On the North Coast of California, Little Dory Seafood Co. is helping bring locally and sustainably caught seafood directly to the community of Point Arena, California. Founded by fisher and business owner Elissa Levin, the business is rooted in supporting local fisheries while increasing access to fresh, responsibly harvested seafood in a small coastal town.
As a Business Builder Awardee through the Southwest Regional Food Business Center, the business was able to purchase essential retail infrastructure including a merchandiser refrigerator, freezer, and shelving units. These investments made it possible to open the town’s only retail fish market offering a variety of local and sustainable seafood. The new retail space has expanded seafood access for the community while also creating new local employment opportunities and strengthening the local fishing economy.
“The Business Builder award allowed us to take the next step of expanding our business. The infrastructure we acquired through the grant helped minimize the financial stress of opening our retail location.”