Hawaii Business and Commerce Grants

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

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.

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 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 funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in developing sustainable and culturally enriching tourism projects on Hawaiʻi Island.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in Hawaiʻi to develop projects that boost the local film and creative industries, fostering economic growth and community benefits.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies in Hawaiʻi to develop projects that boost local business growth, job creation, and sustainability on the island.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi to implement projects that enhance community well-being through sustainable and measurable impacts.

The 2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant, offered by the Kauai County Office of Economic Development (OED), seeks to support the growth of Kauai’s agricultural industry. The program provides targeted funding to projects that aim to expand farming operations across the island. The funding period spans from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Kauai Standard Time. Late submissions or proposals sent via mail, email, or fax will not be considered. The grant is open to organizations proposing projects or programs that advance the agricultural sector. Proposals will be reviewed, and funding recommendations will be made, with recipients notified during the week of February 3, 2025. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the program’s goals and meet all submission requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The full RFP can be accessed through the Kauai County OED website, and the Amplifund system provides the portal for proposal submissions. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing to [email protected] by November 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations due to disabilities must contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or [email protected] by November 23, 2023, to ensure adequate time for requests to be fulfilled. Alternate formats for notices, such as large print or Braille, are available upon request. This grant provides a strategic opportunity to invest in Kauai’s agricultural infrastructure, promote industry growth, and foster sustainable farming practices. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and submit detailed proposals that align with the program’s objectives before the deadline.

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 supports projects that create affordable housing for families in Maui earning up to 140% of the area's median income through various activities like construction and rehabilitation.

This grant provides financial support to local businesses and nonprofits in Maui County for projects that promote economic development, including cultural programs, small business initiatives, technology advancements, and workforce development.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Maui County that offer mental health services or support for immigrants and migrants, helping to improve community well-being and access to essential resources.

This grant provides financial support and resources to women entrepreneurs in Hawaii, particularly those from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian backgrounds, to help grow their early-stage businesses.

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.

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is accepting applications for innovative community projects that identify and solve local problems that will aid Kaua’i’s economy to generate short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification. Donor Name: Office of Economic Development State: Hawaii County: Kauai County (HI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: OED is requesting proposals from qualified not-for-profit organizations incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii, non- profit organizations exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service or a Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor that they have previously worked with for its Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.  The intent of the grant program is to deploy innovation on-island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management and product development. Proposals must identify a known deficiency, problem, or need within the Kaua’i community and deploy an innovative community project that will be or has been successful in other contexts. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for the receipt of funding, to applicant organizations. Funding Information OED intends to award grants of $5,000-$50,000 each for different initiatives that align with RFP Project Specifications. Total funding will be no more than $460,000. Project Period The project funding period will be November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025.  Eligible Projects Eligible proposals include innovative new programs, or innovative new projects that advance innovation in the program areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, sustainability, workforce development, circular economy, and tourism. Programs or projects currently funded with other County Grants will not be considered. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for award through this RFP, the proposer shall:  Be or have a sponsor that is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii and exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service and based on Kaua’i. Non-profit organization governing board members shall have served without compensation and have no material conflict of interest.  Be a Hawaii based business with a Kaua’i non-profit fiscal sponsor and a project that is based 100% on Kaua’i.  Have a current Equity Plan in place and be able to describe your equity strategy going forward. Equity is defined as the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.  Both Businesses and Non-Profits must have signed, updated bylaws or policies that describe the way business is conducted including management, fiscal policies, and procedures (including a clear statement on who is allowed to sign documents on behalf of the organization), and policies on nepotism, equity, and the management of potential conflicts of interest. In addition, such bylaws must clearly state who is authorized to sign grant applications and contract for funding documents.  Have at least one (1) year of experience with the project or in the program area being offered. The Director may grant an exception to this requirement if the proposer has demonstrated the necessary experience in the program area.  Have staff or authorized representatives adequately trained to administer and provide the project described For more information, visit OED.

The County of Maui is accepting applications for its Green Grants to provide substantial funding—approximately $1.7 million—to support projects that promote sustainability. Donor Name: County of Maui State: Hawaii County: Maui County (HI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Green Grants program is managed by the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S). Projects led by—or with a focus on—women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches are highly encouraged.  Starting July 12, 2024, applications are being accepted for the following grants: Environmental Protection Grant: Supports initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation and sustainability. A total of $490,000 is available for FY25, with a specific allocation of up to $10,000 for Waikapū community beautification projects.  Wetlands Restoration Grant: Funds organizations dedicated to wetland restoration in Maui County, offering $800,000 in FY25 to advance critical restoration efforts.  Renewable Energy Grant: Supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency throughout Maui County. FY25 provides $100,000 to support projects in this area.  Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant: Encourages sustainable building practices and resilient housing design and construction. FY25 funding is $100,000, with up to $56,000 designated for projects participating in the Living Building Challenge.  Equipment Purchase Grant: Assists organizations in acquiring essential equipment necessary for sustainability and environmental initiatives across all funding streams and limits mentioned above. Project Period Grants run for a full year, with options to align projects either by Fiscal Year (FY) or Calendar Year (CY) in 2025:  Fiscal Year (FY) 2025: July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025  Calendar Year (CY) 2025: January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria Funding is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. For more information, visit County of Maui.

The County of Maui is accepting applications for its Green Grants to provide substantial funding—approximately $1.7 million—to support projects that promote sustainability. Donor Name: County of Maui State: Hawaii County: Maui County (HI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Green Grants program is managed by the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S). Projects led by—or with a focus on—women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches are highly encouraged.  Starting July 12, 2024, applications are being accepted for the following grants: Environmental Protection Grant: Supports initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation and sustainability. A total of $490,000 is available for FY25, with a specific allocation of up to $10,000 for Waikapū community beautification projects.  The Green Grants program is managed by the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management's Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S). It provides substantial funding—approximately $1.7 million—to support projects that promote sustainability. Projects led by—or with a focus on—women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches are highly encouraged. Project Period Grants run for a full year, with options to align projects either by Fiscal Year (FY) or Calendar Year (CY) in 2025:  Fiscal Year (FY) 2025: July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025  Calendar Year (CY) 2025: January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria Funding is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. For more information, visit County of Maui.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for the popular Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP). Donor Name: Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) State: Hawaii County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: This is the fourth year of the grant program which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. A total of $3,576,470 is available for this year’s program which was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill. Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include: Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming. Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock. Apiary – bees and bee boxes, education, expanding food markets. Eligibility Criteria  This year’s program is open to: Individuals, including backyard farmers – for the amount set at $5,000 per applicant. Applicants must be Hawai‘i resident, at least 18 years old and head of the household. Those previously granted awards under the MGFSP are ineligible. Organizations that are registered to do business in Hawai‘i, including Native Hawaiian, nonprofits, federally funded educational facilities – for the amount set at $10,000 per applicant. Organizations receiving awards will be required to provide matching funds of at least 10% of the grant award. The matching funds cannot be derived from other federal sources. For more information, visit Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

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.