Hawaii grants for Small businesses

This grant provides funding to establish local hubs that will assist community organizations in Hawaii with managing projects focused on environmental resilience and stewardship.

This grant provides financial assistance to Maui-based businesses impacted by the August 2023 wildfires, helping them cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and inventory.

This funding opportunity supports sustainable building projects and resilient housing designs, particularly those led by or benefiting women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

This program provides flexible funding to local governments to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maui County, with a focus on initiatives led by women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is offering the Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP) for its fourth consecutive year. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill, has a total of $3,576,470 available. The grant aims to support small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, aligning with a mission to enhance the quantity and quality of locally grown food, particularly in food-insecure communities. This initiative directly supports food security and local agricultural development within Hawaii. The MGFSP targets individuals, including backyard farmers, with a grant amount of $5,000 per applicant, and organizations registered to do business in Hawaii, such as Native Hawaiian groups, nonprofits, and federally funded educational facilities, with a grant amount of $10,000 per applicant. Individual applicants must be Hawaii residents, at least 18 years old, and heads of household, while previous MGFSP awardees are ineligible. Organizations receiving awards are required to provide matching funds of at least 10% of the grant amount, which cannot be derived from other federal sources. The program seeks to empower both individuals and organizations to contribute to local food production and security. The program's priorities and focus areas include small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, and apiary. Funded activities for small-scale gardening can involve purchasing tools, equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, and supplies for hydroponic and aeroponic farming. For small-scale herding and livestock operations, funds can be used for purchasing animals or buying, erecting, or repairing fencing. Apiary support includes bees, bee boxes, education, and expanding food markets. These diverse areas reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering local food systems. Expected outcomes of the MGFSP include an increase in the quantity and quality of locally grown food within food-insecure communities across Hawaii. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, and apiary development. By providing financial support for essential resources and equipment, the program anticipates a direct positive impact on food self-sufficiency and the resilience of local food systems. The grant duration is four years, allowing for sustained development and the achievement of long-term goals.

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering an Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This grant aims to support innovative community projects that address and resolve local challenges, thereby stimulating both short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i. The program seeks to deploy innovation across various sectors on the island, aligning with OED's mission to foster economic resilience and development within the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant include not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Hawaii and exempt from federal income tax, as well as Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goals are to identify and solve known deficiencies, problems, or needs within the Kaua’i community by deploying innovative projects that have demonstrated success in other contexts. This approach seeks to drive sustainable economic progress and improve the quality of life for residents. The program prioritizes projects that advance innovation in areas such as small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Proposals are expected to articulate a clear problem and an innovative solution. OED's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that not only generate economic growth but also promote diversification and build a more resilient local economy. The theory of change suggests that by funding proven innovative solutions, Kaua’i can effectively address its challenges and create new opportunities. The OED intends to award grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for different initiatives, with a total funding allocation not exceeding $460,000. The project funding period is set from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of innovative programs or projects that demonstrably advance the specified program areas, leading to tangible economic benefits and community improvements. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each funded project, contributing to the overall goals of economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses located along Dillingham Boulevard that have been economically affected by the Honolulu Rail Transit construction.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit and for-profit organizations that propose projects and events aimed at boosting economic growth and creating sustainable jobs in Maui County.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

This program provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations in Hawai’i to promote local food production and enhance food security through gardening, livestock, and apiary projects.

This funding opportunity provides $1 million to community programs in Kaua‘i that enhance access to mental health treatment and substance abuse services for adolescents and adults.

This program provides resources and mentorship to support women-owned businesses in Hawaii, helping them enhance their financial and marketing skills for growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maui County organizations focused on improving access to locally sourced food for residents, especially those in vulnerable populations facing food insecurity.

This funding opportunity provides financial resources to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities to develop and preserve affordable housing for low-income residents in Maui County.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Maui County for community-based projects that preserve and promote Hawaiian cultural and natural resources through land stewardship, ecological restoration, and language revitalization initiatives.

This grant provides funding to organizations hosting major events in Hawaii during the first half of 2025 that attract national and international visitors, promoting the state's unique culture and enhancing its tourism brand.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and for-profit organizations in Hawaii to support sustainable economic development initiatives that benefit the community and promote self-sufficiency in Maui County.