US West Coast groundfish sector launches Catch+Create seafood accelerator

Brookings, Oregon, U.S.A.-based nonprofit Positively Groundfish has launched a new seafood accelerator dubbed Catch+Create to drive product innovation in the West Coast groundfish sector. 

Positively Groundfish said the program is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs develop value-added packaged products which use West Coast groundfish, such as sablefish, sole, Pacific rockfish, lingcod, and skate. It requires no equity on the part of its participants, and offers – in its first phase – a USD 20,000 (EUR 17,327) stipend per team for product development, along with a structured remote curriculum, and access to a mentor network and peer community. 

Positively Groundfish Executive Director Jana Hennig said that her organization sees untapped potential in the West Coast’s groundfish species.

“Catch+Create is designed to build a pipeline of market-ready products that not only elevate these species, broaden their appeal and address currently unmet consumer needs, but also create opportunity for income across the value chain and support a thriving local food system,” Hennig said.

The second phase of the accelerator includes at least USD 30,000 (EUR 25,990) in launch support, booth space at two major industry trade shows, professional photography and video assets, a budget for social media advertising, and PR agency support. 

The program will be open for applications from 4 August to 30 September, 2025, and invites solo founders, teams, new startups, and existing small businesses to apply.

In a release about the program, Positively Groundfish said that it welcomed applicants from both inside and outside the existing groundfish industry. 

“Maybe it’s a fisherman’s daughter with a great idea for a smoked rockfish spread. Maybe it’s a family business looking to turn their dockside recipe into something bigger. Maybe it’s a chef who wants to turn their restaurant dish into a product for stores. Or perhaps it’s a passionate foodie giving a traditional item a new twist,” the organization said. 

Hennig said the program was designed to not only add innovative products to the value-added market, but also to sustainably revitalize the U.S. West Coast. 

“This program is an opportunity to bring more value back to our coast – not just through increased utilization, but by helping build the next generation of seafood brands and businesses rooted in sustainability and local sourcing,” said Hennig.