The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, or HTDC, is seeking applicants for two grant programs — one for small research and development companies, and the other targeting local manufacturers.
HTDC said in a statement issued Tuesday that applications for the Small Business Innovation Research grants and the Manufacturing Assistance Program grant are due Dec. 23.
The Small Business Innovation Research grants are for companies that are working on projects that have the potential for commercialization, and the funding will support businesses in further developing their products. To qualify for the program, businesses must have received federal SBIR grants or contracts; this program is a matching grant that will provide a match of up to 50%, or up to $500,000, for companies receiving SBIR awards.
With the goal of helping businesses compete globally, the Manufacturing Assistance Program grant offers Hawaii-based manufacturers up to a 20% reimbursement, or up to $100,000, on certain expenses, such as equipment purchases, training, energy efficiency projects, and manufacturing feasibility studies.
The program is managed by HTDC’s INNOVATE Hawaii program. Previous recipients of the MAP grant have included Anahola Granola, Big Island Bee Company, Dana Labels, Hawaiian Chip Company, Jade Foods, Kohana Rum, Maui Brewing Company, Nalu Scientific, and Sinaloa Tortillas. Up to $1 million in grant funding is available for the 2023 fiscal year.
“Hawaii is home to forward-thinking companies, as well as talented manufacturers, that may need a boost in jump-starting their projects to the next level,” said Len Higashi, executive director of HTDC, in a statement. “Providing funding supports the growth of local businesses, and fuels our state’s technology and innovation economy.”
