Small Business Grants in Hawaii
Hawaii offers more than 10 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC).
In This Article
Which Hawaii grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Hawaii Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Hawaii small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Program (HSBIR)
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
$3,000–$500,000
RollingProvides matching grants to Hawaii-based companies that receive federal SBIR awards. Phase I matching grants cover up to 50% of the federal award (up to $75,000), while Phase II/III awards provide up to $500,000. A Phase 0 Grant of up to $3,000 is available to help first-time applicants prepare competitive proposals.
Status check, Applications for FY26 are closed. Grant applications will open again in Fall 2026. Program provides matching grants for companies with federal SBIR/STTR awards.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) Grant
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
$1,500–$100,000
RollingOffers Hawaii-based manufacturers up to a 20% reimbursement on qualified expenses including equipment purchases, workforce training, energy efficiency projects, and feasibility studies. The Hawaii State Legislature allocated $1 million for this program in fiscal year 2026.
Status check, Page states Applications Are Now Closed for FY26. Award notifications were expected in May 2026. No information about future application periods is provided.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 11, 2026
Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program (HiSTEP)
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
Varies
RollingFunded by the U.S. SBA, HiSTEP provides export development support including training, counseling, trade show participation, and direct financial assistance to help Hawaii small businesses enter and expand into international markets. The program has generated an estimated $258 million in economic impact since its inception.
Status check, The 2026 HiSTEP Registration is open for the Export Readiness and Go Global programs. However, Company Assistance (HiSTEP-CA) states no applications are currently being accepted until a grant is awarded.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 17, 2026
Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
Up to $100,000
RollingProvides grants, loans, and technical assistance to community-based organizations and small businesses that support economic development in their communities. Grants are available for up to $100,000 per applicant.
Status check, The program is active with no posted deadline, and DBEDT describes it as an ongoing loan program. A March 2025 news article confirms recent grant awards, and no closure or pause language was found. Contact DBEDT for current availability.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Grants Program
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Varies
RollingSupports Hawaii-based nonprofit organizations with projects that serve Native Hawaiian communities. Applicants must be registered to do business in Hawaii and hold a current Certificate of Vendor Compliance from Hawaii Compliance Express.
Status check, Multiple grant programs are active. FY27 Mālama Honua Grant for Nonprofits opens July 6, 2026. Two disaster recovery programs are currently accepting applications through the OHA Disaster Aid Portal.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Innovate Hawaii (Manufacturing Extension Partnership)
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
Varies
RollingA federal program administered by HTDC that brings best practices to small and medium-sized manufacturing and pre-manufacturing businesses at an affordable cost. Provides technical assistance, SBIR/STTR grant support, and industry-specific consulting across multiple sectors.
Status check, HTDC officially announced discontinuation of federal NIST MEP funding for Innovate Hawaii as of May 16, 2025. The HTDC board approved ending federal funding and associated activities. No open application process or deadline exists.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
HI-CAP Technical Assistance Program (SSBCI)
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
Varies
RollingFunded by the U.S. Treasury through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, this program provides free legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to very small businesses (10 employees or fewer) and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.
Status check, Program provides technical assistance services to Hawaii small businesses through SSBCI funding. Page lists available services and partner organizations. No deadline specified, appears to be ongoing.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 11, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Hawaii grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Hawaii grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Hawaii.
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Hawaii has strong support for technology and innovation businesses through the HSBIR program, which provides matching grants to companies with federal SBIR awards. HTDC also offers incubator space, accelerator programs, and networking opportunities for tech startups.
- ›Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Program (HSBIR)
- ›Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
Minority-owned Business Grants
Native Hawaiian-owned businesses can access grants through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the CBED Program, which actively supports Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs. The Hawaii MBDA Business Center also provides resources for minority-owned businesses.
- ›Office of Hawaiian Affairs Grants Program
- ›CBED Program
- ›Hawaii MBDA Business Center
Women-owned Business Grants
Women entrepreneurs in Hawaii can access free business advising through the Hawaii SBDC and may qualify for the Patsy Mink Center's resources for starting and growing a business. National programs like IFundWomen also serve Hawaii-based women-owned businesses.
- ›Hawaii SBDC
- ›Patsy Mink Center
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veterans in Hawaii can receive additional business assistance through the Veterans' Business Outreach Center. National programs such as the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant also provide funding to veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned businesses.
- ›Veterans' Business Outreach Center
- ›SBA Hawaii District Office
Rural Business Grants
Hawaii's neighbor island communities qualify for rural development support through USDA programs including Rural Business Development Grants. The CBED Program also prioritizes community-based economic development projects in underserved rural areas across the islands.
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- ›CBED Program
Tips for Applying in Hawaii
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register with Hawaii Compliance Express and obtain a current Certificate of Vendor Compliance (CVC) before applying. This is required for most state grant programs and registration can take 3 to 4 weeks.
- 2Ensure your business is registered to do business in the State of Hawaii and current on all state and federal tax liabilities, as these are baseline eligibility requirements for HTDC and DBEDT programs.
- 3For MAP grants, confirm your NAICS code begins with 31, 32, or 33 (manufacturing classification) and obtain a Dun and Bradstreet number before submitting your application.
- 4Contact the Hawaii SBDC for free, confidential business advising to strengthen your grant applications, develop business plans, and identify funding opportunities across all islands.
- 5Watch for annual application windows. MAP grants typically open in the fall with a December or February deadline, and HSBIR awards cycle annually. Subscribe to HTDC and DBEDT newsletters to receive timely announcements.
State Economic Development Agency
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawaii's primary resource center for economic development, providing grants, technical assistance, and business support programs to help small businesses start, grow, and compete globally.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Hawaii can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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