Opportunities

Opportunities

National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) now accepting applications
The National Farmers Union’s BFI is a free, online, 10-week intensive program intended to improve the health of farms or ranch businesses. The program is open to producers ages 18 and up and is inclusive of all operation types and scales of production. Each cohort is selected through a competitive application process. If accepted, participants attend online seminars, network with peers, pursue independent learning activities, and receive one-on-one technical assistance. Participants who complete all the necessary requirements will be considered for an additional in-person session, which includes additional training, farm tours, and networking with Farmers Union leadership. Visit this link for more information and to apply online.

Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP) application process opening June 10
MGFSP assists to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations. Sub-awardees applying as individuals will be awarded up to $5,000, and sub-awardees applying as organizations will be awarded up to $10,000. The next round of applications opens June 10, 2024 (with an instructive webinar scheduled for June 12, 2024). Visit this Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture website for more information and to apply.

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.

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

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.