Closed
Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development
Funds Indigenous communal aquaculture and fisheries business development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 30, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative – Aquaculture Development provides funding to Indigenous groups and communities to support sustainable aquaculture operations, including facility expansions, equipment acquisition, and business plan development. The program aims to build capacity, generate revenue, and increase employment in Indigenous-managed aquaculture enterprises; a minimum 10% cash contribution from the applicant is required, but a maximum funding amount is not specified in the available documentation.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 30, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Expansion or upgrades of existing aquaculture facilities, such as marine finfish, shellfish, or freshwater/land-based sites.
- Acquisition of equipment, gear, or infrastructure for establishing or enlarging aquaculture operations.
- Purchase of an existing aquaculture operation as part of a business development strategy.
- Preparation and implementation of business development plans for aquaculture enterprises.
- One-time support for project start-up activities, including project management, technical advisory, and training related to aquaculture development.
Eligibility
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.
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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture 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 Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development?
The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative – Aquaculture Development provides funding to Indigenous groups and communities to support sustainable aquaculture operations, including facility expansions, equipment acquisition, and business plan development. The program aims to build capacity, generate revenue, and increase employment in Indigenous-managed aquaculture enterprises; a minimum 10% cash contribution from the applicant is required, but a maximum funding amount is not specified in the available documentation.
How much funding can be received?
Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development program?
To be eligible for the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development program, you must:
Indigenous groups not eligible for AICFI or PICFI
Organizations providing related support services
Minimum 10% cash contribution to total project costs
What expenses are eligible under Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development?
Expansion or upgrades of existing aquaculture facilities, such as marine finfish, shellfish, or freshwater/land-based sites.
Acquisition of equipment, gear, or infrastructure for establishing or enlarging aquaculture operations.
Purchase of an existing aquaculture operation as part of a business development strategy.
Preparation and implementation of business development plans for aquaculture enterprises.
One-time support for project start-up activities, including project management, technical advisory, and training related to aquaculture development.
Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at DFO.NICFI-IPCIN.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Where is the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development available?
The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development program is available across Canada.
Is the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Aquaculture Development is a Grant and Funding