$100,000 Grant Secured for Maui Business Connect Program

A $100,000 federal grant has been secured for the Maui Economic Development Board’s creation of a Maui Business Connect program.

The federal funding from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration was announced today by US Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaiʻi).

“The more new businesses get started and grow, the more we can diversify the local economy, creating new opportunities and good paying jobs on Maui for years to come,” said Sen. Hirono. “It is my hope that this federal funding will help MEDB support more small businesses as they succeed, grow, and scale into larger businesses, and that those entrepreneurs inspire others who may not have thought about starting a small business to take a chance.”

“This EDA grant will allow us to expand our business development mentoring and counseling to target businesses that are past the ‘startup’ phase and are poised to scale, but need additional technical assistance and coaching to achieve the next level. These businesses are the job creators who will fuel our economy and MEDB’s goal is to offer programs to increase their probability of success,” said Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO of the Maui Economic Development Board.

The Maui Business Connect is a pilot program for small business training, mentoring, and networking that will focus on growing local businesses in Maui County. The initiative will connect innovative businesses in the agriculture, creative, and health care industries.

With the assistance of EDA funding, the Maui Business Connect program is designed to help diversify the local economy and create jobs throughout the region. It is estimated that EDA funding in the program will result in 79 jobs created, 19 jobs saved, and $5.53 million in private investment leveraged, according to Sen. Hirono.

Founded in 1982, MEDB is a nonprofit organization and coalition of public, private and nonprofit partners focused on building a supportive business climate throughout Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.