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The Small Business Center at Beaufort County Community College will conduct a business workshop on how to start your aquaculture business at the Harbor District Market on April 7. 

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, in controlled environments. Industry experts will share key aspects of starting and running an aquaculture business, including regulations, permits, and business support resources. 

“Aquaculture supports rural economies by creating jobs, boosting local incomes, diversifying food sources, and promoting sustainable economic growth in coastal and inland areas,” said Jack Dugan, director of the Small Business Center. “It is a growing industry worldwide.”

Scheduled speakers include: 

Bryan Snyder – Aquaculture instructor with 5 years of curriculum development & teaching experience & 10 years of experience in commercial shellfish and fin fish production. He also teaches the Shellfish Academy at Carteret Community College.

Todd Gardner – Aquaculture instructor with 20 years of teaching experience & over 30 years of fish culture experience. Todd manages Biota NC, a commercial marine ornamental hatchery.

Dave Cerino – Department Chair of the Aquaculture Technology Department at Carteret Community College. 

Lavonda Daniels- VP of Array CDC with a finance, business & education background.

This workshop wraps with a pitch contest for Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington County residents. A winner will receive $1500 in funds to start or expand their aquaculture business. 

The free event is filling quickly. To register, go to https://www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=30450004. The event will be held at the Harbor District Market on Tuesday, April 7, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lunch is included.

Sponsors include Washington Harbor District Alliance, NACCE (National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship), Beaufort County Economic Development, Wells Fargo Bank, and TriCounty Foundation.