Policy & Public Affairs > Business Resilience
Oahu Kona Low Business Recovery
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is partnering with the State of Hawaii Department Business, Economic Development, & Tourism (DBEDT) to distribute $3.35 million in grant funding made available by the State of Hawaii to support non-agriculture small businesses on Oahu that have been impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms.
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Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 10 AM HST | FREE to attend
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Oahu Kona Low Business Recovery Grant
In partnership with the State of Hawaii Department Business, Economic Development, & Tourism (DBEDT), the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii will distribute $3.35 million in grant funding made available by the State of Hawaii to support non-agriculture small businesses on Oahu that have been impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms.
Grant Amounts
Tier 1 – Micro Enterprise Grant: $5,000
annual gross revenue under $250,000, 1-10 employees including owner
Tier 2 – Small Business Grant: $10,000
annual gross revenue $250,000-$5,000,000, 11-500 employees
*Annual Revenue size will be the deciding factor if mixture between revenue and employee count between Tier 1 & 2 (i.e. $1M business with 8 employees will be Tier 2).
Apply for an Oahu Kona Low Business Recovery Grant
Applications open on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. For questions or application assistance, contact (808)210-6839 or konalow@cochawaii.org.
Who qualifies?
- Non-agricultural, for-profit businesses impacted by the Kona Low Storms from March 10-23, 2026
- Small businesses with less than 500 employees and less than $5,000,000 annual gross revenue
- At least one owner is a Hawaii resident and the applicant was physically operating on Oahu prior to March 10, 2026
- The applicant was registered with DCCA prior to March 10, 2026
- The applicant must be current in state and federal taxes
- The applicant sustained material, economic, or physical harm directly caused by the Kona Low storm event
- Claims must be from unmet storm related needs not already covered by insurance or other public/private recovery assistance
How to Apply
The application portal will open on Wednesday, September 9.
- Visit the application portal (link to be provided). No mail in applications will be accepted.
- Create an account.
- Complete the application thoroughly. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will not qualify.
- Grant awardees will be notified within 15 days of application completion.
Application forms & assistance will be available in Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, Hawaiian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
For questions or application assistance, contact (808)210-6839 or konalow@cochawaii.org.
Apply for an Oahu Kona Low Business Recovery Grant
Applications open on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. For questions or application assistance, contact (808)210-6839 or konalow@cochawaii.org.
Apply for a Grant
Grant applications open on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
For questions, contact (808)210-6839 or konalow@cochawaii.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can home-based businesses apply?
Yes, provided they meet all program eligibility requirements and were operating on Oahu before the storm.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Please see the requirements HERE [link to the portion on the website that lists it]
Can nonprofits apply?
No. The program is limited to eligible for-profit businesses.
I received insurance or other disaster assistance. Can I still apply?
How do I apply?
Applications will be submitted online through the program application portal. The portal will allow applicants to upload required documentation and track the status of their application.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, 11/15/26 11:59 p.m. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and grants will be distributed until funding is exhausted up to the application deadline. Funding is limited, so eligible businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
How are applications reviewed?
Applications undergo a multi-step review process to verify: business eligibility, required documentation, revenue information, storm-related impacts, and compliance with program requirements. Additional information may be requested if needed.
What if I’m missing the correct information/documentation in my application?
How long will it take to receive a decision?
When will grant payments be issued?
Approved grants are expected to be disbursed within 30 days after application approval.
What if my application is denied, and I do not agree with the decision?
Applicants may submit an appeal with additional documentation within 10 business days of receiving a denial notice. Appeals will undergo additional review before a final determination is made.
Will my personal and financial information be protected?
Yes. Applications are submitted through a secure online platform, and all applicant information is handled in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements.
Is assistance available if English is not my primary language?
What if I'd like to assist an eligible business owner with their application?
Thank you for your interest in supporting local businesses through this program! If you would like to see if you qualify to assist an applicant with the application process, please email tfetui@cochawaii.org for more information.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Call (808)210-6839 Monday thru Friday at 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays or email konalow@cochawaii.org.
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