Small businesses are an essential part of Hawaii’s economy and communities. Whether you’re starting a business, looking for funding, navigating regulations or exploring ways to grow, having access to the right resources can make a difference.
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has compiled a collection of small business resources from state, county and national organizations to help businesses find programs, services, funding opportunities and support at every stage of their journey.
How to start a business in Hawaii
Starting a business in Hawaii is an exciting first step toward turning your idea into reality! Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to make it official, there are resources available to help guide you along the way. The State of Hawaii’s Business Action Center offers a helpful, step-by-step guide to getting started, including information on business registration, tax requirements and licensing. Explore the Starting a Business Guide or the Starting and Growing a Business in Hawaii webpage and take the first step toward bringing your business to life!
What funding options are available?
Access to capital can make all the difference, whether you’re launching a new idea, purchasing equipment, hiring employees or expanding your operations. Hawaii offers several resources to help small businesses explore financing options, loans, grants and business support programs. Start with these organizations to learn about available opportunities and find guidance on taking your next step.
Hiring your first employee
Ready to grow your team? Bringing on your first employee is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities. From registering as an employer and setting up payroll to understanding workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, temporary disability insurance and Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act, there are several requirements to consider. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations offers information and guidance to help employers understand their responsibilities and prepare to build their team.
Understanding Hawaii Business Taxes.
Understanding your tax obligations is an important part of operating a successful business. Hawaii has specific tax requirements, including the General Excise Tax (GET), which applies to most business activities, as well as applicable income and employer withholding taxes. The Hawaii Department of Taxation provides information on tax registration, filing requirements, payment schedules and Hawaii Tax Online, where businesses can manage many of their tax obligations.
Getting permits and licenses
Before opening your doors or expanding your operations, make sure you understand the permits and licenses required for your business. Requirements vary depending on your industry, business activities and location, and some businesses may need additional professional, health, building or zoning approvals. The Hawaii Business Action Center is a helpful starting point for navigating business registration and licensing, while the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division provides information on regulated professions and occupations.
Doing business with government
Government contracting can create new opportunities for Hawaii businesses to expand their customer base and pursue new revenue streams. State, county and federal agencies regularly seek goods and services from private businesses. The Hawaii State Procurement Office provides information on vendor registration and state procurement opportunities, while the U.S. Small Business Administration offers guidance on navigating federal contracting and pursuing government contracts.
Marketing your business
Building awareness and reaching the right customers are essential to growing your business. Whether you’re developing your first marketing plan, improving your website, building a social media presence or refining your brand, having a clear strategy can help you stand out in a competitive marketplace. The Hawaii Small Business Development Center offers business advising and guidance, while the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE provide additional marketing resources, educational materials and business mentoring.
Recovering from an Emergency
Unexpected emergencies, including severe weather, flooding and other natural disasters, can significantly disrupt business operations. Preparing in advance can help protect your employees, property, inventory and important business records while minimizing interruptions. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency offers preparedness information and planning resources, while the U.S. Small Business Administration provides guidance on disaster preparedness, business continuity and recovery assistance. The Chamber also has a Business Resilience Page with additional resources.
Connect with the Chamber
Growing a business takes relationships, resources and opportunities. Through membership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, businesses gain access to a statewide network, advocacy efforts, educational programs, networking events and opportunities to help shape Hawaii’s business environment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, the Chamber can help you make meaningful connections and move your business forward.
Interested in becoming a member? Contact our Vice President of Membership & Business Development, Joshua Casteel, to learn more about membership opportunities and benefits.
STATEWIDE HAWAII RESOURCES
Blue Startups
Startup accelerator that helps technology-driven businesses grow through mentorship, business development support, investor connections and access to seed funding. Its intensive 12-week program focuses on scalable companies in areas such as software, travel technology, sustainability and ocean technology, helping entrepreneurs refine their business models and expand into global markets.
Business Development & Support Division
Helps local businesses grow, expand into new markets and access financing and business support resources. Its programs include small business loans, export assistance, tax incentives, promotion of Hawaii-made products and support for community-based economic development initiatives.
Business Registration Division, DCCA
Administers business entity registration and related filing services in Hawaii. Business owners can use its online resources to register a business, search business names and maintain required filings.
Hawaii Apex Accelerator
Helps local businesses pursue federal, state and county government contracts through free, one-on-one business counseling, contract opportunity matching and training. It guides businesses through government registration, market research, bid preparation and procurement requirements to help them compete for contracts and grow their revenue
Hawaii Business Action Center
Part of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, provides one-stop assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating state business registration and licensing requirements. It helps with registering business entities and trade names, obtaining general excise tax licenses, understanding employer registration requirements and finding additional business counseling and support resources.
Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
Supports Hawaii’s economic growth through business development, industry support, export assistance and economic research. Connects businesses with programs and resources that can help them expand, innovate and reach new markets.
Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Supports Hawaii’s business community by providing business registration, professional licensing and regulatory guidance to help businesses operate in compliance with state requirements. It also protects consumers by investigating complaints, addressing unfair business practices and providing resources to help residents make informed decisions.
Hawaii Department of Taxation
Provides information and services related to Hawaii’s state tax requirements. Businesses can access tax forms, register for applicable tax accounts, make payments and find guidance on tax compliance.
Hawaii Small Business Development Center (Hawaii SBDC)
Provides free, confidential business advising to entrepreneurs and small-business owners throughout Hawaii. Offers guidance on business planning, financial projections, market research, accessing capital and growing an existing business.
Hawaii State Procurement Office
The State of Hawaii Procurement Office (SPO) oversees state procurement policies and provides guidance, training and resources to support fair, transparent and accountable purchasing of goods, services and construction. It also offers tools to help businesses find government contracting opportunities, register as vendors and navigate the state procurement process.
Hawaii Small Business Office
The Hawaii State Procurement Office’s Small Business Office helps local small businesses access state contracting opportunities and compete for government contracts. It provides outreach, training, registration assistance and technical support to help businesses navigate procurement requirements and connect with state agencies.
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
A Hawaii state government agency dedicated to expanding the state’s technology, innovation, and manufacturing industries. Established in 1983, it supports entrepreneurship, business growth, and high-paying employment opportunities while helping diversify Hawaii’s economy beyond traditional industries such as tourism.
Hawaiian Council Loan Fund
Provides financing to support Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs, small businesses and community-based economic development. Through access to capital and business resources, the program helps eligible borrowers start or expand businesses, strengthen operations and build long-term financial stability.
Movers and Shakas
a Hawaii-based nonprofit organization focused on attracting, integrating and retaining talent to strengthen Hawaii’s economy and communities. Through its Hawaii Talent Onboarding Program (HITOP), the organization helps newly relocated and returning professionals build cultural understanding, professional relationships and community connections through educational experiences, volunteer activities and networking opportunities.
OHA Grants Program
Provides funding to support initiatives that improve the economic well-being and self-sufficiency of Native Hawaiians. Through grant opportunities for eligible organizations and programs, OHA invests in projects that promote economic development, financial stability, education and greater opportunities for Native Hawaiian communities.
OHA Malama Loans
Provides financing opportunities to Native Hawaiian individuals and businesses to support entrepreneurship, business development and economic self-sufficiency. Through its loan programs, OHA helps eligible borrowers access capital to start, expand or strengthen businesses and build long-term financial stability.
Pacific Gateway Center
Nonprofit that supports immigrants, refugees and underserved communities through programs focused on economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. Its services include small business development, business training, access to resources and support for local food producers and entrepreneurs working to build sustainable livelihoods.
Retail Merchants of Hawaii
Statewide trade association that advocates for Hawaii’s retail industry and supports businesses through education, industry resources and legislative advocacy. It provides networking opportunities, professional development and connections with government and community partners to help retailers address industry challenges and strengthen their businesses.
SCORE Hawaii
Provides free business mentoring and low-cost educational workshops to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, manage and grow their businesses. Through experienced volunteer mentors and practical business resources, SCORE offers guidance on business planning, marketing, financing, operations and other key areas of business development.
Small Business Administration Hawaii
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Hawaii District Office helps entrepreneurs and small business owners access funding programs, business counseling, federal contracting opportunities and disaster recovery assistance. It also connects businesses with lenders, resource partners and community organizations to support business development and long-term success.
Veteran-owned Businesses, SBA
Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) provide training, counseling and resource referrals to veterans, service members transitioning to civilian life, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a business. Services include business plan development, mentorship, entrepreneurship training and guidance on accessing capital and government contracting opportunities.
https://www.sba.gov/counseling/grow-your-business/#veteran-owned
Workforce Development Council
A state advisory body that brings together business, labor, education, government and community leaders to guide workforce development strategies and policies. It works to align education and training with employer needs, expand career opportunities for residents and strengthen Hawaii’s workforce to support long-term economic growth.
Workforce Development Council
A state advisory body that brings together business, labor, education, government and community leaders to guide workforce development strategies and policies. It works to align education and training with employer needs, expand career opportunities for residents and strengthen Hawaii’s workforce to support long-term economic growth.
XLR8HI
A Hawaii-based entrepreneurship center that helps entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners develop their ideas, strengthen their business skills and grow their companies. Through educational workshops, mentorship, networking and programs focused on investment readiness and business scaling, XLR8HI connects local businesses with the expertise, resources and funding networks they need to succeed.
HONOLULU COUNTY
Oahu Business Connector
A useful starting point for Oahu businesses looking for help. Connects entrepreneurs with government, nonprofit and community partners that offer business assistance, including referrals to relevant services.
Office of Grants Management
Connects eligible nonprofit organizations with grant funding to support community services, economic development and initiatives that improve residents’ quality of life. Through its Office of Grants Management, the department administers grant solicitations, manages awarded contracts and monitors funded projects to help ensure public funds are used effectively.
Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership
Operated by YWCA Oahu that provides business training, one-on-one counseling and resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their businesses. Its services include guidance on business planning, marketing, financial management, access to capital and business development, along with leadership education and networking opportunities.
Waianae Economic Development Council
A community development organization that supports local businesses, nonprofits and residents on Oahu’s Waiʻanae Coast through business coaching, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy education and access to capital. Grounded in Hawaiian values, WEDC works to expand economic opportunities, strengthen local leadership and build a more resilient and sustainable community.
YWCA Oahu
Provides business training, coaching and resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build and grow successful businesses. Through workshops and individualized support, the center helps participants strengthen business skills, develop business plans, improve financial management and explore opportunities for growth.
KAUAI COUNTY
Common Ground Kauai
An entrepreneurial and business community offering connections and accelerator-related opportunities for businesses looking to develop and grow.
Hawaii SBDC – Kauai
The Hawaii Small Business Development Center (Hawaii SBDC), Kauai office provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners on Hawaii Island. Its services include business planning, financial management, financing options, marketing strategies and guidance to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
Kauai Chamber of Commerce
A nonprofit business organization that advocates for Kaua‘i’s business community and promotes economic prosperity, collaboration and sustainable growth. Through legislative advocacy, business education, networking events, workforce development and community partnerships, the Chamber supports local businesses and works to strengthen the island’s economic vitality.
Kauai County Office of Economic Development
One of the best starting points for Kauai businesses. Offers business resource information, economic development support, grant information and connections to local and statewide programs.
Kauai Economic Development Board
Business development, workforce initiatives, entrepreneurial support and connections that help strengthen Kauai’s economy.
HAWAII COUNTY
Hawaii County Department of Research and Development
Responsible for advancing sustainable economic development, community resilience, and innovation on Hawaiʻi Island. It combines research, strategic partnerships, and public programs to strengthen the local economy while protecting the island’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and community interests.
Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
Business networking, community connections, advocacy and opportunities to engage with the Hawaii Island business community.
Hawaii SBDC – Hilo
The Hawaii Small Business Development Center (Hawaii SBDC), Hilo office provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners on Hawaii Island. Its services include business planning, financial management, financing options, marketing strategies and guidance to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
Hawaii SBDC – Kona
The Hawaii Small Business Development Center (Hawaii SBDC), Kona office provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners on Hawaii Island. Its services include business planning, financial management, financing options, marketing strategies and guidance to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
Supports businesses in West Hawaii through business advocacy, networking, educational programs and community partnerships. It works to strengthen the local business environment and promote a sustainable economy that enhances the quality of life on Hawaii Island.
MAUI COUNTY
Hawaii SBDC – Maui
The Hawaii Small Business Development Center (Hawaii SBDC), Maui office provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners on Hawaii Island. Its services include business planning, financial management, financing options, marketing strategies and guidance to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
Maui Chamber of Commerce
Business networking, advocacy, educational programs and connections to other local business owners and organizations.
Maui County Office of Economic Development
Supports economic growth and diversification across Maui County by providing resources, funding opportunities and assistance to local businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations. It works with public and private partners to strengthen local industries, encourage innovation and create economic opportunities for residents.
https://www.mauicounty.gov/141/Office-Of-Economic-Development
Maui Economic Recovery
State economic recovery initiatives and information for Maui businesses, including resources connected to the island’s ongoing recovery and economic diversification.
Maui Women’s Business Center
Business counseling, training, mentoring and entrepreneurial support, with a focus on women business owners. Check current programming and availability.