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Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification - Canada
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Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification

Supports Indigenous fisheries business growth and diversification initiatives
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 30, 2025
Location
Canada

Overview

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) – Expansion and Diversification provides financial support to eligible Indigenous communities for projects aimed at expanding or diversifying commercial or redistributive fisheries, including vessel upgrades, gear acquisition, access to additional licences, and development of on-shore facilities. The program supports the growth and sustainability of Indigenous communal commercial fishing enterprises, but a specific maximum funding amount is not stated 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
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Optimize production processes
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
  • Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Community leaders
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Regional
  • National

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Diversification of commercial or local fisheries enterprises to access new markets or products.
  • Expansion of existing fisheries operations to enhance capacity or efficiency.
  • Acquisition or upgrading of vessels and related infrastructure for improved operations.
  • Development or improvement of on-shore facilities for storage, processing, or distribution.
  • Initiatives supporting new or expanded fisheries-related business activities, such as retail, storage, distribution, or tourism.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises
  • Indigenous-owned aquaculture operations
  • Indigenous groups or communities managing redistributive or hybrid fisheries enterprises

Who is not eligible

  • Companies or organizations that are eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI).
  • Companies or organizations that are eligible for the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).
  • Entities not recognized as Indigenous groups or communities.
  • Businesses not involved in fisheries or aquaculture sectors managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Eligible expenses

  • Upgrades or replacements of vessels.
  • Acquisition of additional licences or quotas.
  • Purchase of gear and equipment for fishing or fleet operations, including specialized equipment for redistributive fisheries.
  • Development or improvement of on-shore facilities such as vessel compounds, gear storage, community freezers, and processing facilities.
  • Expenditures related to fisheries-related retail, storage, distribution, and tourism activities.

Eligible geographic areas

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

Additional information

  • Multi-year contribution agreements are permitted, with project funding potentially spanning one to five years.
  • All application information and supporting documentation will be held in strict confidence by the reviewing authorities.
  • The Business Development Team (BDT) provides advisory services to applicants at no cost to support project development and application preparation.
  • Applications can be submitted at any time, but those received by November 30th are guaranteed review within the current fiscal year.

Contacts

DFO.NICFI-IPCIN.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification. 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) - Expansion and Diversification?

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) – Expansion and Diversification provides financial support to eligible Indigenous communities for projects aimed at expanding or diversifying commercial or redistributive fisheries, including vessel upgrades, gear acquisition, access to additional licences, and development of on-shore facilities. The program supports the growth and sustainability of Indigenous communal commercial fishing enterprises, but a specific maximum funding amount is not stated in the available documentation.

How much funding can be received?

Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification program?

To be eligible for the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification program, you must: Indigenous groups or communities not eligible for AICFI or PICFI Must have a documented CFE Business Development Plan Minimum 10% cash contribution from applicant

What expenses are eligible under Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification?

Diversification of commercial or local fisheries enterprises to access new markets or products. Expansion of existing fisheries operations to enhance capacity or efficiency. Acquisition or upgrading of vessels and related infrastructure for improved operations. Development or improvement of on-shore facilities for storage, processing, or distribution. Initiatives supporting new or expanded fisheries-related business activities, such as retail, storage, distribution, or tourism.

Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification?

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) - Expansion and Diversification available?

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification program is available across Canada.

Is the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Expansion and Diversification is a Grant and Funding

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