Hawaii Business Pivot Grant Now Open for Applications (October 22, 2020)

Summary

A press release dated October 22, 2020 announces that the Hawaii Business Pivot Grant program opened its application portal for eligible Hawaii businesses and non-profits. The program, a partnership of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii funded by federal CARES Act appropriations, will distribute $25 million in grants and training support, giving about 2,500 small businesses reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 for changes to operations, such as e-commerce, reconfigured workspaces and safety equipment. Applicants must be registered in Hawaii with fewer than 100 employees, operate in a physical commercial space (home-based businesses are not eligible), have suffered economic injury from COVID-19 and have been in business before March 20, 2020. Applications stay open until November 23, 2020, as funds are available.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2020

Contact: Kaitlin Arita-Chang,
808-281-8156 (mobile), karita-chang@cochawaii.org

               Hawaii Business Pivot Grant Now Open for Applications

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Business Pivot Grant program today opened its application portal for
eligible Hawaii businesses and non-profits. The grants will distribute $25 million in grants and
training support to struggling small businesses in Hawaii to help them adjust to marketplace
changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will provide approximately 2,500 small businesses with reimbursement grants to
cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations,
products and services. Click here to access the application portal.

The Hawaii Business Pivot Program is a partnership between the Department of Business,
Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

“As Hawaii businesses and non-profit organizations continue to pivot and adjust operations to
survive, this grant could not come at a more critical time,” Sherry Menor-McNamara, President
& CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said. “We encourage all eligible businesses and non-
profits to apply for the reimbursement grant and take advantage of valuable educational
opportunities that are provided through this program.”

“Businesses have had to face a lot of challenges as a result of Covid-19. The Hawaii Business
Pivot Grant Program will enable Hawaii companies to be responsive to the changing
environment and better serve their employees and clientele in a safe and responsible way,”
Dennis Ling, administrator Business Development and Support Division of DBEDT said.
Funded by federal CARES Act appropriations, the program provides qualifying businesses
reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred since March 20, 2020, including investing in e-
commerce, reconfiguring workspaces, adding safety equipment and implementing new
business processes.

The grant application will remain open until November 23, 2020, as funds are available.

In addition to the grant reimbursement, the Hawaii Business Pivot Programs offers technical
assistance to companies through workshops, training, and consultant resources as they adjust
their operations. Click here to sign up for workshops.

Hawaii businesses who can provide pivot services are also encouraged to apply to the online
marketplace for companies to access products and services to support operational changes,
and these costs will be eligible for reimbursement under the grant program. Click here to sign
up for the marketplace.

Overview of Hawaii Business Pivot Grant eligibility requirements:

To qualify for the grant, businesses and non-profits must meet the following criteria:
   • Be registered in the State of Hawaii and have fewer than 100 employees;
   • Operate in a physical commercial space in Hawaii; home-based businesses are not
       eligible;
   • Have suffered economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
   • Submit eligible expenses incurred after March 20, 2020 or eligible physical distancing
       measures incurred Oct. 1, 2020;
   • Been in business prior to March 20, 2020.

About the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
As the “Voice of Business” in Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is a statewide, non-
profit organization whose mission is to serve as the advocate for business in Hawaii. A recipient
of the national ACCE Chamber of the Year Award in 2018, the Chamber’s 4Hawaii efforts serves
its 2,000+ member organizations and the business community under the pillars of Economy,
Environment, Education and Entrepreneurship. The Chamber advocates on behalf of business;
supports its members with training, business building and networking opportunities; and serves
as a liaison between civilian and military communities, working to enhance the quality of life for
the citizens of Hawaii. Visit cochawaii.org.

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development
opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s
mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive,
dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached
agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable
workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job
growth.
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