for evaluation and recommendation.
- DFO makes the final determination for support under IMSI.
- If approved, DFO sends a Letter of Offer outlining the level of support and any funding conditions.
- If the applicant agrees, they must confirm this in writing, and DFO then develops a Contribution Agreement for ratification by the Chief/CFE representative and DFO.
Additional information
- Business Development Team services are provided at no cost to the applicant.
- Applications and supporting documentation are held in confidence by the Program Authority and the Independent Third Party Evaluator.
- The TPE’s report and recommendations are shared only with the Program Authority and the Application Review Board/Committee unless otherwise instructed by the applicant.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative Program
What is the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative?
The Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative supports Indigenous communities and Indigenous Commercial Fishing Enterprises in developing Indigenous marine servicing businesses and increasing participation in the marine industry supply chain. It funds opportunity assessments, business planning, capacity building, training, and project investment for marine servicing activities such as vessel repair, marina services, and decommissioning.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative program, you must:
The applicant must be an Indigenous community or an Indigenous Commercial Fishing Enterprise
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative?
Opportunity assessment, business planning, and development support for a viable marine services industry.
Capacity building support, including business and technical assistance, governance design, management practices, accounting, and accountability.
Training and skill analysis and development tailored to specific projects.
Project investment / financing, including project implementation supported by opportunity assessments and business cases.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at richard.norrena@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by phone at 613-404-3690.
Where is the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative available?
The Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative?
Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)