Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development accepting proposals for Innovation Grants

The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development is now requesting proposals for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Innovation Grants.

Applications are being accepted through the Amplifund Grants contract management system. To apply, visit the Kaua‘i Forward website, kauaiforward.com/grants.

All applications must be submitted via the Amplifund system on or before 4:30 p.m., Sept. 1, 2023. Applications are not being accepted through mail, email, or fax. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicants will be notified of funding during the week of Oct. 16, 2023. The project funding period will be Nov. 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2024.

The intent of this grant program is to deploy innovation on island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management and product development. Proposals must identify a known deficiency, problem, or need within the Kaua‘i community and deploy an innovative community project that will be or has been successful in other contexts.

The Office of Economic Development will be hosting an informational webinar on Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. The webinar will provide an overview of the Innovation Grants and review the application process. A recording of the webinar will be available on the Kaua‘i Forward website, www.kauaiforward.com by Aug. 21, for those who are not able to attend the live session. To register for the webinar, visit kauaiforward.com/grants or use the following registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S_8n18w6Saq9zwzYGYklNA.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Therilynn Martin Haumea at tmhaumea@kauai.gov or 808-241-4299 no later than Aug. 10, 2023. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Questions about the grant program can be emailed to oedgrants@kauai.gov by Thursday, Aug. 24, at 4:30 p.m.