Business and Industry Development Program

The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development administers the Impact Grants program to support initiatives that improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes for residents of Hawaiʻi Island. This Request for Proposals under the Business and Industry Development Program seeks to fund projects during the fiscal year period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The Department’s broader mission emphasizes enhancing quality of life through sustainable economic development, and this grant opportunity specifically targets projects that generate measurable benefits for local businesses and communities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research, programs, or applied projects that advance business and industry development within Hawaiʻi Island. Applicants must clearly align their proposals with one defined program objective, such as expanding shared commercial sales spaces, developing marketing cohort programs for small businesses, delivering foundational business training, providing access to financial review services, or strengthening shared production facilities. Each proposal must demonstrate tangible outcomes, including increased revenue generation, improved operational capacity, or measurable economic benefits to participating businesses. Funding for this opportunity totals 90,000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for a variety of eligible expenses including personnel, equipment, marketing materials, facility rentals, and program implementation costs. However, there are strict limitations: funds cannot be used for alcohol, fundraising, travel, startup business plans, or proposal preparation costs. Administrative expenses are capped at ten percent of the award, and applicants must present a clear, reasonable budget tied directly to project activities. A key requirement of this program is a 25 percent matching funds contribution. Matching funds may be provided as cash, in-kind goods or services, or a combination of both. Applicants must identify the sources and amounts of matching contributions and provide verifiable documentation within thirty days of award notification. This requirement ensures shared investment and demonstrates the applicant’s financial capacity and commitment to the project. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that are either incorporated in the State of Hawaiʻi or recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. Eligible organizations must demonstrate at least one year of relevant experience, maintain appropriate governance structures and policies, and possess the administrative capacity to manage grant funds. Organizations must also comply with all applicable federal, state, and county regulations and maintain transparency in financial and operational practices. The application process is conducted entirely online through the Department’s grant portal. Applicants must submit a complete proposal including a project abstract, detailed narrative, budget, and required organizational documents such as bylaws, financial statements, and board information. The proposal narrative must address community need, project impact, implementation activities, and organizational qualifications. Evaluation occurs in multiple phases, including screening for completeness, scoring based on defined criteria, and final review for top-ranked proposals. Scoring categories include demonstrated need, project impact, feasibility, organizational capacity, partnerships, and fiscal accountability. The timeline for this opportunity begins with the release of the RFP on June 10, 2026. Questions must be submitted by July 10, 2026, with responses provided by July 17, 2026. The final application deadline is August 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi-Aleutian Standard Time. Award notifications are expected by September 9, 2026, followed by contract execution through the end of September. Funded projects will operate for a twelve-month period beginning upon contract execution. This program is part of an annual funding cycle, with future opportunities expected in subsequent fiscal years.

Clearly align proposal with one program objective and demonstrate measurable economic impact; provide strong evidence of community need; include clear deliverables and realistic timelines; ensure budget is directly tied to activities and demonstrates financial sustainability