Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Capacity Building (Business Development)

• The applicant must be an Indigenous group or community not eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI or PICFI).
• The applicant must operate in an area where Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages the fishery.
• The project must support the development and implementation of a community-based communal commercial fishing enterprise's (CFE) Business Development Plan.
• All applications must be developed in collaboration with the Business Development Team (BDT) and reviewed by the BDT before submission.
• The application must include a letter of support from an authorized representative of the applicant (e.g., Leader, Chief, Executive Director, President, Mayor, or Band Council Resolution).

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises
• Indigenous-owned aquaculture operations

Who is not eligible

• Indigenous groups or communities that are eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI).
• Indigenous groups or communities that are eligible for the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).

Eligible expenses

• Salaries, wages, and related costs for dedicated business operations staff (e.g., Fisheries Director, Fisheries Coordinator, Assistant Fisheries Coordinator, Bookkeeper, or Fisheries Management System (FMS) Coordinator).
• Communications expenses related to business development activities.
• Professional services such as business and technical assistance, governance design, management practices consultation, and accounting support.
• Travel costs necessary for the implementation of business development plans.
• Administrative expenses directly related to capacity building and business development activities.

Eligible geographic areas

• All areas where Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages the fishery, excluding those eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives (AICFI or PICFI).

• Alignment of proposed activities with the Community Fisheries Enterprise (CFE) Business Development Plan.
• Clarity and completeness of the workplan, including deliverables and action plan.
• Detailed and transparent budget information supporting the funding request.
• Support and verification from the Business Development Team (BDT) confirming collaboration and eligibility.
• Letter of support from an authorized representative (e.g., Leader, Chief, Executive Director, President, Mayor, or Band Council Resolution).

• All information and documentation provided within the application will be treated confidentially by the program authority and involved partners even after project approval.
• Business Development Team (BDT) services are offered at no cost to applicants for assistance throughout the application process.
• Applications can be submitted ahead of the fiscal year to facilitate the timely launch of approved projects.
• A letter of support from an authorized organization representative is mandatory when submitting the application.