Grants for projects that build US fishing and seafood businesses — direct marketing, processing, aquaculture development, and marketing of underused species.
The eligibility and application details below are general guidance for this kind of program, not text copied from the funder. The facts above — who runs it, how much, and when it closes — are hand-checked. Always confirm specifics on the official page.
Am I eligible?
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
Tribes, tribal producers, and tribal enterprises are eligible
Active SAM.gov registration and UEI number required before award
Must be in compliance with USDA/federal program rules (AGI limits, conservation compliance)
Matching funds or in-kind contribution may be requested
How to apply
1Read the current program page or notice of funding to confirm this cycle's rules
2Contact NOAA Fisheries before writing — most funders will tell you if you are a fit
3Register in SAM.gov and get a UEI (this can take 2–4 weeks — start early)
4Draft the narrative, budget, and any required letters of support
5Submit whenever you are ready — rolling review, earlier is usually better
6Sign the award agreement and track spending for reporting
What you'll need
Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
SAM.gov UEI number and active registration
Project description and itemized budget
Maps, photos, or quotes for anything you plan to build or buy
Proof of land ownership or a lease covering the project period
Organizational documents (501(c)(3) letter, board list) if applying as a non-profit
Timeline & contact
Rolling review — expect roughly 1–3 months from submission to decision
Get help: NOAA Fisheries — your local USDA Service Center or state office can walk you through it
Ready to apply?
Applications go through NOAA Fisheries, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.
Extension is year-round; grant competitions vary by state
State Sea Grant programs fund aquaculture research and business development and provide free extension help for shellfish, seaweed, and land-based aquaculture operations.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Long-term, fixed-rate federal loans for fishing vessels, shoreside processing facilities, and aquaculture operations, including individual fishing quota purchases.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply