Small Business Grants in Hawaii
Small business money in Hawaii comes mainly from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC). Grants are only part of it.
Small business money in Hawaii comes mainly from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC). Grants are only part of it. Every card carries its type and whether it is open. These programs support innovation, manufacturing, export development, and community-based economic growth across all islands.
Which Hawaii grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 11 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.
Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Loan Program
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
Loans of $50,000 to $125,000
RollingThis is a loan program, not a grant. CBED lends $50,000 to $125,000 to Hawaii small businesses that support economic development in their communities, with a focus on agriculture, food production, manufacturing and wholesaling. Terms run up to 10 years at 4 to 8 percent interest. You must have traded for at least two years and show a turn down from one financial institution.
Apply / Learn MoreInnovate 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.
Apply / Learn MoreHI-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.
Apply / Learn MoreHawaii Small Business Innovation Research Program (HSBIR)
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
$3,000–$500,000
Provides 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.
Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) Grant
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
$1,500–$100,000
Offers 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.
View program pageHawaii State Trade Expansion Program (HiSTEP)
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
Varies
Funded 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.
View program pageOffice of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Grants Program
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Varies
Supports 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.
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.
Learn moreSBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000, not grants. You borrow from a nonprofit lender near you, not from the SBA itself. The money can cover working capital, inventory, supplies or equipment. Most people get far less than the cap. The average microloan is about $13,000.
Learn moreSBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Eleven federal agencies take part. Phase I funds proof of concept. Phase II funds full development.
Learn moreMinority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Help for minority owned businesses that need capital, contracts or new markets. MBDA runs business centers around the country. They give advice, help with bids, and point you toward lenders.
Learn moreGet 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 sit inside USDA's rural service area, but the Rural Business Development Grant does not take for profit applicants, so a business reaches it only through a county or a non profit. The CBED Program also prioritizes community-based economic development projects in underserved rural areas across the islands.
- ›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.
Grants in Other States
All state grant guidesFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, Hawaii offers several true grant programs that do not need to be repaid. The Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Program (HSBIR) provides matching grants for companies with federal SBIR awards. The Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) reimburses up to 20% of qualified manufacturing expenses. The Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program also provides grants of up to $100,000 to organizations supporting community economic development.
The Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) Grant, administered by HTDC, is one of the most accessible state-level grants. It offers up to $100,000 in reimbursement for qualified manufacturing expenses, and the Hawaii State Legislature allocated $1 million for the program in fiscal year 2026. For tech-focused businesses, the HSBIR matching grant program is another popular option with awards ranging from $3,000 to $500,000.
Most Hawaii state grant programs, such as MAP and HSBIR, do not require minority or women-owned certification. However, programs through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) are specifically designed to serve Native Hawaiian communities. The HI-CAP Technical Assistance Program gives priority to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners. Contact the Hawaii SBDC for guidance on which certifications may benefit your business.
Timelines vary by program. For the MAP grant, applications are typically reviewed over 2 to 3 months after the submission deadline, with award notifications following shortly after. The HSBIR program also has an annual review cycle. Plan for at least 3 to 4 weeks just to complete your Hawaii Compliance Express registration, which is required before you can apply to most DBEDT and HTDC programs.
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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.
Questions about Hawaii small business grants
2 comments
Leilani K.
August 29, 2026
Every programme here seems to want a Certificate of Vendor Compliance. Is that something you sort out once you are selected, or before you can even apply?
Richard MooreGeekdiys team
Senior Finance & Banking Editor · August 30, 2026
Before you apply, and it is the most common reason a Hawaii application misses a deadline. Registration runs through Hawaii Compliance Express, and it checks that your business is registered to do business in the state and current on state and federal taxes. Allow three to four weeks. It is not instant, and it tends to surface a lapsed filing or an unpaid balance you had forgotten about. Most DBEDT and HTDC programmes, including MAP and HSBIR, will not take an application without a current certificate. So the practical move is to register now, whether or not a window is open, and keep the certificate current. Then a deadline that appears with six weeks of notice is one you can actually meet.
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