Here is a list of grants that are available to apply for in the United States that assist Hawaiian women to start a small business in Hawaii:
Amber Grant: This grant is offered by WomensNet, a website that helps women find funding for their businesses. The grant awards $10,000 every month to one or more women-owned businesses, and one of the monthly winners receives an additional $25,000 at the end of the year. The grant is open to women from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry. The application process is simple and requires answering a few questions about the business and its goals.
Amber Grant: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/free-grant-tips-hawaii/
Women’s Fund of Hawaii Grant: This grant is offered by the Women’s Fund of Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that supports programs that empower women and girls in Hawaii. The grant awards up to $10,000 twice a year to nonprofit organizations or individuals that provide services or opportunities for women and girls in areas such as education, health, economic justice, leadership, and violence prevention. The grant is open to applicants from any island in Hawaii and any field of interest.
Women’s Fund of Hawaii Grant: https://womensfundhawaii.org/apply-for-a-grant/
Hawaii Community Foundation Grants: This grant is offered by the Hawaii Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports various causes and communities in Hawaii. The grant awards various amounts of funding to nonprofit organizations or individuals that address issues such as education, environment, health, arts and culture, human services, and community development. The grant has different programs and deadlines throughout the year and is open to applicants from any island in Hawaii and any sector.
Hawaii Community Foundation Grants: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/grants
Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Grants: This grant is offered by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, a state agency that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in Hawaii. The grant awards up to $500,000 to small businesses that conduct research and development projects that have commercial potential and address national or state needs. The grant is open to businesses from any island in Hawaii and any industry that aligns with federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, or the National Institutes of Health.
Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Grants: https://www.htdc.org/sbir/
Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program Grants: This grant is offered by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism of Hawaii, a state agency that supports economic development and diversification in Hawaii. The grant awards up to $10,000 to small businesses that want to expand their export markets or enter new ones. The grant covers expenses such as travel costs, trade show fees, marketing materials, and website development. The grant is open to businesses from any island in Hawaii and any industry.
Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program Grants: https://invest.hawaii.gov/exporting/histep/
Hawaii Energy Grants: This grant is offered by Hawaii Energy, a public-private partnership that administers energy efficiency programs for electric utility customers in Hawaii. The grant awards various amounts of funding to businesses that implement energy-saving measures or projects that reduce their energy consumption and costs. The grant covers expenses such as equipment purchases, installation costs, audits, and training. The grant is open to businesses from Oahu, Maui County (including Molokai and Lanai), or Hawaii Island and any industry.
Hawaii Energy Grants: https://hawaiienergy.com/for-business/empower-grant
Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation Grants: This grant is offered by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, a nonprofit organization that represents and advocates for farmers and ranchers in Hawaii. The grant awards up to $5,000 to farmers or ranchers who want to start or expand their agricultural operations or diversify their products. The grant covers expenses such as equipment purchases, land preparation, irrigation systems, fencing, seeds, plants, animals, feed, fertilizer, pesticides, marketing materials, and certification fees. The grant is open to farmers or ranchers from any island in Hawaii and any type of agriculture.
Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation Grants: https://hfbf.org/grants/
Hawaii People’s Fund Grants: This grant is offered by the Hawaii People’s Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports grassroots groups and movements that work for social justice and change in Hawaii. The grant awards up to $10,000 to groups or individuals that address issues such as human rights, environmental justice,
economic justice, cultural diversity,
peace, and democracy.
The grant covers expenses such as staff salaries, travel costs, office supplies,
printing costs, and event costs.
The grant is open to groups or individuals from any island in Hawaii and any field of interest.
Hawaii People’s Fund Grants: https://www.hawaiipeoplesfund.org/urgent-action-grants/
Hawaii Tourism Authority Grants: This grant is offered by the Hawaii Tourism Authority,
a state agency that manages tourism programs and initiatives in Hawaii.
The grant awards various amounts of funding to organizations or individuals
that promote or enhance the tourism industry in Hawaii.
The grant covers expenses such as event production, marketing, research, education, and training.
The grant has different programs
and deadlines throughout the year and is open to applicants from any island in Hawaii and any sector related to tourism.
Hawaii Tourism Authority Grants: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/rfps/
Cartier Women’s Initiative Award: This award is offered by Cartier, a luxury brand that supports women entrepreneurs who are leading social enterprises that address global challenges. The award recognizes 21 women-owned businesses every year and provides them with financial support, mentoring, networking, and visibility. The award is open to businesses from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry that has a positive social or environmental impact.
Cartier Women’s Initiative Award: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program: This program is offered by the Tory Burch Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers women entrepreneurs through access to capital, education, and mentorship. The program selects 50 women-owned businesses every year and provides them with a $5,000 grant, a one-year fellowship, online workshops, networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch for a $100,000 grant. The program is open to businesses from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry that has been in operation for at least one year.
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program: https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/fellows/
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: This contest is offered by FedEx, a delivery service company that supports small businesses that have a compelling story and a positive impact. The contest awards up to $50,000 to 12 small businesses every year based on public voting and judging criteria. The contest is open to businesses from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry that have been in operation for at least six months.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: https://smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com/
Open Meadows Foundation Grants: This grant is offered by the Open Meadows Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds projects that are led by and benefit women and girls. The grant awards up to $2,000 to projects that promote gender, racial, and economic justice. The grant is open to applicants from any state, including Hawaii, and any field of interest that have limited financial access.
Open Meadows Foundation Grants: http://www.openmeadows.org/
The Halstead Grant: This grant is offered by Halstead, a jewelry supply company that supports emerging jewelry artists who work with silver. The grant awards $7,500 in cash and $1,000 in merchandise to one winner every year and $500 in merchandise to 10 finalists. The grant also provides feedback, exposure, and mentorship to the applicants. The grant is open to jewelry artists from any state, including Hawaii, who have started their silver jewelry business in the last three years.
The Halstead Grant: https://grant.halsteadbead.com/
Idea Cafe Small Business Grant: This grant is offered by Idea Cafe,
a website that provides information and resources for small business owners. The grant awards $1,000 in cash and advertising credits to one winner every year based on public voting and judging criteria.
The grant also provides publicity
and recognition to the applicants. The grant is open to small businesses from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry that have an innovative idea or solution.
Idea Cafe Small Business Grant: https://www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/index.php
Red Backpack Fund: This fund is offered by Spanx, a clothing company that supports women entrepreneurs who are overcoming challenges and creating opportunities. The fund awards $5,000 to 1,000 women-owned businesses every year based on eligibility criteria and random selection. The fund also provides access to online resources and networking opportunities to the recipients. The fund is open to businesses from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Red Backpack Fund: https://globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund/
Nav’s Small Business Grant: This grant is offered by Nav, a website that helps small business owners manage their credit and access financing. The grant awards up to $10,000 to one winner every quarter based on public voting and judging criteria. The grant also provides exposure and promotion to the applicants. The grant is open to small businesses from any state, including Hawaii, and any industry that have been in operation for at least six months.
Nav’s Small Business Grant : https://www.nav.com/business-grant-contest/
Zions Bank Smart Women Grants: This grant is offered by Zions Bank,
a financial institution that supports women entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities. The grant awards $3,000 to six women-owned businesses or nonprofits every year that focus on one of the following categories: business development, community development, continuing education,child or elder care,health or human services, or arts or culture. The grant is open to applicants from Utah or Idaho only.
Zions Bank Smart Women Grants: https://www.zionsbank.com/personal-banking/about-us/donation-policy/

