Small Business Grants in Hawaii
Hawaii's small business economy is unique — dominated by tourism and hospitality, with significant agricultural, technology, and defense-adjacent industries. The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Hawaii SBDC are the primary state resources for small business grants.
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Hawaii's Small Business Economy
Hawaii's key industries include tourism, agriculture, technology, defense, and renewable energy. Grant programs are often tailored to these sectors, meaning businesses in these industries tend to qualify for more opportunities — and face less competition for state-specific awards than for purely federal programs.
Top Grants Available to Hawaii Businesses
These are nationwide programs with no state restrictions. Hawaii businesses qualify for all of them.
Jobber Grants for Home Service Businesses
Jobber
Annual $250,000 grant program exclusively for home service businesses — plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, landscaping, painting, pest control, cleaning. Grand prize $100K, plus $50K, $25K×2, and $10K×5. Requires joining the free Jobber Home Service Community Forum before applying.
HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD does not grant CDBG funds directly to businesses, nonprofits, or individuals — the direct grantee is always the city or county government. There is no application a business can submit to HUD; a business can only lobby its local government to fund a project. Verified against hud.gov 2026-07-14.
Accion Opportunity Fund Grants
Accion Opportunity Fund
Primarily a LOAN provider (term loans, SBA 7(a), equipment/truck financing) — actual grants are rare, sponsor-specific, time-limited side programs (e.g. a past $10K Black-owned-business grant, a past $5K restart grant), not a standing $25K general grant. Most current activity is loans, not grants.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
USDA Rural Development
Grants covering up to 50% of project costs for HVAC upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy installations at rural small businesses. Strong fit for HVAC contractors upgrading client equipment or their own facility.
IFundWomen General Grant
IFundWomen
Ongoing grants and coaching for women-owned businesses. IFundWomen partners with major brands to fund women entrepreneurs across all industries.
Amber Grant for Women
WomensNet
Monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses plus a $50,000 year-end grant. One of the most accessible women's business grants — $15 application fee, no minimum revenue, rolling monthly deadlines.
Cartier Women's Initiative Award
Cartier
International grant for women-led, for-profit businesses with positive social and/or environmental impact. Up to $100K for finalists.
Visa She's Next Grant Program
Visa
Grants and mentorship for women-owned small businesses, with a focus on Black women entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
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Get My Free Hawaii Grant ReportHawaiiState Programs & Resources
In addition to federal grants, Hawaii has state-specific programs worth exploring.
Hawaii DBEDT Small Business Programs
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism administers Hawaii's primary economic development programs including the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation.
Hawaii SBDC
The Hawaii SBDC offers free business consulting and grant research on Oahu and across the neighbor islands.
Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA)
Provides financing and grants for clean energy and sustainable businesses, aligned with Hawaii's 100% renewable energy mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grants specifically for Hawaii businesses?▼
Yes — Hawaii has state-specific programs including Hawaii DBEDT Small Business Programs, Hawaii SBDC, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA). In addition to the federal grants above, our report includes guidance on finding and applying to Hawaii-specific programs.
Are there grants for small businesses on the neighbor islands?▼
Each county in Hawaii has economic development programs — the Hawaii County Economic Development Board, the Maui Economic Development Board, and Kauai Economic Development Board all administer small business programs for their respective islands.
Does Hawaii have grants for agricultural businesses?▼
Hawaii agriculture businesses have access to USDA Rural Development grants, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture programs, and specialty grants for Hawaii's unique crops like macadamia nuts, coffee, and diversified agriculture.
Are there Hawaii grants for tourism or hospitality businesses?▼
The Hawaii Tourism Authority, county visitors bureaus, and various hospitality industry associations support small tourism businesses. The state has also had targeted recovery programs for hospitality businesses.
Do I have to pay back a grant?▼
No — grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, grants are awarded outright for qualifying business activities. Some grants have reporting requirements (spending documentation) but no repayment obligation.
How long does it take to receive grant money?▼
It depends on the grant. After approval, most federal grants disburse within 30-90 days. State grants vary. Some private grants (like Hello Alice and Amber Grant) can move faster. Our report identifies the fastest grants to apply for.
What if I don't have any certifications?▼
Many top grants are open to all small businesses regardless of certifications. That said, certifications like WOSB, VOSB, or MBE can dramatically increase the number of grants you qualify for. Our report includes a certification roadmap if you qualify.
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