Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Atlantic fish and seafood industry - Private companies operating in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) - Fishing operations and seafood processors - Industry associations and co-operatives - Joint ventures between eligible entities - Must demonstrate: Active operations in Atlantic fisheries sector and Canadian ownership/control ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant amount: Varies by project scope (typically $50,000–$500,000+ range) - Matching requirement: Cost-sharing typically required; applicants must contribute a percentage of total project costs - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (funds do not need to be returned) - Contribution rate: Government generally covers 50–75% of eligible costs; applicant covers 25–50% - Funding model: Direct financial assistance; disbursed upon project milestones and expense verification ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Research and development of sustainable fishing/seafood technologies - Development and testing of new equipment or processes - Pilot projects and feasibility studies - Commercialization and market testing of innovations - Marketing and promotion of sustainable seafood products - Professional services (engineering, technical consulting) - Equipment purchase and installation directly tied to project - Training and capacity-building for technology adoption - Intellectual property development (patents, certifications) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project timeline: Typically 12–36 months; must be clearly defined in application - Sustainability requirement: Technology must advance environmental or economic sustainability in Atlantic fisheries - Reporting: Quarterly or semi-annual progress reports and financial documentation required - Milestone-based disbursement: Funding released upon completion of defined project phases - Eligible cost documentation: All expenses must be receipted and verified - Atlantic Canada residency: Primary operations must be in eligible Atlantic provinces - No duplication: Cannot combine with other government programs for same expenses (coordination required) - Compliance: Must comply with all applicable federal