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Opportunities
Kupu ʻĀina Corps 2024-2025 applications being accepted
Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) is inviting participants (ages 17-38) and host site applications for the 2024-2025 Program Year from across the Hawaiian Islands. KAC is a workforce development initiative established through the State of Hawaiʻi’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps. The year-long program employs individuals seeking experience in Hawaiʻi’s agricultural, environmental, and green energy sectors. Part-time and full-time position options are available. Visit their website for more information and to apply.
Registration has opened for the 2024 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference
The 2024 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference will take place in Honolulu, November 7–8. Early bird registration at a reduced price is now open until September 18. The event, typically held every other year, provides a place for the agricultural community to explore, learn, and network with each other, agricultural leaders and specialists, and affiliated stakeholders. In 2022, over 650 attendees participated in the Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference. For more information visit the Hawaiʻi Ag Conference website.
»Register
New Queens’ Culinary Market now accepting vendor applications
The Queens’ Culinary Market launched in June in partnership with Waikoloa Market at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa Village on Hawaiʻi Island. Farmers and specialty vendors offering culinary products grown and made on Hawaiʻi Island are invited to contact Ann Wurden at waikoloacm@gmail.com for more information and to request a vendor packet.
New commercial kitchen for rent at Kohala Food Hub
Kohala Food Hub is providing affordable commercial kitchen space for rent to North and South Kohala farmers, value-added producers, private chefs, and community members to support sustainable economic development and grow Kohala’s regional food system. The commercial kitchen features restaurant-grade commercial cooking equipment. Kohala Food Hub’s staff also offers technical assistance to support those looking to start or grow a culinary or agricultural business. Visit their website to learn more and inquire.
The Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership (JCLRP) project accepting proposals for 2025
The JCLRP enables USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service to work with private, state, and tribal landowners to conserve forests and agricultural lands alongside federally managed lands while safeguarding communities. The project aims to support partnerships that can help reduce wildfire threats to communities, protect water quality and supply, and improve wildlife habitat for at-risk species. NRCS and Forest Service national offices are now accepting proposals submissions for the JCLRP 2025 projects and are due by September 13. For more information on the proposal development process, evaluation criteria, or collaboration opportunities, visit the JCLRP website and contact clint.cross@usda.gov or matthew.vandersande@usda.gov, or find your local Hawaiʻi NRCS office or Forest Service contact.
Kupu Mai Ka Lehua Maui grants
The second round of the Kupu Mai Ka Lehua Maui grants is accepting applications. This grant is provided by the Feed the Hunger Fund and Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs on their journey to rebuilding, fostering resilience, and growth toward stability. During the first round of Maui grants, $45,000 were distributed to a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs that were affected by the August 2023 fires. Grant applications will remain open until all funding has been disbursed.
»Apply
Pakini loan fund for small businesses
The new Pakini loan fund program offers loans from $1,000 to $30,000 for small businesses in Hawaiʻi. While the Pakini fund prioritizes serving Native Hawaiians living and working in the Waiʻanae Moku on Oʻahu, the program fund is open to all eligible small businesses in Hawaiʻi. Visit their website for more information.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs introduces new Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan Program
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund is introducing a new program to support Native Hawaiian farmers on Hawaiʻi Island and across Hawaiʻi. In addition to low interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest. For more information on the Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan Program, visit their website, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org, or call the OHA office in East Hawaiʻi (Hilo) at (808) 933-3106 or West Hawaiʻi (Kona) at (808) 327-9525.
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United membership
Calling all farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and local food supporters: support the HFUU by becoming a member. The mission of HFUU is to collectively create food security, food sovereignty, and rebuild ʻāina for a better future. Visit their website to learn how to become a member.
USDA funding opportunities
To discover and follow U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding opportunities, resources, events, and learning exchanges, visit their website and subscribe to their mailing list.
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