Hawaii Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial reimbursement to small businesses and agricultural cooperatives in the Western U.S. for international marketing efforts aimed at expanding their global reach and increasing exports of U.S. food and agricultural products.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small businesses on Kauai for energy efficiency upgrades, helping to cover labor costs associated with implementing energy-saving technologies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for programs that teach Maui County residents essential financial skills, promote small business success, and enhance workforce development, particularly for underserved communities.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers grants up to $25,000 for collaborative rural community projects in selected states and counties, prioritizing initiatives that involve diverse community participation, demonstrate local support, and aim for positive change within 18 months.

This grant provides financial support and consulting services to nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, small business development, workforce development, and financial literacy in low- and moderate-income communities.

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 financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover in their communities.

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

This funding opportunity supports youth-led conferences and workshops across the Pacific region, aimed at empowering emerging leaders aged 25 to 40 to collaboratively tackle critical regional challenges in areas such as security, food supply, digital media, and public health.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible organizations for establishing and operating a technical assistance center that aids small and disadvantaged businesses in the transportation sector within a specific U.S. region.

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 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 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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and partnerships operating farms or ranches in Kauai, aimed at expanding agricultural production and enhancing sustainability within the local food system.

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

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