Congrats to Graduates of the Seafood Business Accelerator Program!

In early February, the first cohort of graduates of the Indigenous Seafood Business Accelerator (SBA) program presented their project plans at a Graduate Showcase event, including several from CNF shareholder First Nations. For all involved, it was an excellent opportunity to share ideas and reflections on the program, as well as plans for the future.

To celebrate the inaugural graduates and highlight their perspectives, the SBA team put together an inspiring recap of the program, which you can view here: SBA Storybook (pdf).

Supported by Coastal Nations Fisheries, T. Buck Suzuki Foundation and Vancouver Island University, with funding from New Relationship Trust and Island Coastal Economic Trust, the 2024-25 Seafood Business Accelerator program helps small-scale fishers, farmers and processors develop more sustainable and profitable seafood businesses.

The recent SBA cohort included wild harvest and farmed seafood entrepreneurs from Indigenous communities across BC.

Seafood has long been central to Indigenous food systems, yet climate change, economic challenges and globalization have led to declining harvester numbers and food insecurity. Given their socio-economic importance, it’s critical to support local harvesters in overcoming barriers and seizing real opportunities.

CNF is proud to support the SBA program, which empowers local entrepreneurs to reclaim and strengthen their role in water-based food systems.

Want to learn more about the Seafood Business Accelerator program? Visit seafoodbusinessaccelerator.ca