Small Business Revitalization Grants Offered on Lānaʻi

Lana’i file image, by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development announced a second-round grant assistance program designed for small businesses on Lānaʻi.

The “Small Business Revitalization” program is designed to assist small businesses on Lānaʻi that have fewer than 10 employees, with 40/60 matching grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Under the grant guidelines, applicants are given $60 in matching funds for every lump sum of $40 they contribute.

The deadline to apply for grants is Sept. 2, 2014.  Applications are available at the County of Maui website under the “Grants Awards” tab on the Office of Economic Development page. Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] and if sent via US mail, should be postmarked by the September 2 deadline.

“This program is very innovative because it allows each applicant to determine exactly what they need in their business and gives them a great opportunity and low-cost way to make it happen,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa in a county press release. “We appreciate Pulama Lānaʻi for partnering with us to help our small businesses.”

“This second round of funding has been made possible through a generous $20,000 donation by Pulama Lānaʻi,” said OED Director Teena Rasmussen in the announcement. “Through the success of the first round that was offered last year, Pulama Lānaʻi was enthusiastic about participating again,” she said.

Lānaʻi Council Member Riki Hokama also expressed support for the program saying, “Small business is the heart of our economy and a job creator.”

Under the program, the grants can be used for purchasing new equipment, renovation, websites, marketing material, or other purposes to help the business grow, prosper and create jobs.

Non-profit entities are not eligible to apply.