2026 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Francis Fisheries

Working waterfronts are one of the most iconic images associated with Maine and its economy. Unfortunately, these important parts of Maine’s small business heritage has faced numerous challenges over the years and requires constant effort to maintain, and young people to bring new energy to the fishing industry. Thankfully, Erik Francis is one of these young people who bring a passion for the ocean economy and a desire to make the fishing industry more sustainable in the long term.

For the past ten years, Erik has worked the Passamaquoddy Bay as a Tribal Commercial Fisherman, catching fresh lobster, scallops, urchins, and crabs for local markets. Starting out with just a single kayak, Erik was able to obtain his first fishing vessel in 2018, and with the assistance of Small Business Development Center advising and a Microloan from NMDC he was able to expand to a small fleet of three vessels with two deckhands employed year-round. The reinvestment in his business and the effort to increase his market has paid off, as sales have consistently increased each year, growing from the hundreds of dollars in his first year to the current projected revenue above $2.5 million.

As an active and engaged member of his tribal community, Erik takes resource stewardship seriously as an individual and as a business owner. He stewards the largest soft-shell clam garden in the world, which requires active restoration of Half Moon Cove’s diverse biome. By also introducing new equipment and technology to reduce the impact of fishing on the broader ecosystem, like innovative fishing gear, Erik is working to ensure that future generations can make their living on working waterfronts with thriving fish and lobster populations.

Because of his commitment to his community and to the fishing industry in Maine, Erik Francis has demonstrated that the future of Maine’s ocean economy is in good hands. In recognition of his achievements, the SBA is pleased to name Erik Francis as the 2026 Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Maine.