Private

GROWING JUSTICE is a pooled fund co-designed by funders, farmers, advocates, food suppliers, purchasers, and community partners from Native and non-Native communities across the country to transform food systems through EQUITABLE GOOD FOOD PROCUREMENT. The Fund for Equitable Good Food Procurement aims to advance its vision and values by supporting community-led efforts to improve local and regional food value chains.  With funds starting at $50,000 to $250,000.

Hello Alice

To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster, Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes, and provides relief through $10,000 grants. This grant is only intended to cover disasters that occur from natural processes of the Earth such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. COVID-19-related damages are not eligible.

Federal

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Hawaii businesses and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred March 8-18, 2021. SBA offers low interest, long term loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, agricultural cooperatives, homeowners and renters who need help to recover, physically or economically, from the storms. Interest rates are as low as 3 percent for businesses, 2 percent for private non-profit organizations, and 1.25 percent for homeowners and renters. The deadline to return applications for property damage is June. 28, 2021. The deadline for businesses who suffered economic damage to return economic injury applications is Jan. 31, 2022. Virtual Recovery Centers with customer service representatives to help complete applications will open Friday, April 30. Email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or call (800) 659-2955.

State

CBED loans from $25,000-$50,000 are available to small business pursuing economic development opportunities. Agricultural producers, health/organic food stores, hydroponics and aquaculture businesses and manufacturers qualify. Loans can cover startup costs and working capital, construction or facility improvement, buying equipment, and marketing, with terms up to 10 years and a simple interest rate as low as 3% a year.

Federal

WomensNet gives away at least $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money. To apply, fill out a very brief survey to introduce yourself and your business dream. Judges will evaluate your proposal based on passion as well as business practicality.

Federal

The emergency grants of up to $10,000 which were previously closed to new applicants after the SBA ran out of funding will reopen to eligible applicants located in low-income communities. If an eligible entity has received an EIDL grant but not the full $10,000, it is eligible to receive the remainder of the $10,000. To see if you are eligible for an EIDL emergency grant, click here.

Federal

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.

Local

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.

Federal

The SBA offers various loan programs to assist small businesses interested in exporting their products.

Local

HCRC Emergency Loan Program (HELP) provides short-term bridge loans and term loans between $15,000-$100,000 to non-profits and mission aligned small businesses that are otherwise unable to secure financing but have an immediate need for capital. Funds can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, utilities and other operating expenses to allow the organizations to stay open.

Private

Immigrants Rising’s Entrepreneurship Fund provides up to $2,000 grants to undocumented entrepreneurs working to create positive social change. Grantees will be offered support and guidance from professional advisors, join a national network of undocumented freelancers and entrepreneurs, and get social media exposure for their projects. Projects must create positive social change and must be designed and led by undocumented young people.

City and County of Honolulu

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 a shut down due to the pandemic. Grant is given on a first-come, first-served basis and no one is guaranteed funding. Contact via email or phone at 808-353-4094.

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Loans start at $15,000 for businesses based on the Wai'anae Coast, including agricultural and manufacturing businesses. Must have been in operation for at least 1 year and have a plan to repay the loan. Business training and other support are available to help businesses qualify.

Federal

All food service or drinking establishments, including restaurants, caterers, cafes, brewpubs,

food stands, food trucks, taprooms, taverns, and tasting rooms that are not part of an affiliated

group with more than 20 locations are eligible. Franchises with fewer than 20 locations are

Eligible. The first 21 days of funds will prioritize women or Veteran-owned restaurants, and

socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. The SBA deems the following groups of individuals as socially disadvantaged: Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans. You can find official guidance at restaurants.sba.gov. Expect the application to open by the end of April.

State

This program provides tuition assistance for courses through a list off 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.

Private

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.

Private

This grant provides up to $15,000 of funding to develop or update crop profiles, pest management strategic plans, integrated pest management strategic plans, evaluations or other planning and evaluation documents. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis and up to $75,000 of funding is available in 2020-2021.

Federal

The Rural Energy for America Program will provide funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The Rural Energy for America Program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nations critical energy needs.

Private

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.

State

Small businesses can receive loans up to $25,000 from both the HDOA and the HDBEDT. Loans may be used for: 

•Start-up costs, working capital 

•Construction or improvement of facilities 

•Purchase of equipment 

•Payment of production and marketing expenses including materials, labor and services

Private

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.

State

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs offers $2,500-$100,000 loans with a 4% APR and up to a 7-year term. Loans can be used for working capital or to establish or build upon a small business. Applicants must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry, State of Hawaii residents, have a credit score of 600 or greater, and be US citizens. Businesses must have an income-to-debt ratio of 45% or less, and must be registered and in good standing with DCCA.

Private

This program is a 9-month accelerator that will guide Kānaka Maoli-owned companies through design-thinking processes rooted in Hawaiian culture. Our intention is to develop a coalition of Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs focused on aloha ‘āina, sustainability & regenerative business models to cultivate waiwai to uplift our lāhui. Companies selected for the program will receive Initial company analysis & high-level business strategy recommendations. Technology analysis to determine possibilities for digital optimization & growth. Design thinking & implementation guidance from our team for the course of 9 months. $2,500 stipend to implement & maintain a tech-oriented business solution. Bi-weekly collaboration meetings with our team & mentors. Design Studio services rooted in Hawaiian Culture – our team will assist with creative needs for the duration of the program. We are a remote accelerator, you can participate in the program from home.

Small Business Development Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has increased the loan cap for the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to $2 million.

EIDL is designed to better serve and support small businesses still reeling from the pandemic, including restaurants, gyms, and hotels. Other changes to help small businesses:

• Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period

• Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window

• Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds

• Simplification of Affiliation Requirements

The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses and urges interested companies to apply as soon as possible.

Private

RSF makes loans to social enterprises that are working to create long-term social and ecological benefit. They have broad areas of expertise in food and agriculture, education and the arts, and climate and the environments. Social enterprises must have three or more years of operating history, strong collateral, excellent debt repayment history, an annual revenue of $1 million or more, and needs that range from $200,000 to $5 million, among other things. For more information, see below.

Private

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.

Private

This program enables non-profits, local businesses, and public entities engaged in humanitarian efforts to be matched with workers who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The grant provides fully subsidized workers for select COVID-19 disaster recovery job positions, for up to one year (2080 hours).

Private

This Center offers special issues grants up to $5,000 for time-sensitive one-year integrated pest management projects that cannot wait until the next regular grant cycle.

Private

IFundWomen is a funding marketplace for women-owned businesses that provides access to small business grants from corporate partners. IFundWomen has a universal grant application. Once businesses fill out this application, they will be alerted of any new grants that match their business criteria.

Private

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.

Federal

SBA offers numerous other loans, including their: 

•7(a) Program for working capital, expansion/renovation, new construction, etc. 

•Express Loan Program 

•Community Advantage Loan Pilot Program for small businesses in underserved markets and mission-based lenders 

•504 Loan Program for economic development and job creation/retention 

•Microloans for working capital, supplies, machinery and equipment, fixtures

Private

The Opportunity Fund is a US-based nonprofit organization that provides financing and microloans from $2,600 to $250,000 to underserved small-business owners.

State

The Hua Kanu Business Loan Program provides $200,000-$1,000,000 loans to Native Hawaiian-owned businesses. The loan has a 7-year term at 4% APR. The loan may be used for working capital or to purchase equipment or inventory.