While most people likely associate Hawaii with vacation, these beautiful islands are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses run by hard-working people who rarely get a break. If you’re a business owner in Hawaii and you’re looking for funding, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find grants and loans that are only available to Hawaii employers. Take a look.
Department or Agency: Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA)
Loan or Grant title: CNHA Loan Fund Small Business Loan
Through its $9 million loan fund, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement created a small business loan in an effort to empower businesses in Hawaii. Small business loans are available in the range of $10,000 to $250,000 and can be used toward start-up capital, expansion, improvements, and equipment.
Department or Agency: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Loan or Grant title: Hua Kanu Business Loan
Established business owners who are native to Hawaii may be eligible to apply for a low-cost loan ranging between $150,000 and $1,000,000. Funds are intended to help businesses grow and expand and can be used for working capital, or to purchase equipment and inventory.
Department or Agency: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Loan or Grant title: Mahi ‘Ai Business Loan
Loans are available for small agricultural businesses in amounts ranging between $2,500 and $100,000. Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be Hawaii residents and of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Loans can be used to establish or expand a business or for working capital.
Department or Agency: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Loan or Grant title: Malama Business Loan
Native Hawaiian business owners can receive financial support through the Malama Business Loan. This loan ranges from $2,500 to $149,999 and was designed to be used toward working capital, to start a new business, or to grow an existing business. Applicants must be Hawaii residents in order to qualify.
Department or Agency: State of Hawaii Agricultural Loan Division
Loan or Grant title: Food Manufacturing Loan
Licensed food manufacturers in the state of Hawaii may be eligible for two types of Food Manufacturing Loans: Facility Loans and Operating Loans. Facility loans max out at $500,000 and can be used toward the purchasing or improving of land, buildings, or equipment. Operating Loans max out at $300,000 and can be used toward inventory, supplies, marketing, and other expenses.
Department or Agency: Hawaii Business Development and Support Division
Loan or Grant title: Community-Based Economic Development Loan
The Community-Based Economic Development Loan program offers assistance to small businesses in the state, with an emphasis on supporting the agricultural/food processing and manufacturing/wholesaling industries. Loans generally range from $50,000 to $125,000 and can be used for construction and improvements of facilities, working capital, marketing expenses, and more.
Department or Agency: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
Loan or Grant title: Hi-CAP Loans Authority
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation’s Hi-CAP Program provides assistance to small businesses and economically-disadvantaged business owners. The program specifically provides capital to help businesses launch projects that will have a positive impact on the community.
Department or Agency: Lei Ho’Olaha
Loan or Grant title: Working Capital Loans
Small business owners residing in any of the Hawaiian islands can apply for a Working Capital Loan from Lei Ho’Olaha, a native community development financial institution. Loans range from $25,000 to $50,000 and can be used toward working capital, refinancing of debt, and to cover fees owed in outstanding invoices.
Department or Agency: Lei Ho’Olaha
Loan or Grant title: Building Improvement and Rehabilitation Loans
Small business owners residing in any of the Hawaiian islands can apply for a Building Improvement and Rehabilitation Loan from Lei Ho’Olaha, a native community development financial institution. Loans range from $25,000 to $100,000 and can be used toward energy-related equipment, improvements to energy systems, building rehabilitation, and leasehold improvements.
Department or Agency: Lei Ho’Olaha
Loan or Grant title: Facilities Loans
Small business owners residing in any of the Hawaiian islands can apply for a Facilities Loan from Lei Ho’Olaha, a native community development financial institution. Loans range from $100,000 to $250,000 and can be used toward purchasing a new facility or refinancing debt.
Department or Agency: Pacific Gateway Center
Loan or Grant title: Microloan Program
Hawaii small businesses and entrepreneurs could be eligible for a zero-percent interest loan. This program was designed to make capital more accessible for businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing and is administered through Kiva, which is a global organization. The microloans are available in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.
Department or Agency: Waiʻanae Economic Development Council (WEDC)
Loan or Grant title: Small Business Loan Fund
WEDC provides loans of up to $15,000 to businesses that have been in operation for at least one year and are located on the coast of Wai’anae. Training and support are available to help business to apply and qualify for the loan.
Department or Agency: Kohala Center
Loan or Grant title: Kahiau Rural Business Development Microloan Program
Microloans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 are available for businesses located on Hawaii Island or Molokai. Business owners must be native to the islands to be eligible. Funds can be used toward supplies, labor, construction, and other business expenses.
