Microloans available to support Hawai‘i’s rural businesses

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—May 23, 2016—The Kahiau Rural Business Development Microloan Program, administered by The Kohala Center, seeks to support entrepreneurs that strive to make a positive social impact in communities on Hawai‘i Island and Moloka‘i. The program offers low interest microloans and hands on business development services to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, particularly in the arenas of local food production, ecosystem health and renewable energy. In addition to the financial viability of the business, the program considers nonfinancial values—including a business’s impact on community, culture, and nature—in the credit analysis and business development process.
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Educational programs train new farmers and introduce high school students to careers in sustainable agriculture

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—September 24, 2015—Two programs aimed at training and supporting the next generation of farmers in Hawai‘i are seeking applicants for sessions being offered this fall.
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Training session to focus on cooperative business accounting

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—September 8, 2015—Certified Public Accountant Dan Nutley with the national accounting firm Moss Adams LLP will present a Cooperative Business Accounting Training from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, at Anna Ranch in Waimea, Hawai‘i Island. Hosted by The Kohala Center, the training is intended for accountants, bookkeepers, and managers and members of cooperative businesses. CPAs can earn up to six Hawai‘i CPE credits for attending the full-day course.
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New mobile slaughter unit to expand Hawai‘i Island meat production

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Kamuela, Hawai‘i—May 7, 2015—Small-scale ranchers who raise livestock on Hawai‘i Island will soon have a new option for quality, humane, and convenient slaughter services, and can learn about this new offering at upcoming workshops in Hilo and Pahala.
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Farm record-keeping workshop at Kohala Village Hub

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—May 1, 2015—A free record-keeping workshop designed for Hawai‘i Island farmers will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, at the Kohala Village Hub in Hawi.
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Cottage Food Industry Working Group seeks public comments

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—November 11, 2014—The Kohala Center is seeking public comment on proposed regulatory changes that would impact homemade food operations in Hawai‘i.
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Hawai‘i Island food producers gain new access to business capital

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—August 18, 2014—A new no-interest loan program is available for Hawai‘i Island farmers and food producers, in an effort to increase local food production, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen local businesses.
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Maku‘u Farmers Market event promotes healthier choices

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—July 18, 2014—A series of special events promoting fresh fruit and vegetables to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants will conclude at the Maku‘u Farmers Market in Puna from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday, July 27.
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Selling fresh fruits and vegetables to island schools

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—May 5, 2014—Hawai‘i Island farmers and distributors can find out how to sell farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to local schools during upcoming free informational meetings with Glenna Owens, director of the School Food Services Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Education.
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Hawai‘i organic foods industry analysis released

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—March 6, 2014—A yearlong study of issues and challenges faced by Hawai‘i’s organic food industry recently concluded with the issuance of a final report. The report, “Growing Organics: Moving Hawai‘i’s Organic Industry Forward,” puts forth 58 recommendations to increase organic food production and distribution, improve access to technical assistance, promote producer and consumer education, reduce costs, and foster greater advocacy for certified organic food production in Hawai‘i, among others.
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