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The Maui News
A new grant program launched Monday to help Maui businesses that were directly or indirectly impacted by the Aug. 8 wildfires.
The Maui Business Bridge program is a collaborative effort between Maui County, the state, Maui Economic Opportunity, Credit Unions of Maui and the Maui Economic Development Board.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our community, employing residents and supporting its vitality," Luana Mahi, director of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, said in a news release Tuesday. "Faced with challenges from wildfires and economic downturn, this Bridge grant program will play a vital role in assisting businesses during these challenging times."
To be eligible for funding, business owners must:
• Hold an active registration license established before Aug. 1, with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
• Possess an active Hawaii general excise tax ID.
• Provide a copy of a recent Hawaii GET filing dated between Aug. 31, 2022 and July 31, 2023, with a preference for a 2022 annual G-49 filing.
Rental property income landlords/businesses are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
Grants will range from $1,000 to $20,000, with the assigned grant processing agency determined by the applicant's gross annual income for the 2022 tax year or an extrapolation of the most recent general excise tax filing period for businesses established for less than one year.
MEO will administer grants for businesses with annual revenues from $0 to $300,000; Credit Unions of Maui from $300,001 to $599,999; and MEDB from $600,000 and above. Each grant processing agency reserves the right to establish additional eligibility criteria, document requirements, funding restrictions and grant activity requirements.
All Maui businesses will apply through one application portal.
For more information or to apply for the program, visit mauibusinessbridgegrants.org/.