Last Updated: November 6, 2026
Looking for business grants for women in Hawaii? Start with the type of work you do and the island where you work. Hawaii has funds for research, food and farm work, making goods, and selling goods overseas. There is also a grant program built for local women founders.
But most grants are not open all year. As of October 31, 2026, only some programs on this list are taking new requests. Some have closed their latest round. Others must wait for more funds. This guide shows what each program does, who may apply, and what to do next.
Can women in Hawaii apply for these grants?
Yes, if they meet each program’s rules. Some funds are for women. Most state and county funds serve all owners who meet the terms. A woman can still apply. Your island, trade, business stage, and planned costs may matter more than your gender.
First, check whether the fund accepts for-profit businesses, sole owners, or only certain groups. Some grants pay back approved costs after you buy an item. Others give cash as part of a training program. A grant is not a loan, but its funds still come with rules. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s grant guide makes clear that the SBA does not offer general grants to start or grow a shop.
Read our grant eligibility guide before you apply.
9 grant programs and funding paths to check
1. Hawaiʻi FoundHer: for local women founders
Status: 2026 applications closed. Hawaiʻi FoundHer runs a six-month program for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian women who build businesses in Hawaii. The Pae ʻĀina track serves women across the state and many fields. The Kapalili track serves founders on Hawaiʻi Island who work in farming, food making, or local food systems.
The program lists a $20,000 grant that does not take a share of the business, plus a $4,000 ʻohana care stipend. It also offers mentors and classes. Check the full rules. FoundHer says to watch for 2027 news; no new deadline is set.
2. Manufacturing Assistance Program: for makers
Status: FY2026 round closed. The Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) helps Hawaii businesses that make products. The state can pay back up to 20% of approved costs, up to $100,000. This is a cost-share grant, not money for any business bill.
Eligible firms must be registered in Hawaii, be up to date on state taxes, meet Hawaii Compliance Express rules, and have a manufacturing code that starts with 31, 32, or 33. Costs may include making equipment, equipment training, and certain energy upgrades. Stock, wages, and daily costs do not qualify. Save bills and proof of payment. No new opening date is posted.
3. Hawaii SBIR grants: for research-led firms
Status: FY2027 Phase 0 and I applications open. The Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research program (HSBIR) backs firms that develop new science or tools. The state Phase I grant can match up to 50% of a recent federal SBIR or STTR award, with a $75,000 cap. Phase 0 may pay back up to $3,000 in costs tied to preparing an initial federal grant request.
For Phase I, your firm must be registered and in good standing in Hawaii, do project work there, and have an active federal SBIR or STTR grant from the past 12 months. It is not for most shops. The FY2027 window runs from October 23 to December 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Check the rules for each phase.
4. HiSTEP Company Assistance: for export growth
Status: applications not being accepted. The HiSTEP Company Assistance program helps Hawaii firms reach buyers abroad. Its New to Export path lists requests of up to $5,000. Its Market Expansion path lists up to $15,000 and calls for at least $200,000 in yearly sales.
Funds support exports, not rent or payroll. The state says the program awaits federal approval. The amounts are not open for requests now.
5. Kauaʻi Innovation Grants: for local projects
Status: FY2027 round closed August 6, 2026. Kauaʻi County’s Innovation Grants back projects that solve a clear need on Kauaʻi. Past focus areas include small business, food and farms, making goods, tech, art, and jobs. County news says grants in the latest round could reach $50,000.
Show how the work helps Kauaʻi. Read the county rules to see who can apply. Watch for the next call.
6. Maui Agricultural Micro Grant: for small farms
Status: 2026 round closed February 15. Maui Economic Opportunity’s Agricultural Micro Grant offered up to $25,000 in its 2026 round. It served small food farms of 12 acres or less and stock ranches of up to 40 acres in Maui County. Applicants needed a Hawaii general excise tax license dating to July 1, 2025.
The program gave preference to women and Native Hawaiians. Some funds were set aside for flower, plant, and lei farms. Allowed costs included tools, farm buildings, storage, and supplies. Ask the team about a future round before writing a full request.
7. Maui County agriculture grants: for farm growth
Status: check each grant; key FY2027 rounds are closed. The Maui County Department of Agriculture grant page lists several funds. Its general agriculture grants cover some work by farmers, ranchers, and farm groups, such as growing a farm or fixing damage. The FY2027 general round closed July 22, 2026.
The county also listed a Niu, Kalo, and ʻUlu grant for growers of coconut, taro, and breadfruit. That round closed October 23, 2026. Other county food grants may be limited to health care groups or local groups, not a single farmer. Read each grant’s rules. Not all are for a single farm.
8. Kona Low Business Recovery Grant: for storm loss
Status: closed August 31, 2026. Hawaii County set up a Kona Low Business Recovery Grant after storms in March 2026. The county offered $5,000 for firms with annual sales of $250,000 or less, and $10,000 for firms with sales above that amount up to $5 million.
It was for non-farm firms with a real site in Hawaii County before March 13, 2026, and proof of storm harm or lost trade. Firms had to have 500 or fewer staff and an unmet need. This was a one-time recovery round. Ask the county about current aid.
9. Amber Grant: a national option for women
Status: monthly applications. Women in Hawaii may also use the Amber Grant run by WomensNet. Its rules cover women age 18 or older who own at least half of a business based in the United States or Canada. Idea-stage businesses can apply. The program now lists three $15,000 grants per month, plus three $75,000 year-end awards to selected monthly winners.
The online form asks about your business and your plans. One form puts you in the grant types that fit your firm. There is a $15 fee, but WomensNet offers a way to ask for a fee waiver before you apply. Read the official rules. The October 2026 round closes October 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
How to choose the right program
Start with one clear goal. Makers can check MAP; labs can check HSBIR. Farm owners can watch Maui grants. Early-stage women may look at FoundHer or Amber Grant.
Then read the rules for your business type, island, and costs. A grant for export trips will not pay for a new store lease. A county grant may also ask you to show public good. Our guide to business impact can help you explain that goal in plain words.
Fees, limits, and how to apply
Most county and state grant pages do not list a charge to submit an application. Still, your costs may include staff time, vendor quotes, travel, and keeping records. Some grants pay only after you spend your own money. MAP is one such program. Amber Grant is different: it lists a $15 application fee and a waiver path. Read about the costs of grant applications before you commit.
For any program, take these steps:
- Open the funder’s own website and read the current rules.
- Check your business type, place, stage, and eligible costs.
- Note the close date and the time zone.
- Make a budget with clear prices and a reason for each cost.
- Gather only the files that the funder asks for.
- Send the form through the named site and save your receipt.
Use our grant application checklist to plan your files. If the form asks what the grant will buy, see how to explain the use of funds. Keep a short list of your deadlines with our grant deadline calendar guide.
What if a grant is closed or you do not qualify?
You can still take a useful step. The Hawaii Small Business Development Center gives no-cost business advice on plans, cash flow, and funding. The Patsy T. Mink Center offers counseling at no or low cost.
You might also look at an SBA microloan. This is a loan you must pay back, not free cash. The SBA Microloan Program lists loans of up to $50,000 through local lenders. If your firm has made no sales, read our guide to grants for businesses with no revenue before you rule yourself out.
How to avoid grant scams
No one can promise you a grant win. Do not send money to a person who says they can release federal grant funds. Grants.gov warns that federal grant applications do not have a fee. A real private grant may have its own stated fee, so check the actual program owner, not a social media message. Never send tax forms or bank details to an unknown contact.
Frequently asked questions
Are there grants only for women in Hawaii?
Yes. FoundHer is built for women from named local communities. The Amber Grant is open to eligible women across the United States and Canada. Most Hawaii public grants are not only for women.
Can I apply with no sales yet?
Some grants allow that. Amber Grant accepts idea-stage businesses. Other programs need proof of trade, a tax license, or a past federal award. Always check the terms.
Which Hawaii grant can I apply for now?
As checked on October 31, 2026, Hawaii HSBIR Phase 0 and Phase I have a window through December 11, 2026. Amber Grant has monthly rounds. These are for very different types of firms.
Do grants pay for any business cost?
No. Many pay only for named work or items. MAP can pay back part of approved costs. Some farm grants limit spending to farm needs. Read each expense rule before buying.
Is an SBA loan the same as a grant?
No. A loan must be paid back under its terms. A grant is not usually repaid if you follow its rules, but it can still require reports or proof of spending.
Your next step
Pick one program that fits your work. If it is open, read the rules and start with the files it names. If it is closed, save the official link and check back. A short call with a Hawaii business adviser can also help you find an option that fits your needs. You do not need to apply for all nine to make progress.
Last Updated: November 6, 2026
