Hawaii Small Business Grants 2026: Complete Guide
Hawaii small businesses face unique challenges with high operating costs and geographic isolation, but benefit from $27.4 million in SSBCI funding, HTDC technology programs, and USDA programs available on neighbor islands. Hawaii's tourism, agriculture, and clean energy sectors have targeted grant programs.
Skip the research. Find your grants now.
GrantCrafter delivers a personalized grant report in 2 minutes.
Top Grant Programs for Hawaii Small Businesses
| Grant Program | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii SSBCI Programs | Up to $100,000 | HI small businesses | Rolling |
| HTDC High Technology Development | Up to $200,000 | HI technology companies | Annual |
| DBEDT Hawaii Innovation Initiative | Varies | HI innovation businesses | Annual |
| USDA Rural Development HI | Up to $500,000 | Rural HI businesses | Annual |
| USDA REAP Hawaii | Up to $1,000,000 | HI ag producers + small businesses | Annual |
| SBA Microloan Hawaii | Up to $50,000 | HI small businesses | Year-round |
| Hawaii Tourism Authority Grants | Varies | HI tourism-related businesses | Annual |
| CDFI Hawaii grants | Varies | Underserved HI businesses | Rolling |
Sources: HTDC htdc.org, DBEDT dbedt.hawaii.gov, USDA rd.usda.gov/hi
HTDC and Hawaii SSBCI Programs
The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) at htdc.org is Hawaii's primary technology and innovation business support agency.
Hawaii SSBCI ($27.4 million): Hawaii received $27.4 million in SSBCI funding, administered through DBEDT and partner lenders.
HTDC Programs: HTDC provides grants, technical assistance, and business development support for Hawaii technology companies. Programs include the Hawaii Innovation Initiative and connections to federal SBIR programs.
Hawaii Tourism Authority: For tourism-related businesses, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (hawaiitourismauthority.org) administers grant programs supporting sustainable tourism development.
USDA and Agricultural Programs in Hawaii
Hawaii's agricultural sector—including specialty crops, coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical fruits—has strong USDA program access.
USDA Rural Development Hawaii: Neighbor island businesses broadly qualify for USDA rural programs. Visit rd.usda.gov/hi.
USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant: Hawaii's specialty crops (coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical fruits) qualify for USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants administered through the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Hawaii SBDC and SCORE
The Hawaii SBDC (hawaii-sbdc.org) operates through the University of Hawaii with centers on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Free advising available across the islands.
SCORE Hawaii (score.org) has a chapter in Honolulu. Free mentoring available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants target Hawaii technology companies?
HTDC (htdc.org) provides grants and support for Hawaii technology companies. SBIR grants from federal agencies are available to Hawaii companies. Hawaii Innovation Initiative provides grants through DBEDT.
Are USDA programs available on the neighbor islands?
Yes—neighbor island communities broadly qualify as rural for USDA program purposes. USDA RBDG, REAP, and agricultural programs are available on all islands. Contact USDA RD Hawaii at rd.usda.gov/hi.
How much SSBCI funding did Hawaii receive?
Hawaii received $27.4 million in SSBCI funding. Contact DBEDT at dbedt.hawaii.gov for current capital access programs.
Where are Hawaii SBDC centers?
The Hawaii SBDC (hawaii-sbdc.org) has centers on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Free advising helps identify programs for your specific island business.
Ready to find your grants?
GrantCrafter delivers a personalized grant report for your business in 2 minutes. $49.99 — no subscription.
Get My Grant Report — $49.99 →