If you run an aquaculture business in New Brunswick, getting enough money to grow can be tough. The New Brunswick Aquaculture Loans and Loan Guarantees program helps eligible operators pay for vessels, equipment, and major repairs when regular loans are not available. This program is open now and is delivered by the provincial Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
The Aquaculture Loans and Loan Guarantees program provides repayable financing to support aquaculture operations in New Brunswick. Unlike grants, you must pay this money back, but it can make banks more willing to help you buy expensive items like vessels and engines.
According to the program, funding can be used to:
You can receive support as a direct loan or as a loan guarantee, depending on your project and financial situation.
To qualify for New Brunswick aquaculture loans and loan guarantees, you must meet all the main rules set by the province.
You are eligible if:
There is no public minimum or maximum loan amount listed. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, based on your project, your financial need, and the department’s review.
Knowing what the program will and will not pay for is important before you apply.
Because this is a loan or loan guarantee, the province will check your finances, like your cash flow and ability to repay.
The province does not set a strict deadline for applications. They are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
A typical application process includes:
Project planning
Decide what you need to buy or fix and explain why it is important for your aquaculture operation.
Financial preparation
Prepare budgets, cost estimates, and a plan for how you will pay the money back. The department and lenders will look at your financial situation.
Submission to the province
Send your application to the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
Assessment and approval
The department decides if you will get a loan or a loan guarantee.
If you want to see only programs that fit your province and industry, you can use online tools to filter options quickly. This is especially useful if you are considering combining this loan with other aquaculture or fisheries funding.
Both options are repayable and are not grants.
Thinking this is a grant
This program only offers loans and loan guarantees. You must repay the money.
Applying with ineligible expenses
Everyday business costs and unrelated purchases are not covered.
Weak financial documentation
Missing budgets or unclear repayment plans can slow down or stop your approval.
Not looking for other funding
Some businesses miss out by not checking for other provincial or federal programs that could work with this one.
Q: Who is eligible for the New Brunswick Aquaculture Loans and Loan Guarantees program?
Only aquaculture businesses operating in New Brunswick are eligible. The project must directly support aquaculture activities.
Q: What expenses are covered by this aquaculture loan program?
Eligible expenses include vessels, engines, aquaculture equipment, and major vessel repairs. Both new and used assets may qualify.
Q: Is this program repayable?
Yes. Funding is provided as loans or loan guarantees, not grants, and must be repaid.
Q: Can I buy a used aquaculture vessel with this funding?
Yes. The program allows financing for both new and used vessels used in aquaculture operations.
Q: Can this loan be combined with other government funding?
Sometimes, you can use this program along with other government support. The total amount and program rules still apply.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada — check which ones match your aquaculture business profile.
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