Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development

• Completed NICFI Aquaculture Development Application Form.
• Financial statements for the last three years.
• Resumés of people involved in project implementation.
• Regulatory approval documents, such as permits and licences.
• Letter of support from an authorized representative.

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous groups and communities not eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI)
• Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises
• Organizations providing support services related to Indigenous aquaculture development

Who is not eligible

• Organizations eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).
• Companies that are not Indigenous groups, Indigenous communities, or organizations providing related support services.
• Applicants seeking funding for working capital projects or scientific studies.

Eligible expenses

• Expansion or upgrades to existing aquaculture facilities (marine finfish, shellfish, or freshwater/land-based) where expansions or upgrades have already been approved under the aquaculture licence.
• Purchase of equipment, gear, and infrastructure for new or expanded aquaculture operations with required approvals.
• Acquisition of an existing aquaculture operation.
• Development of business plans, including related technical and management advisory costs.
• One-time start-up costs such as administrative expenses, salaries and wages for project management or technical advice, and training.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Working capital projects covering ongoing operating expenses.
• Scientific studies.

Eligible geographic areas

• All areas where Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages the fishery, without geographic restriction for eligible Indigenous groups not eligible for AICFI or PICFI.

• Alignment of the project with the community's Business Development Plan.
• Demonstrated potential for revenue and profit generation.
• Creation of employment opportunities, including for Indigenous personnel.
• Capacity-building and training provided to community members.
• Measures to ensure the project's long-term economic sustainability beyond NICFI funding.

• Step 1: Collaborate with Business Development Team (BDT)
  • Work with your community’s assigned Aquaculture Business Development Team member to develop work plans and create a comprehensive business case.
  • Ensure the business case contains all supporting information, including detailed project description, budget, and funding sources.
  • Gather all relevant permits and licences necessary to begin the project activities.
  • Investigate all potential sources of funding for your project.
• Step 2: Complete the Application Form
  • Download and complete the NICFI Aquaculture Development Application Form.
  • Prepare financial statements for the past three years.
  • Include résumés for individuals involved in the project’s implementation.
  • Attach regulatory approval documents (permits, licences, etc.).
  • Ensure the application reflects at least a 10% cash contribution from your organization.
  • Obtain a letter of support from your authorized representative (e.g., Chief, Executive Director, President, Mayor, or Band Council Resolution).
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Send the completed application and all required documents to the NICFI Program Authority at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation Directorate, 300 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R5, or via email to DFO.NICFI-IPCIN.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
• Step 4: Evaluation and Review Process
  • Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
  • The application is referred to a Third-Party Evaluator, who evaluates technical and economic feasibility, may meet with your organization, and prepares a project assessment report.
  • The application and evaluator’s report are reviewed by the Application Review Board (ARB), which makes recommendations on support and funding level.
  • The Board’s recommendations are presented to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for final funding decisions.
• Step 5: Receive Letter of Offer
  • If approved, you will receive a Letter of Offer detailing the support and any conditions.
• Step 6: Accept Offer
  • Your authorized representative must provide written acceptance of the offer and its conditions to the Program Authority.
• Step 7: Sign Contribution Agreement
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada drafts a contribution agreement, which must be ratified by your authorized representative and DFO before commencing project activities.
  • Do not begin the project until the contribution agreement is finalized to ensure eligible expenses are reimbursed.

• Applications are reviewed by a Third-Party Evaluator for technical, economic, and practical feasibility.
• The Application Review Board reviews the evaluation and makes recommendations on support, funding amount, and conditions.
• DFO makes the final funding decision and sends a Letter of Offer if approved.
• If the applicant accepts, a contribution agreement is prepared and must be ratified before work begins.
• Expenses incurred before the contribution agreement is ratified are at the applicant’s risk and are not guaranteed for reimbursement.

• All applications must include a minimum 10% cash contribution from the applicant toward total project costs.
• Applicants must include a letter of support from an authorized representative, such as a Chief, Executive Director, President, Mayor, or a Band Council Resolution (BCR).
• Confidentiality is maintained for all information provided in the application, including collaboration with the Business Development Team (BDT), even after project approval.
• Application packages require recent financial statements, résumés of key personnel, and regulatory approval documents as attachments.