Kohala Center Opportunities

Opportunities

New Queens’ Culinary Market now accepting vendor applications
The Queens’ Culinary Market is launching this June in partnership with Waikoloa Market at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa Village on Hawaiʻi Island. Farmers and specialty vendors offering 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 ag security camera program for farmers in Council District 1
The Food Basket in Hilo recently launched a new ag security camera program for farmers in Council District 1 (Hāmākua Coast, North Hilo, South Hilo) on Hawaiʻi Island who are concerned or have experienced agricultural theft. Limited numbers of cameras are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who have experienced agricultural theft in other districts are still encouraged to apply. Visit their website for more information and to apply. For questions, contact Alaxandra Haban at 808-437-3044 or email alex@hawaiifoodbasket.org.

Empowering women-owned small businesses
Join the exclusive YWCA Level Up! Pitch Competition for women-owned small businesses, hosted by the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership and sponsored by TJX. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at YWCA Oʻahu’s Fuller Hall, offering a chance to win a share of $18,500 in prizes.Visit their website to apply.

GoFarm AgOrchard cohort 3 (Oʻahu)
GoFarm is offering a hybrid AgOrchard course for participants to learn how to plan, plant, and manage a healthy and productive commercial orchard. The course will include ten weeks of field visits to diverse orchards around Oʻahu and business training on marketing and profitability. This 10-week course will run Wednesdays (online from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (fieldwork from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) between May 29 and August 3 . The application deadline is May 13.
»Apply

NRCS accepting proposals for the 2025 Regional Conservation Partnership Program 
The NRCS is now accepting project proposals for the 2025 round of funding for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). For information about how to apply for a RCPP project, and for information on a series of informative webinars for prospective applicants, visit their website. The full announcement for RCPP is available here. For information about past projects, visit the RCPP storymap. Project proposals are due July 2.
»Register

GoFarm Agrifloristry course (Oʻahu)
GoFarm is offering a hybrid Agrifloristry course to visit various flower farms and businesses to learn about different operations, scales, and potential markets. The course will also enable participants to learn about varieties that grow well in Hawaiʻi as well as a few shortcuts and organizational skills for planning out a flower farm. This four-week course will run Wednesdays (online from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (fieldwork from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) between June 12 and July 6. The application deadline is June 1.
»Apply

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.