Proposals for FY 2025-26 Kaua‘i County Innovation Grants now being accepted

Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development is accepting proposals for fiscal year 2025–26 Innovation Grants.

Application deadline is 4 p.m. Sept. 2.

Innovation Grants are aimed at supporting forward-thinking community projects that address a clear need or problem on Kaua‘i.

Focus areas include:

• Small business.
• Technology.
• Transportation.
• Agriculture.
• Local manufacturing.
• Creative industries.
• Workforce development.
• Circular economies.
• Tourism destination management.
• Product development.

Projects should demonstrate innovative approaches that proved successful in other settings.

Funding decisions will be announced the week of Oct. 13. The funding period will be Nov. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026.

All proposals must be submitted online via the SMApply grants management system.

Late submissions, hand-delivered applications and those sent by mail, email or fax will not be accepted.

Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development will host a live informational webinar at 4 p.m. Aug. 14 to assist those interested in applying. The webinar will cover grant details and the application process.

Register at the Office of Economic Development website or directly via Zoom.

A recording will be available at Kaua‘i Forward — the website of the county’s economic development office — by Aug. 19 for those unable to attend the webinar live.

Contact Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development at oedgrants@kauai.gov by 4 p.m. Aug. 20 for questions or more information about the Innovation Grants program.