Fishing Plus: October–December 2025
The Fishing Plus Accelerator program is funded through a Congressionally Directed Spending initiative championed by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. It was created by Island Institute in partnership with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs to support Maine’s fishing communities in building a more resilient future.
Free Business Skills Program for Fishing & Coastal Businesses
Presented by the Island Institute & Maine Center for Entrepreneurs
Program Dates: October 1, 2025 – December 17, 2025
Format: A mix of in-person and online sessions
Cost: Free to participate
Registration: Sign up for the entire program — eight sessions designed to help you strengthen, grow, and diversify your business.
About the Program
Whether you run a fishing, lobstering, aquaculture, or coastal-related business, Fishing Plus gives you the tools, mentorship, and connections to make your business more profitable and sustainable.
Over the course of eight interactive sessions, you’ll work with industry experts, experienced business mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs to:
Improve your business planning and financial skills
Explore new markets and sales opportunities
Streamline your operations
Secure funding for growth
Discover new ways to diversify and increase income
You’ll also receive templates, tools, and one-on-one support so you can put what you learn into practice immediately.
Schedule & Topics
Session 1: Business Readiness
📅 Wednesday, October 1 | ⏰ 3:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 In-person — location will be chosen based on where participants are coming from
Learn how to align your personal finances with your business goals, set SMART goals, and build the foundation of your Business Model Canvas. Receive templates for goal setting, personal finance tracking, and business planning.
Session 2: Financial Skills
📅 Wednesday, October 8 | ⏰ 3:30 – 5:00 PM
💻 Online (Zoom)
A deep dive into business budgeting, cash flow management, break-even analysis, and selecting the right accounting software. Includes a break-even calculation exercise and financial spreadsheet templates.
Session 3: Operations
📅 Wednesday, October 15 | ⏰ 3:30 – 5:00 PM
💻 Online (Zoom)
Get personalized support on choosing the right legal structure, navigating permits, and setting up efficient operations — from inventory to staffing.
Session 4: Market Fit
📅 Wednesday, October 22 | ⏰ 3:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 In-person — location TBD
Refine your value proposition, learn customer discovery techniques, and work with mentors to understand your target market. Includes peer learning groups and hands-on exercises.
Session 5: Marketing & Sales
📅 Wednesday, November 5 | ⏰ 3:30 – 5:00 PM
💻 Online (Zoom)
Build your brand identity, create a marketing message, and learn sales strategies that keep customers coming back.
Session 6: Capital Access
📅 Wednesday, November 19 | ⏰ 3:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 In-person — location TBD
Hear from local lenders and investors about financing options, and get one-on-one coaching to refine your business pitch.
Session 7: Diversification Pathways
📅 Wednesday, December 3 | ⏰ 3:30 – 5:00 PM
💻 Online (Zoom)
Explore new revenue streams and hear success stories from business owners who have expanded into new products, services, and markets.
Session 8: Final Celebration & Pitch Presentations
📅 Wednesday, December 17 | ⏰ 3:30 – 5:30 PM
📍 In-person — location TBD
Present your business pitch to a live audience and panel of experts, celebrate with your peers, and make valuable networking connections.
Who Should Apply
Fishing and lobstering business owners
Aquaculture entrepreneurs
Coastal-based businesses looking to grow, diversify, or streamline operations
Anyone in the marine economy ready to take their business to the next level
Applications are open NOW until September 13th
Contact: Ljohnson@mced.biz for questions