Seafood and mariculture businesses across the United States face growing challenges in accessing capital, securing working waterfront infrastructure, and maintaining long-term access to the assets needed to support successful enterprises. For many, ownership transitions, access to fishing rights, quota, waterfront facilities, and affordable financing have become critical barriers to entering, growing, or remaining in the industry. 

This session will offer innovative strategies to combat those challenges across the U.S.  

Drawing on real-world examples and case studies, speakers will share new pathways to expand access to capital and support resilient coastal economies and the working waterfront. The discussion will highlight how unique financing approaches, technical assistance programs, and strategic partnerships, among other strategies, are helping new and existing operators overcome barriers to business ownership and growth. 

Attendees will gain practical insights into how organizations are helping entrepreneurs build profitable businesses while strengthening the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of seafood and mariculture.