The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses.
The Kohala Center (TKC) is a 2017-18 recipient of funding from SBA’s Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME). As an SBA Prime recipient, TKC provides technical assistance to help low-income entrepreneurs who lack sufficient training and education to gain access to capital to establish and expand their small business.
The majority of farms in Hawai‘i are small businesses that can benefit from SBA programs and expertise.
The agency’s website, sba.gov, has a wealth of information and resources to plan, launch, manage, and grow your small business.
SCORE is an SBA initiative website where small business owners can access free resources and webinars about business development and entrepreneurship. SCORE can also connect you with qualified mentors in agriculture and other professions.
Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center network has local offices where you can receive personalized assistance, attend workshops, and learn more about SBA program.
Need financing for your business? Take advantage of SBA business loan programs or read SBA’s guide to funding your business.
SBA coordinates the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, a highly competitive awards program. SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.
Hawai‘i Technology Development Center coordinates the SBIR matching fund and financial incentive programs for Hawai‘i. HTDC is a dynamic state agency responsible for accelerating the growth of Hawai‘i’s technology industry by providing capital, building infrastructure, and developing talent to foster innovation.
HTDC is affiliated with the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages.