Policy & Public Affairs
Business Resilience
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is committed to the safety, resilience, and long-term well-being of our local businesses and community members. As part of our mission, we provide access to a comprehensive array of resources designed to help you prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Whether you are facing natural hazards, economic disruptions, or other unforeseen emergencies, our goal is to ensure that your business and family have the tools and support they need to remain resilient in times of crisis.
Business Relief Fund
The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation is raising funds to assist the small businesses on the North Shore of Oahu affected by the recent Kona Low storms. Devastating floodwaters swept through the area’s communities, leaving businesses and homes in ruin.
Funds collected through the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation will be distributed as direct financial assistance to affected small businesses to help cover immediate recovery and operating expenses, including repairs, equipment replacement, payroll and other essential costs.
Donate by check: Checks made payable to “Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation Relief Account”.
Mail to 733 Bishop St. Suite 1200 Honolulu, HI 96813
Business Relief Fund
The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation is raising funds to assist the small businesses on the North Shore of Oahu affected by the recent Kona Low storms. Devastating floodwaters swept through the area’s communities, leaving businesses and homes in ruin.
Your donation will support small businesses in immediate need for flood relief. Funds collected through the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation will be distributed as direct financial assistance to affected small businesses to help cover immediate recovery and operating expenses, including repairs, equipment replacement, payroll and other essential costs.
Donate by check: Checks made payable to “Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation Relief Account”.
Mail to 733 Bishop St. Suite 1200 Honolulu, HI 96813
Disaster Recovery Resources
This resource page from the Hawaii Small Business Development Center provides a curated starting point for businesses seeking disaster preparedness and recovery information. While not comprehensive, it connects Hawaii’s business community to trusted tools and guidance to support informed decision-making. Businesses are encouraged to consult local, state, and federal agencies for official direction and the most up-to-date information.
Visit the web page >
Economic Injury Disaster Business Loans
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) provide working capital to small businesses and agricultural cooperatives to support recovery after a disaster. These loans are available only to applicants who have no other sources of credit and cannot fund their own recovery through non-government resources.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Emergency Loan Assistance to help agricultural producers recover from losses caused by drought, flooding, natural disasters, or quarantines. These loans can cover both physical damage to property, equipment, and infrastructure, as well as production losses, helping farmers and agricultural cooperatives restore operations, protect livelihoods, and rebuild resilience in the wake of unexpected events.
Visit the web page >
Shop & Show Aloha is an effort to promote events and programs focused on supporting the people of Maui and their economic recovery. Across Hawaii and around the world, let’s kokua and show aloha to Maui as we move forward together.
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), part of the state Department of Defense, offers guidance for preparing for severe weather and disasters. HIEMA also provides links for residents to subscribe to county-specific emergency alerts, helping communities stay informed and prepared.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
U.S. Small Business Administration
The Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience connects individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to disaster assistance programs and supports preparedness, recovery, and mitigation efforts, including resources like SBA disaster assistance, which supplements losses not covered by insurance.
Call SBA Disaster Customer Service at 1-800-659-2955 (Monday-Friday, 2 AM-2 PM HST) or email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Assistance for governments and private non-profits after a disaster including Public Assistance Grants and Community Disaster Loan Program. Businesses seeking disaster recovery assistance are encouraged to register their request by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting fema.gov.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers guidance and programs to help businesses and organizations prepare for emergencies, including workplace safety training (First Aid/CPR/AED and other OSHA‑compliant courses) and the free Ready Rating™ program that helps measure and improve emergency readiness.
Honolulu City Updates
Stay updated on City updates and weather forecast information with HNL Alert. Make a profile and customize your alerts at hnlalert.gov. Text ‘HNLALERT’ to ‘888-777’ to quickly subscribe to receive the most important notifications via text message.
Other Useful Preparedness Links
- Institute for Home and Business Safety: disastersafety.org
- Federal preparedness and recovery: ready.gov/business
- National Weather Service: weather.gov
- Disaster Assistance.gov: disasterassistance.gov
- File a Damage Claim with HECO
Maui Small Business Recovery Grant
The Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program was established by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with American Express and with support from Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, to support disaster recovery in Maui through grants to small businesses impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires of August 2023.
Alongside Lahaina Town Action Committee, 100 businesses received grants and business coaching to aid their recovery and long-term resilience.