WEST COAST, USA (July 24, 2025) — A new kind of startup accelerator is making waves along the West
Coast, aiming to breathe fresh life into local seafood. Catch+Create, launching this fall, is calling on chefs,
fishermen, food entrepreneurs, and innovators of all stripes to turn their groundfish product ideas into reality — and it’s doing so with generous support, no equity taken, and a deep commitment to building a thriving local food economy.
Developed by nonprofit Positively Groundfish, Catch+Create is a first-of-its-kind program focused
exclusively on new value-added products made with West Coast Groundfish species — such as Rockfish,
Sole, Lingcod, Sablefish, and more. The goal: help bring more sustainable, local fish into exciting new
product formats like snacks, frozen meals, canned seafood, smoked fish delicacies, pet treats, or even
creative byproduct-based innovations.
“We know that some of the best ideas are already in our communities,” said Jana Hennig, Executive
Director of Positively Groundfish. “We created Catch+Create to help folks with vision and grit — who
understand the value of our local catch — take their idea all the way from kitchen concept to marketready
brand.”
What the Program Offers
Five start-ups or teams will be selected to participate in the program’s first-ever cohort, beginning in
November 2025. It’s designed to help entrepreneurs create value-added products like canned fish, frozen
meals, fish snacks, smoked fish, pet food, or even novel byproduct-based items. All ideas are welcome.
This comprehensive and generous program runs in two phases:
- Phase 1: Product Development (Nov 2025–May 2026) includes:
o $20,000 in funding for R&D
o A 6-month remote curriculum (2-hour sessions biweekly)
o Mentorship from seafood, CPG, and business experts
o Consumer insights and market research
o Peer support and industry access - Phase 2: Market Launch Support offers over $30,000 in marketing and PR support including:
o Booth space at two major trade shows
o A professional content package (photo, video, social)
o Advertising budget
o PR agency support
Best of all, participants do not give up any equity — participation is free. The program is 100% funded for
the benefit of the entrepreneur.
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to solo entrepreneurs or teams, whether brand new startups or small existing
businesses ready to expand. Positively Groundfish is especially encouraging budding food entrepreneurs,
chefs, food artisans, and innovators from California, Oregon, and Washington to apply.
“We want this program to help support not just innovation — but independence,” said Hennig. “This is
about creating opportunity in our communities and helping folks turn local fish into lasting businesses.”
When and How to Apply
Applications are open from August 4 to September 30, 2025.
The program runs November 2025 through May 2026, with marketing support continuing into 2027.
Apply or learn more at: https://www.positivelygroundfish.org/accelerator
About Positively Groundfish:
Positively Groundfish is a nonprofit working to increase awareness, appreciation, and demand for West
Coast Groundfish species — to build a more sustainable, resilient seafood economy. Founded by former
CPG product developer turned sustainable seafood advocate Jana Hennig, the organization supports
economic opportunity and ecological stewardship hand-in-hand.
