Positively Groundfish, a non-profit organization headquartered in Brookings, Oregon, has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at fostering product innovation within the vital West Coast groundfish sector. The newly established Catch+Create seafood accelerator program is designed to empower small businesses and budding entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources and guidance needed to develop unique, value-added packaged products featuring popular West Coast groundfish species. These include readily recognizable names such as sablefish, sole, Pacific rockfish, lingcod, and skate.
Driving Value-Added Seafood Products
The core objective of the Catch+Create accelerator is to unlock the potential of underutilized or conventionally marketed groundfish species by transforming them into innovative consumer-ready products. The program seeks to bridge the gap between raw seafood and the retail shelf, encouraging a new wave of creativity in how these sustainable, locally sourced fish are presented and enjoyed.
Comprehensive Support for Entrepreneurs
Participants in the Catch+Create program will benefit from a robust support system designed for success. Each selected team will receive a $20,000 stipend, specifically earmarked for product development efforts. This financial backing is crucial for covering costs associated with recipe testing, packaging design, market research, and initial production. Beyond the financial award, participants will engage in a structured remote curriculum, offering flexible learning opportunities that can be accessed from anywhere. This curriculum is expected to cover essential business development topics, marketing strategies, food safety regulations, and product differentiation.
A key component of the accelerator is access to a network of experienced mentors and peers. This curated network will provide invaluable insights, practical advice, and collaborative opportunities, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the food industry. Significantly, the program operates on a model that requires no equity from the participating businesses, allowing entrepreneurs to retain full ownership and control of their ventures.
A Call for Diverse Applications
Applications for the inaugural Catch+Create seafood accelerator are officially open, accepting submissions from August 4 through September 30, 2025. Positively Groundfish is actively encouraging a broad spectrum of applicants, emphasizing that innovative ideas can emerge from anywhere, regardless of prior experience within the established groundfish industry.
The organization specifically highlights the potential for individuals with unique connections to the sector. Examples provided include a fisherman’s daughter with a novel concept for a smoked rockfish spread, a multi-generational family business looking to scale up and expand an existing cherished recipe, or a talented chef aiming to transition a successful restaurant dish into a widely available retail product. This inclusive approach underscores the program’s commitment to capturing diverse perspectives and fostering innovation from grassroots levels.
Supporting Sustainable Fisheries
By championing the development of new, value-added products from West Coast groundfish, the Catch+Create program aims to bolster the economic viability of the region’s fishing communities and promote the consumption of sustainable seafood. The initiative represents a forward-thinking strategy to enhance market demand, create new revenue streams for fishermen and processors, and ultimately contribute to the long-term health of the West Coast’s valuable marine resources.
