Catch+Create Accelerator Program Launches to Spark Seafood Innovation
fisherman holding a rockfish
The non-profit Positively Groundfish is launching a new program this fall to help spark fresh opportunities in our coastal communities. Catch + Create is a startup accelerator program that offers a rare chance to turn bold seafood ideas into thriving businesses, with funding, expert support, and no strings attached. It’s tailor-made for individuals with a deep connection to the sea. Jana Henning, Executive Director of Positively Groundfish, reached out to ask The Drift to share this information with the Westport fishing community.
“We know that some of the best ideas are already in our coastal communities,” said Jana Hennig, Executive Director of Positively Groundfish. “We created Catch+Create to help folks with vision and grit — who understand the value of our local catch — take their idea from kitchen concept to market-ready brand.”
The program will focus on applicants with ideas for new seafood products using West Coast groundfish, such as rockfish, sole, sablefish, lingcod, or even skate. Whether you’re a fisherman, a fishmonger, a chef, or a foodie who grew up around boats and seafood, this is your chance to bring a product idea to life with funding, mentorship, and industry connections.
What the Program Offers
Five start-ups or teams will be selected to participate in the program’s first-ever cohort, beginning in November 2025. It’s designed to help entrepreneurs create value-added products like canned fish, frozen meals, fish snacks, smoked fish, pet food, or even novel byproduct-based items. All ideas are welcome!
This comprehensive and generous program runs in two phases:
Phase 1: Product Development (Nov 2025–May 2026) includes: $20,000 in funding for research and development.
A 6-month remote curriculum (2-hour sessions biweekly).
Mentorship from seafood, consumer packaged goods and business experts.
Consumer insights and market research.
Peer support and industry access.
Phase 2: Market Launch Support offers over $30,000 in marketing and public relations support, including:
Booth space at two major trade shows.
A professional content package (photo, video, social).
Advertising budget.
Public relations agency support.
Best of all, participants do not give up any equity, and participation is free. The program is 100% funded to benefit the entrepreneur.
Who Should Apply?
Catch+Create is looking for applicants who:
Are based in the U.S.
Use West Coast groundfish in a value-added product.
Have the time and commitment to attend the virtual program (approx. 60 hours total).
Are excited to grow a real seafood business rooted in local ingredients and values.
West Coast groundfish
Applications are open to solo founders or teams, as well as to new and existing small businesses. Maybe it’s a fisherman’s daughter with a great idea for a smoked rockfish spread. Perhaps it’s a family business seeking to expand its dockside recipe into something more substantial. Perhaps it’s a chef who wants to turn their restaurant dish into a product for stores.
“We want this program to help support not just innovation, but independence,” said Hennig. “This is about creating opportunity in our coastal communities and helping folks turn local fish into lasting businesses.”
When and How to Apply
Applications are open from August 4 to September 30, 2025.
The program runs from November 2025 through May 2026, with marketing support continuing into 2027. Apply or learn more at: https://www.positivelygroundfish.org/accelerator
About Positively Groundfish
Positively Groundfish is a nonprofit working to increase awareness, appreciation, and demand for West Coast groundfish species, and to build a more sustainable, resilient seafood economy. Founded by former consumer packaged goods product developer and sustainable seafood advocate Jana Hennig, the organization supports economic opportunity and ecological stewardship in tandem.