Open
Vessel Loan Program
Loans for fishing vessels, engines and equipment in Nova Scotia
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Term loan to purchase or build a fishing vessel, install engines, equipment, and/or electronics, or make technical modifications to a vessel.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This program is dedicated to supporting the sustainable growth of Nova Scotia's fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Eligible projects focus on providing financial support to fishers, sea farmers, and boat builders seeking to start, diversify, or expand their ventures.
- Purchase or construction of new vessels for commercial fishing operations.
- Upgrading and expanding existing fishing fleets.
- Initiation or expansion of aquaculture operations.
- Support for boat builders engaged in building or refurbishing fishing vessels.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board supports new and existing fishers, sea farmers, and boat builders looking to diversify or expand in Nova Scotia's seafood industry.
- New fishers seeking to enter the industry.
- Established sea farmers aiming to diversify their operations.
- Boat builders planning to expand their business.
- Businesses in the aquaculture sector focused on sustainability.
- Applicants with projects contributing to the development of fish harvesting.
Eligible expenses
The Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board supports projects and activities that are aimed at enhancing the development and sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture sectors in Nova Scotia. These initiatives are focused on assisting new entrants, as well as supporting expansion and diversification efforts.
- Supporting the entry of new fishers and sea farmers into the industry.
- Facilitating the diversification of existing fishing and aquaculture operations.
- Providing financial assistance for the construction and acquisition of fishing boats.
- Funding the development and expansion of aquaculture facilities.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant supports the seafood industry in Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board. It is tailored for entities looking to expand and grow within the region.
- Companies located in Nova Scotia.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this loan program:
- The Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board has been supporting the seafood industry since 1936, emphasizing their long-standing experience.
- The Loan Board provides a client-centric approach, emphasizing support beyond traditional bank offerings, tailored specifically for the fishing sector.
- Clients receive individualized support, reflected in testimonials citing reliable communication and a deep understanding of the fishing industry.
- Interest rates offered by the Loan Board are highly competitive, as noted by customer testimonials.
- The Loan Board offers flexibility and understanding in repayment, particularly valuable during tough financial times.
- The Loan Board's service includes personalized attention, with loan officers acting as supportive guides throughout the application and post-loan processes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vessel Loan Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Vessel Loan Program. 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 Vessel Loan Program?
Term loan to purchase or build a fishing vessel, install engines, equipment, and/or electronics, or make technical modifications to a vessel.
Who is eligible for the Vessel Loan Program program?
To be eligible for the Vessel Loan Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a new fisher, sea farmer, or boat builder in Nova Scotia.
The project must aim to diversify or expand the applicant's current operations.
The applicant should intend to participate in the sustainable development of fish harvesting or aquaculture sectors.
What expenses are eligible under Vessel Loan Program?
This program is dedicated to supporting the sustainable growth of Nova Scotia's fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Eligible projects focus on providing financial support to fishers, sea farmers, and boat builders seeking to start, diversify, or expand their ventures. Purchase or construction of new vessels for commercial fishing operations.
Upgrading and expanding existing fishing fleets.
Initiation or expansion of aquaculture operations.
Support for boat builders engaged in building or refurbishing fishing vessels.
Who can I contact for more information about the Vessel Loan Program?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia.
Where is the Vessel Loan Program available?
The Vessel Loan Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Vessel Loan Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Vessel Loan Program is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Vessel Loan Program?
Vessel Loan Program is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NS)