The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation allocates millions of dollars to local Hawaii programs, including the Maui Cookie Lady and the Maui Economic Development Commission. Photo provided.
State agencies under the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) have awarded nearly $6 million in grants to a wide range of businesses and programs in Hawaii, organizers announced Wednesday.
The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), an agency under DBEDT, reports that it has allocated funds to three separate grant programs focused primarily on promoting and developing Hawaii’s technology and manufacturing industries.
A cornerstone of HTDC's efforts is the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) grant, which has set aside $1.75 million to strengthen Hawaii's manufacturing industry. MAP grants reimburse up to 20% of eligible expenditures, up to $100,000, including equipment procurement, workforce training, energy efficiency projects and manufacturing feasibility studies. This strategic investment aims to increase Hawaii's manufacturers' global competitiveness and provide them with the resources they need to excel in today's dynamic market environment.
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The Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) Grant Program has allocated $2 million to support federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant recipients. Hawaii's SBIR Matching Grant Program, which began in 1988, is the longest running state-funded SBIR matching program in the nation. This financial support not only fosters innovation, but also increases the competitiveness of small businesses, fosters job growth and strengthens the state's economy.
HTDC demonstrated its commitment to developing entrepreneurial skills through its 2024 Accelerator and Small Business Training Program, which awarded $1.9 million to nine programs after a rigorous selection process. The program aims to provide extensive training and support to local businesses, an initiative designed to foster an environment that thrives on innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on enabling Hawaii-based businesses to thrive and succeed.
“We congratulate our MAP, SBIR and Accelerator grant recipients. These grants will fuel their efforts, spur growth in our local sector and serve as a catalyst to foster innovation,” said HTDC Interim Executive Director Wayne Inouye. “This infusion of funding is a vital step toward the sustainability and prosperity of Hawaii's small businesses.”
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For more information about HTDC and its grant programs, visit www.htdc.org.
SBIR Awardees
Phase I Company Awards:
Hawaii Biotech, Cloudstone Innovations*, MorphOptic*, Pacific Hybrid*, Simon Pietri Enterprises, YHome, Pacmar Technologies, Oceanit Laboratories, Visidus Technologies, Jun Innovations, and Naru Scientific.
Phase II Company Awards:
Hawaii Biotech, Symbrosia, Ocean Era, Experiad, Hawaii Ulu Producers Cooperative, MorphOptic, iFish, YHome, SimonPietri Enterprises, Interstel Technologies, Oceanit Laboratories, Nalu Scientific, H.N.U. Photonics, Hawaii Fish Company, and Packmar Technologies. Article continues below advertisement
Phase III Company Awards:
Referentia Systems Advanced Silicon Carbide Materials LLC*
*First-time SBIR participant
MAP Grant Recipients
COHI Inc. Mahalo Brewing Co. LLC (DBA Mahalo Aleworks)* Kealopiko Inc.* Aumakua Holdings Inc. Gypsy Juice LLC (DBA Maui Juice Co.)* Hawaii Sea Spirits LLC The Maui Cookie Lady* Maui Beverage Company LLC * British Hawaiian Industries Ltd. Hanalei Spirits Distillery Corp.* Kauai Fine Woodworking LLC* Koko Kai Foods LLC* Liko Lehua LLC* Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts Hawaiian Agricultural Products LLC (DBA Hawaiian Shochu Company)* Tradition Coffee Roasters* Tea Hawaii & Company* Manoa Honey Company LLC* Lonohana Estate Chocolate* Pop Culture Artisan Pops LLC* Pawniolo Pets* Omao Labs LLC (DBA Kauai Hemp Company)* Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee LLC MXCAL LLC (DBA Raiz Tortillas)* Oishii Family Restaurant LLC* Punahele Provisions PBC* Gourmet Barn LLC* SKY Kombucha LLC* Lanikai Mochi* Small Kine Farm Manu Brewing LLC* Kakilepo LLC* Aloha Edibles Inc. Lubrco LLC* Normal Corporation* Ba-Le Inc. (DBA La Tour Bakehouse) HNK Inc. (DBA Koha Foods)* Diamond Bakery Company Ltd. Hawaiian King Candies LLC Big Island Coffee Roasters* Paniolo Hardwoods LLC* Purdyco International Ltd.* FCH Enterprises Inc. Hawaii Candy Factory LLC* Edward Enterprises Inc. Samurai Inc.* Koloa Rum Company Advanced Silicon Carbide Materials LLC Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii LLC Okuhara Foods Inc. Hawai'i 'Ulu Producers Cooperative Waiakea Bottling Inc. Verde Restaurant LLC* Nippon Food Takeout & Catering Inc.* PD Technologies LLC* Simonpietri Enterprises LLC* Kauai Island Brewing Company Honolulu Beerworks LLC Manulele Distillers LLC Dana Labels Inc. Lanikai Brewing Company LLC Hawaii Beverage Manufacturing Company*
*First-time MAP participant
Accelerator and Small Business Training Awardees
Mana Up Labs LLC Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB)* Blue Startups XLR8HI Hawaii Chamber of Commerce* Decisive Point Impact Hub Purple Mai'a (Ka Maka ʻĪnana)* Purple Mai'a (Hawaiʻi FoundHer)
*First-time accelerator and small business training company
