Impact Division

Economic Development Department

The Gulf of Maine ecosystem and its surrounding communities are engines of innovation and economic growth.

We collaborate with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and the business community to foster a resilient and sustainable regional marine economy.

Our efforts to support the region's heritage and emerging marine industries include:

  • Supporting sustainable growth in the region's aquaculture industry by providing crucial resources, training programs, and market analysis

  • Enhancing the market for responsibly harvested from the Gulf of Maine, supporting both economic and ecological sustainability

  • Connecting entrepreneurs with essential facilities, expertise, and networks needed to develop and scale their marine-based businesses

  • Providing information and tools to help coastal communities contribute constructively and effectively to local economic development efforts

Economic Development Programs

Supporting the people who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods — from fishermen to blue tech start-up founders to aquaculture farmers, and more.

  • Sustainable Seafood Program

    Sustainable Seafood Program

    We work with industry leaders across the supply chain to build market demand and empower consumers to find and buy Gulf of Maine seafood. We …

  • Business Climate Action Program

    Business Climate Action Program

    The Business Climate Action Program (BCAP) works with small and medium enterprises to identify industry- and location-specific risks of climate change. We collaboratively develop strategies …

  • Advancing Aquaculture

    Advancing Aquaculture

    We are working collaboratively with industry leaders, farmers, researchers, the business community, and other nonprofits to identify and pursue opportunities to expand aquaculture production. Together, …

  • Offshore Wind Program

    Offshore Wind Program

    Our offshore wind program will provide interested stakeholders with the best available information about the risks, opportunities, and uncertainties associated with offshore wind development.

  • Founder Flex Program

    Founder Flex Program

    Designed around each company’s specific objectives, the Founder Flex program can help startups address a range of challenges as they design, build, or expand.

  • BlueTech Boost Incubator Program

    BlueTech Boost Incubator Program

    The BlueTech Boost program is a 10-week incubator designed to assist early-stage startup founders in overcoming challenges and achieving milestones.

  • Climate Finance Resource Hub

    Climate Finance Resource Hub

    Our Climate Financing Program is designed to help communities overcome the financial barriers to climate action. Whether supporting disaster recovery, or enabling proactive investments in …

BlueTrace exemplifies the areas of innovation that we are actively exploring and directly supporting through our work supporting the Blue Economy.

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Meet our Economic Development Leaders