Agricultural Micro Grant Program

The Agricultural Micro Grant Program 6.0 is a targeted funding initiative administered by Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO), a private nonprofit Community Action Agency established in 1965. MEO manages a broad range of human services and development programs, focusing on underserved populations including low-income individuals, youth, the elderly, immigrants, and people with disabilities. Through its Business Development Center, MEO offers direct support to small-scale farmers and ranchers in Maui County via this micro grant initiative. The current cycle, referred to as Agricultural Micro Grant Program 6.0, is backed by $3 million in funding provided by the County of Maui. This program is designed to support currently operating and eligible startup agricultural businesses in Maui County—specifically those engaged in food production or livestock. To qualify, applicants must operate on less than 12 aggregate acres for farming or up to 40 acres for livestock and must hold a County business or State of Hawaii general excise license active as of July 1, 2025. Special consideration is given to socially disadvantaged applicants, including women and Native Hawaiians. There is also a limited allocation of grants designated for flower and lei-making farms. Applicants may request up to $25,000 per awardee. Grant funds may be used for a variety of agricultural needs, including but not limited to: farming equipment, processing and storage machinery, farm infrastructure upgrades, technology equipment, inventory and packaging materials, and marketing and educational resources. Funds will not be paid directly to the applicants; instead, upon approval, MEO will issue payments directly to the vendors selected by each grantee. Award distribution will be based on demonstrated need and farm output capacity within the community, with attention to equitable distribution across Maui, Molokai, and Lana'i. The application window opens on January 15, 2026, and closes on February 15, 2026. Applications can be submitted either online or in person at the MEO Wailuku office located at 99 Mahalani Street. Prior to the application opening, two in-person informational sessions will be held: one at the MEO Family Center in Wailuku and the other at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. These sessions will provide detailed guidance on required documents and the application process. Required documentation includes a completed application, a detailed Farm Needs Statement, business plan for startups, valid general excise tax license (or G-45/G-49 forms), photo ID, and proof of residency through the 2025 State Tax Form N-11. If applicable, IRS Form Schedule C or F for 2024 must also be included. All documentation must be complete and legible to avoid delays in processing. The program emphasizes the importance of complete submissions and warns that incomplete applications may delay or disqualify potential funding. For more information or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact the MEO Business Development Center at (808) 243-4315 or via email at [email protected]. The application process is competitive and places strong emphasis on the applicant’s need, community distribution impact, and scale of agricultural operations.