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.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
U.S. Small Business Administration
Federal funding for small businesses engaged in research and development with potential for commercialization. Phase I up to $275K, Phase II up to $1.75M.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
U.S. Small Business Administration
Similar to SBIR but requires partnership with a university or research institution. Strong for commercializing academic research.
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
USDA Rural Development
Grants for rural businesses and cooperatives to improve economic conditions. Targets businesses in rural areas (populations under 50,000).
EDA Build to Scale Program
Economic Development Administration
Supports organizations that accelerate the development of regional innovation economies by building a pipeline of scalable companies.
Minority Business Development Agency Grants
U.S. Department of Commerce - MBDA
Supports minority-owned businesses through business centers, capital access programs, and federal contracts.
SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Provides access to SBA resources and capital for underserved small businesses including minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses.
DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
U.S. Department of Transportation
Certification program that provides access to federally funded transportation contracts. DBE certification opens doors to set-aside contracts.
IFundWomen General Grant
IFundWomen
Ongoing grants and coaching for women-owned businesses. IFundWomen partners with major brands to fund women entrepreneurs.
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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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