Agricultural Resources Bulletin
U.S Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program accepting applications
The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the coronavirus pandemic. Participating lenders will accept applications from eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations until March 31, 2021. Refer to the program website for more information and contact Eric Bowman at ebowman@kohalacenter.org with questions.
Continuation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Refer to the press release or farmers.gov/cfap for more information.
COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant Program for Employers
Businesses and nonprofits engaged in humanitarian efforts to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for grants to provide employment opportunities. Employers interested in being a worksite and employees seeking work should visit the program website for more information or contact Michele David at mdavid@hi-employment.com.
The Kohala Center launches new Ōhāhā Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Training and Education Program
Ōhāhā Mahi ‘Ai reconnects local farmers and gardeners with ancestral relationships to food and deepens kinship with ‘āina through ‘ike rooted in Hawaiian practice while also incorporating Western knowledge systems. This new program includes four sessions at our Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a on consecutive Saturdays (Cohort 1 meets February 13, 20, 27, and March 6; Cohort 2 meets March 13, 20, 27, and April 3), followed by individual coaching from our Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team, online presentations on topics ranging from agricultural production to business development training, and learning journeys (huaka‘i) to traditional agricultural sites and farms in Kohala and Hāmākua. There is no cost to enroll, but space is limited. Download an application and learn more at kohalacenter.org/ohaha-mahiai.
Whole Kids Foundation seeks grant reviewers
Whole Kids Foundation will hire up to 10 part-time paid reviewers to review and score applications for the Garden Grants program. The deadline to apply for this employment opportunity is Friday, February 12. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
Veteran farmers invited to apply for the Farmer Fellowship Fund
Farmer Veteran Coalition’s Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund provides direct assistance to veterans who are beginning farmers and ranchers. The Fellowship Fund pays third-party vendors for items the veteran has identified will make a crucial difference in the launch of their business. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. The application period is open until Sunday, February 14. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
Mana Up seeks applicants for accelerator program
Mana Up is a 12-week product accelerator program focused on scaling Hawai‘i products globally. The program is currently accepting applications from entrepreneurs with Hawai‘i-made products. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 19, and applications can be submitted online.
AgDiscovery summer student program accepting applications
The U.S. Department of Agriculture AgDiscovery program will be held in Honolulu from July 11–24, and is open to high school students in grades 9–11 who are interested in agricultural sciences, plant and animal science, wildlife management, and agribusiness. Visit aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery to apply before the deadline on Thursday, March 25. A pre-application workshop will be hosted on Saturday, February 20. Interested students should contact Kristin Matsumoto to register at 808-956-2160 or khalbert@hawaii.edu.
