Just this October, the Hawaii Business Pivot Grant program opened its application portal for eligible Hawaii businesses and non-profits. The grants will distribute $25 million in grants and training support to struggling small businesses in Hawaii to help them adjust to marketplace changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program will provide approximately 2,500 small businesses with reimbursement grants to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products and services. Click here to access the application portal.
The Hawaii Business Pivot Program is a partnership between the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
“As Hawaii businesses and non-profit organizations continue to pivot and adjust operations to survive, this grant could not come at a more critical time,” Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said. “We encourage all eligible businesses and non-profits to apply for the reimbursement grant and take advantage of valuable educational opportunities that are provided through this program.”
Funded by federal CARES Act appropriations, the program provides qualifying businesses reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred since March 20, 2020, including investing in e-commerce, reconfiguring workspaces, adding safety equipment and implementing new business processes.
The grant application will remain open until November 23, 2020, as funds are available.
In addition to the grant reimbursement, the Hawaii Business Pivot Programs offers technical assistance to companies through workshops, training, and consultant resources as they adjust their operations. Click here to sign up for workshops.
Hawaii businesses who can provide pivot services are also encouraged to apply to the online marketplace for companies to access products and services to support operational changes, and these costs will be eligible for reimbursement under the grant program.
For more information: HawaiiBizPivot.org, Facebook: @ChamberOfCommerceHawaii, or on Instagram: @cochawaii