Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

Subject to the availability of funds, awards made under this NOFO will help communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction and construction projects, as appropriate, to address economic challenges in areas where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.) (Stafford Act) “as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, and of wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Eligibility: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments, Others, County governments, City or township governments, Nonprofits. With funds up to $30,000,000.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Elevate Health Foundation Food as Medicine Grant supports initiatives that promote the integration of food and nutrition interventions in healthcare, with the aim of improving health outcomes. Eligibility requirements for the grant include nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and community clinics dedicated to implementing food-based interventions within healthcare settings.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

We created the Good Food Funding Guide listing sources of grants, loans, and equity for businesses and programs promoting sustainable food and agriculture and local economies. It is arranged alphabetically into four sections: Government Grants, Private Grants, Loans, and Equity. Refer to our article “Good Food Funding Guide” for information about choosing sources of capital for your project

Maui

Grant/Loan Information

This program is open to all small businesses in Maui County and is part of the American Rescue Plan to assist small businesses in Maui County. This is a grant and not a business expense reimbursement program. Upon qualification, the grant amount is $5,000. See link to find out if your business qualifies.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing renewable energy technical and site assistance. Applications are accepted year round.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) is available to eligible agricultural producers in Hawaii. It provides financial and technical assistance to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation into farming operations.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade facilities to store eligible commodities including on-farm storage and handling for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from 3 to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. The maximum loan amount for storage and handling trucks is $100,000. Microloans are available up to $50,000.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitats, and mitigation against increasing weather volatility.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

HDOA provides emergency loans for farmers of up to $150,000 at 3% interest. Loans up to $100,000 will not require credit denials from other financial institutions. HDOA has waived their three-year residency requirements; both citizens and residents are able to apply. Applicants must have devoted most of their time and derive most of their net income from farming. HDOA also offers numerous other loan options, including loans for new farmers, qualified farmers, part-time farmers, food manufacturing, and aquaculture. To learn more about HDOA's loan options, click here or here.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

Farm Service Agency has a wide range of loan programs including:
•Direct Operating Loans
•Direct Farm Ownership Loans
•Minority and Women Farmers and Rachers
•Emergency Loans
•Microloans

To discover which USDA farm loans or microloans you are eligible for here, access the farm loan discovery tool here.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

USDA offers help to farmers completing loan applications, environmental reviews, and other paperwork free of charge. Farmers who work with the USDA Service Center can establish their farm by registering for a farm number, which is required for USDA programs and assistance, learn how to meet conservation compliance provisions, verify eligibility for USDA programs, discuss their business and conservation goals, create a conservation plan, and fill out loan and program applications.

Hawaii

Grant/Loan Information

The CBED Program financially assists community based enterprises through providing low cost loans of $25,000 to agricultural producers, manufacturers using agricultural products, and value added agricultural product businesses. For more information, call Wayne Tom at (808) 587-2772, Kevin Yokoyama at (808) 323-7591 (Kona) or Gareth Mendonsa at (808) 933-9977 (Hilo).

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

Feed the Hunger Fund provides 6.5%-8.5% $5,000-$250,000 loans for anyone involved in the food industry, particularly marginalized communities with sustainable businesses.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

Slow Money Hawaii strives to make borrowing easier by helping people who produce food to get acquainted with others who are concerned about the quality and availability of locally grown food and want to support their efforts. If you'd like to be considered for a Slow Money loan, scroll down and fill out the form below. We will contact you for additional information. We're looking for food producers who are buying locally grown ingredients and growers using sustainable and regenerative practices. Presently, Slow Money Hawaii is facilitating two kinds of loans: 1) person-to-person lending using promissory notes, and; 2) Kiva loans ($15,000 or less) or a combination of the two. To learn about partnering with Slow Money Hawaii on a Kiva loan, click here: Kiva Loans ​For more information, email us at: info@slowmoneyhawaii.com

Oahu

Grant/Loan Information

The City and County of Honolulu will be opening up Oahu Business recovery grants this month. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii will distribute grants made available through the City and County of Honolulu for Oahu small businesses that have experienced increased costs, a decline in income, or shutdown due to the pandemic. Eligibility: For-profit small business, In business before March 20, 2020, Has documented net income loss of 25% in 2020 AND 2021 compared to 2019, Revenue between $75,000 and $5 million. Grant is given on a first-come, first-served basis and no one is guaranteed funding. Contact via email or phone 808-353-4094.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been granting millions of dollars to rural farms. However, more recently, the government has begun offering increased amounts of financial assistance to urban farms. Going forward it is expected the USDA will continue to funnel more money toward urban farms that are situated on rooftops, in greenhouses, or in warehouses.

Among the financial resources available to urban farmers are USDA Microloans designed for urban farmers. To secure funding, you will need a business plan that describes your organization's goals, mission, business operation, market potential, and so forth.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

FSA makes and guarantees loans to beginning farmers. There is a special focus on the credit needs of farmers and ranchers who are in their first 10 years of operation. Farmers may apply for direct loans at their local FSA offices.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The EQIP Organic Initiative provides financial and technical assistance to organic producers through contracts up to ten years. Producers must have a USDA National Organic Program Organic Certificate, proof of good standing from a USDA accredited certifying agent, and sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products or are looking to transition to organic.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

Aqua-Spark is an investment fund that supports sustainable small-to-medium aquaculture businesses around the world to provide safe, accessible aquatic life that does not harm the ocean. With investments starting at $250,000, Aqua-Spark looks to be a minority investor in businesses with elements of economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

This program provides tuition assistance for courses through a list of approved vendors. Employers can apply to this fund on behalf of their employees in order to participate. The goal is to enhance workers’ skill sets for improved job performance and increased chances for future promotions and pay.

Maui

Grant/Loan Information

The Maui Chamber of Commerce provides 0% interest emergency and working capital loans of $7,500-$25,000 to businesses in Maui County with 10 or fewer employees during the pandemic. The goal of the program is to serve as many small, economically disadvantaged businesses. In addition to loan funding, recipients will also gain access to business development resources, auxiliary programs and mentorship.

Oahu

Grant/Loan Information

This program provides support to immigrant, refugee and socially disadvantaged farmers by helping them navigate through regulatory requirements, access farmland, micro-loans, and other forms of capital, connect with commercial farms and restaurants, provide marketing support services, and learn business management and operations.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The goal of this program is to reestablish valuable land cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the loss of wildlife habitat. Farmers receive an annal rental payment in exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and instead planting species that improve the environmental health and quality. Contracts for the Conservation Program are 10-15 years long. All interested producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

SECD promotes regional economic and community strategic planning in rural America through supporting multi-jurisdictional or multi-sectoral projects. There are a variety of SECD programs relating to community facilities, water and waste disposal, business and industry, rural business development, and broadband service. All programs are now streamlined under one application.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

This program guarantees loans of up to $40 million for qualified lenders to finance food systems projects, specifically for the start-up or expansion of activities in the middle of the food supply chain. The program will support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

Previously known as Hawaii Farm Credit, American AgCredit is a privately-run, agriculture lending company. They provide a variety of loans for land, equipment, construction, leasing, crop insurance, and more from $10,000-$20M.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

This fund provides grassroots organizations with up to $5,000 grants for projects that ensure that the most vulnerable communities can stay safe. Examples of eligible projects include participatory mutual aid projects serving vulnerable communities through means such as food justice.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Lineage Foundation for Food Grant is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting projects that address food insecurity and promote sustainable food systems. The grant supports nonprofit organizations, community groups, and initiatives working to improve access to nutritious food, enhance food education, and create positive social and environmental impacts within their communities. Eligibility requirements may vary but typically include nonprofit status, alignment with the grant's focus areas, a well-defined project proposal, and a demonstrated commitment to community engagement and collaboration.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

A funding hub resource page to help acquire specific funding opportunities for farmers and ranchers nationwide.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

McInerny Foundation grants are given to organizations benefiting the people of Hawaii. Program and Project grants are awarded in six major fields: arts and culture, community, education, environment, health and rehabilitation, and human services. The Mcleenary Foundation offers grants for Program support, General operating support, Major capital support, and Tuition aid to Hawai'i nonprofits.

Oahu

Grant/Loan Information

Low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to O‘ahu businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by the severe storms, flooding, and landslides from December 5 to 10, 2021. Loans are available to anyone who suffered damages to their home, business, or nonprofit.

Oahu

Grant/Loan Information

The Pacific Gateway Center’s Social Enterprise Program provides technical, social, and monetary support to entrepreneurs that create jobs for vulnerable populations and revitalize the community.

This program can provide direct access to capital such as facilities, equipment, and funding for businesses looking to expand their operations. The program also provides one-on-one coaching for business needs with special classes for taxes, legal issues, marketing and more. It also provides access to childcare, transportation assistance, and language access support. If interested, email sep@pacificgatewaycenter.org.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

The Kiva Loan Program provides $1,000-$15,000 loans to small businesses. The loan has up to a 42 month term at 0% APR with a 6 month grace period for agriculture. The loan may be used for working capital or capital expenditures. If the loan is for food and agriculture, The Kohala Center's Hawaiʻi Food Producers Fund will participate up to 50% of the loan amount.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

This program focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. EWD invites applications in five areas: professional development for agricultural literacy; training of undergraduate students in research and extension; fellowships for predoctoral candidates; fellowships for postdoctoral scholars, and a brand-new program for agricultural workforce training. Deadlines vary for each program area; please refer to the RFA for more details.

Statewide

Grant/Loan Information

PGC in partnership with Kiva, is offering 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for entrepreneurs in Honolulu City & County working in manufacturing, food service, agriculture, and value-added goods.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Emergency Conservation Program provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and to implement emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.

Hawaii

Grant/Loan Information

Kahiau Rural Business Development Microloan Program offers technical assistance and $2,000-$15,000 2% interest loans for businesses to help them develop and build a network. Businesses must have a Native Hawaiian or kama`āina owner/operator and be located on Hawaii Island or Molokai.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

Producers suffering from farm related losses directly caused by declared natural disasters, emergencies or designated quarantine areas can apply for up to $500,000 in loans. These funds can be used for restoring or replacing essential property, covering part of the production costs associated with the disaster year, refinance certain non-real estate operating debts, paying family living expenses, and reorganizing the family farming operation. The current interest rate on this loan is 2.25%

Oahu

Grant/Loan Information

This program helps both new and existing agricultural enterprises on Oahu and Hawaii Island by providing access to farmland and micro-loans for low-income farmers, start-up assistance including business plan, promotion and marketing assistance, and education and training on topics such as food safety and regulatory requirements. Language assistance and guidance is also available.

Nationwide

Grant/Loan Information

The Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Grassroots Fund offers peer-review certification to farmers and beekeepers producing food for their local communities by working in harmony with nature, without relying on synthetic chemicals or GMOs. This fund waives the minimum $150 dues for CNG certification.