Kaua‘i County now accepting proposals for this fiscal year’s Innovation Grants

Kaua‘i County’s Office of Economic Development is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Innovation Grants.

Innovation Grants aim to support forward-thinking community projects that address a clear need or problem within Kaua‘i, according to a Kaua‘i County press release. Focus areas include small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, and tourism destination management and product development.

Projects should demonstrate innovative approaches that have proven successful in other settings.

All proposals must be submitted online via the SMApply grants management system at kauaiforward.com/grants. Late submissions and applications sent by mail, email, hand delivery, or fax will not be accepted. The application deadline is Sept. 2 at 4 p.m.

Funding decisions will be announced the week of Oct. 13, and the funding period will run from Nov. 1, 2025, through Oct. 31, 2026.

The Office of Economic Development will host a live informational webinar on Aug. 14 at 4 p.m., where officials will cover grant details and the application process.

Register at kauaiforward.com/grants or directly via this Zoom link: Webinar Registration. A recording will be available on the Kaua‘i Forward website by Aug. 19 for those unable to attend live.

For questions about the grant program, contact the Office of Economic Development at oedgrants@kauai.gov by Aug. 20 at 4 p.m.