If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your fish taco recipe, smoked seafood snack, or pet-friendly fish treat into a booming business, now’s your chance to make waves. A brand-new program called Catch+Create is launching this fall — and it’s offering an unprecedented opportunity for West Coast food innovators to bring their seafood creations to life.
Developed by the nonprofit Positively Groundfish, the Catch+Create accelerator is the first program of its kind dedicated to reinventing how we eat West Coast Groundfish. Think Rockfish jerky, Lingcod empanadas, Sablefish pâté, or even pet treats made from sustainable Sole — if you’ve got the passion and a product idea, this program is here to help you scale it.
Selected participants will receive up to $50,000 in funding, hands-on mentorship, product development support, and marketing firepower — and best of all, they won’t give up a cent in equity.
“We created Catch+Create to back bold thinkers who see the untapped potential in our local catch,” says Jana Hennig, Executive Director of Positively Groundfish. “This program is about unlocking creativity and driving real opportunity in our coastal communities.”
Here’s What You Get:
And yes, participation is 100% free. No equity. No gimmicks. Just real support to help food entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses.
Who Should Apply?
Whether you’re a solo chef with a dream, a fishmonger with a secret recipe, or a small food business ready to level up, Catch+Create wants to hear from you. Applicants from California, Oregon, and Washington are especially encouraged to apply.
“This isn’t just about launching products,” adds Hennig. “It’s about launching futures — and proving that local fish can mean big business.”
Applications Open: August 4 – September 30, 2025
Program Runs: November 2025 – May 2026
Apply Now: positivelygroundfish.org/accelerator