‘New Money for Your Business’ Session Jan. 6

Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and its High Technology Development Corporation agency will hold information sessions on new funding programs for technology and manufacturing companies.

“New Money for Your Business,” to be held on Hawai‘i Island, Maui and Kaua‘i, is aimed at helping companies grow.

DBEDT’s Hawai‘i State Trade Export Promotion Program focuses on growing the state’s export industry by offering an integrated business development approach carried out in three stages:

1. The Export Readiness Program prepares Hawai‘i companies to expand their export market development.
2. The Assistance Program funds costs associated with export market development.
3. Hawai‘i Pavilions offers a platform for businesses to showcase their products on the international stage, via a series of trade shows throughout Asia and the US.

More information on the HiSTEP program and links to applications can be found online.

HTDC’s new program providing free assistance, the Neighbor Island Innovation Initiative (NI3), will offer business and technical help and mentorship that is not readily available to technology-related small businesses on the neighbor islands with the goal of helping advance them in product development, sales or investment. Eligible companies must have fewer than 16 employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue.

The sessions will also be announcing information on new grant programs, including:

· Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research grants to develop new technologies and innovations. The state’s grant fund is expanding Phase II and Phase III awards to match up to 50 percent up to $500,000.

· Manufacturing Assistance Program grants that offer a 20 percent reimbursement, up to $100,000, on purchasing manufacturing equipment, training and energy-efficiency projects.

· Hawaii Office of Naval Research grants that offer up to 50 percent matching funds for alternative energy research and development projects.

“We are continuing to work on growing jobs, raising incomes, and cultivating innovation, said DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria. “Supporting the growth of technology businesses and entrepreneurship on the Neighbor Islands are key factors in raising the profile of tech and innovation throughout the state.”

“As more companies grow their business with the help of valuable resources and funding, they will be providing much-needed high-tech jobs that will help us reach our 80/80 goal: the creation of 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs paying $80,000 or more by 2030,” said Robbie Melton, CEO and executive director of HTDC.

SESSION SCHEDULE

Maui

(Includes grand opening of Maui Research & Technology Center co-working space)
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016
4–7 p.m.
Maui Research & Technology Center
590 Līpoa Parkway
Kīhei

Hawai‘i Island

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016
9–11 a.m.
NELHA Gateway Center
73-4460 Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway
Kailua-Kona

Monday, Jan. 11, 2016
4–6 p.m.
County of Hawai‘i
Aupuni Center Conference Room
101 Pauahi St.
Hilo

Kaua‘i

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Ha Coffee Bar
4180 Rice St.
Līhu‘e