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Maui Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Secure Up to $25,000 in Grant Funding Before July 10, 2026

·7 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) has opened applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Makahiki Grant Program, offering potential funding of $5,000 to $25,000 for eligible businesses and non-profits. Eligible entities on Maui must submit applications by 5 p.m. on July 10, 2026, to access these funds for operational support and growth initiatives.

  • Small Business Operators & Entrepreneurs: Potential injection of $5k-$25k for operating costs, equipment, or expansion.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Funding for equipment, infrastructure, or market development.
  • Deadline: July 10, 2026.
  • Action: Prepare and submit your grant application by the deadline.

Action Required

High PriorityBefore July 10, 2026

The application period closes on July 10, 2026, meaning eligible parties must act quickly to apply for funds.

Maui businesses and entrepreneurs seeking funding must prepare and submit Makahiki Grant Program applications by 5:00 PM on July 10, 2026, to secure potential awards of $5,000 to $25,000 for operational support and growth.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsEntrepreneurs & StartupsAgriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Grant funding → increased business investment → job creation → higher local wages → improved consumer spending
  • →Support for agriculture → enhanced local food production → reduced import reliance → greater food security
  • →Economic stimulus → greater demand for local services → potential for higher operating costs for some businesses
Stunning aerial view of Honolulu showcasing its vibrant skyline and urban landscape.
Photo by Cyrill

Maui Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Secure Up to $25,000 in Grant Funding Before July 10, 2026

This briefing outlines the immediate opportunity presented by the Fiscal Year 2027 Makahiki Grant Program. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is critical for Maui-based businesses and organizations seeking to bolster their financial capacity and drive growth. Failure to act by the July 10, 2026 deadline will result in missing out on direct financial support.

The Change

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED), in partnership with the County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources, has launched the application period for the FY27 Makahiki Grant Program. This initiative aims to provide financial awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible businesses and non-profit organizations operating on Maui. The primary objective of the grants is to support economic development, foster innovation, and enhance the operational resilience of local enterprises. The application window is officially open and closes promptly at 5 p.m. on July 10, 2026. Interested parties are advised to consult the official program guidelines for specific use of funds and detailed eligibility requirements.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators

For small business operators across Maui, including retail shops, restaurants, and service providers, the Makahiki Grant Program presents a significant opportunity to secure non-repayable funds. Awards can range from $5,000 to $25,000, directly impacting their ability to manage operating costs, invest in new equipment, improve facilities, or hire additional staff. This funding can be particularly crucial for businesses recovering from economic fluctuations or those looking to expand their services. The tight application deadline requires immediate attention to gather necessary documentation and prepare a compelling proposal.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Entrepreneurs and startup founders on Maui can leverage this grant to inject vital capital into their burgeoning ventures. The funds can be allocated towards product development, market research, technology acquisition, or scaling operational capacity. For early-stage companies where access to traditional financing may be challenging, this grant offers a valuable pathway to secure seed or growth funding without incurring debt. The grant's focus on economic development aligns with the growth objectives of most startups, making it a key consideration for those in their formative or expansion phases.

Agriculture & Food Producers

Maui's agricultural sector and local food producers stand to benefit substantially from the Makahiki Grant Program. Funds can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing new farming equipment, upgrading processing facilities, investing in sustainable practices, expanding land cultivation, or developing new market channels for their products. For producers facing rising input costs or logistical challenges, this grant offers a critical financial lifeline to enhance productivity and market reach, directly supporting Hawaii's food security initiatives and local economy.

Second-Order Effects

For Maui, the successful distribution of the Makahiki Grants can foster a more resilient and diversified local economy. Increased funding for small businesses and agricultural producers can lead to job creation and higher local wages, indirectly boosting consumer spending. Furthermore, grants supporting agricultural innovation or food production infrastructure can enhance local food security, potentially reducing reliance on imports and stabilizing food prices for residents. This, in turn, could make Maui a more attractive location for small business operators and entrepreneurs looking for a supportive economic ecosystem.

What to Do

Small Business Operators & Entrepreneurs

  1. Information Gathering (Immediate): Visit the County of Maui OED website and the Department of ʻŌiwi Resources website for the official FY27 Makahiki Grant Program announcement and guidelines. Understand the specific eligibility requirements, allowable expenses, and required documentation.
  2. Assistance Identification (By June 28, 2026): Identify any business advisors, non-profit support organizations, or county resources that can assist with grant writing. Early engagement with these resources is crucial given the deadline.
  3. Application Preparation (By July 5, 2026): Begin compiling all necessary documentation, including business registration, financial statements, project proposals, and any letters of support. Tailor your application to clearly demonstrate how the grant will contribute to economic development and operational sustainability on Maui.
  4. Submission (Before July 10, 2026, 5:00 PM): Ensure your complete application is submitted electronically through the designated portal well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Agriculture & Food Producers

  1. Review Program Guidelines (Immediate): Thoroughly examine the grant program's specific objectives and eligibility criteria, focusing on how they align with agricultural or food production needs. Pay close attention to any stipulations regarding land use, sustainability practices, or support for local supply chains.
  2. Project Planning (By June 28, 2026): Clearly define the project or operational improvement that the grant funding will support. Quantify the expected outcomes, such as increased yield, reduced costs, or expanded market access. Prepare a detailed budget outlining how the requested funds will be utilized.
  3. Documentation Assembly (By July 5, 2026): Gather all required supporting documents, which may include farm/business registration, financial records, operational plans, and any necessary permits or certifications related to your agricultural or food production activities.
  4. Application Submission (Before July 10, 2026, 5:00 PM): Submit the finalized application through the county's online portal, ensuring all fields are completed accurately and all supporting documents are attached. Double-check submission confirmation.

Note: While the grant aims to support economic development, it is essential to verify if there are specific allocations or preferences for certain sectors within the broader eligibility criteria.

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