2020 in Review

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2020 was an unprecedented year of challenges with the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 virus.
As the state grappled with pandemic, thousands of companies witnessed the threat of permanent closure
while unemployment numbers reached an all-time high (30%).

Armed with resilience, creativity, and hope,
our team sprung into action to obtain resources and develop programs to assist businesses and individuals.

**HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS**
(for the full report – download here)

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Funding, grants and programs were directed to help businesses sustain operations and pivot

	Enhanced local PPE production capabilities * $10M in CARES act funds * 36 companies (out of 79 applicants) awarded * Aided manufacturers in establishing new line of products and services LEARN MORE
	Raised e-commerce and digital marketing adoption NIST MEP Federal CARES Act funding: * Developed 3-month training program to help manufacturers sell direct to customers * 16 manufacturers received direct consulting Hawaii Business Pivot Grant: * 103 businesses extended 1-1 consulting support * 307 individuals and business owners benefited from 11 webinars LEARN MORE
	Enabled continuation of manufacturing operations through NIST MEP network and local partnerships * 8 Weekly COVID Response calls with manufacturers * 4 COVID Response webinars hosted with HFMA * 10 manufacturers received Food Safety related consulting * Hosted virtual "Manufacturing Day" * Shared sanitation and cleaning best practices (NIST MEP National network) * Provided leads to U.S. manufacturing for PPE supplies and test equipment

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HTDC’s co-working facility, the Entrepreneurs Sandbox played a pivotal role with COVID operational relief

	Provided facility space to support DLIR's temporary call center * 25 workstations for Department of Labor and Industrial Relations staff READ MORE: Hawaii News Now READ MORE: Hawaii Business Magazine
	Supported Aloha Box assembly and storage * Joint Partnership - Innovate Hawaii, Chamber of Commerce, and HFMA * 100 Aloha Boxes made possible for sale * Increased revenue opportunities for struggling manufacturers LEARN MORE
	Facilitated complimentary face mask pick-up for manufacturers * Joint Partnership - Innovate Hawaii, Chamber of Commerce, and HFMA * 800 masks made by local seamstresses * 40 manufacturers given free masks for staff
	Enabled practical application and testing of COVID-related technologies developed by local companies * Aloha AI by Oceanit - first-generation occupancy tracker * Lumisight by Datahouse - health status reporting tool before entry into the facility * Thermal screening by Bright Light Digital
	Extended desk space to deserving entrepreneurs Through support from the Hawaii Business Pivot Grant: * $10,000 value in co-working memberships * 9 entrepreneurs received complimentary access to work out of the facility

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Numerous initiatives executed to facilitate job search and upskilling

	Facilitated upskilling with free access to 3,800 courses and certifications * 1,028 enrolled learners, 815 courses completed * 13,729 estimated hours spent learning * Ended December 31, 2020 LEARN MORE
	Connected interactive opportunities between companies and job seekers * 2 virtual job fairs, 7 companies showcased * Companies featured - American Savings Bank, Booz Allen Hamilton, FBI, Hawaiian Telcom, Oceanit, Pacxa, Servco Pacific * 200 registrants LEARN MORE
	Highlighted women technologists to inspire and inform individuals interested in pursuing tech-based roles * 10 Women in Tech (WIT) interviews * Organizations featured - AWS, Betterment, Central Pacific Bank, Datahouse, First Hawaiian Bank, HTDC, Pacific Point, Servco Pacific, TRUE Initiative * 644 registrants LEARN MORE
	Assisted job seekers with career preparation skills * 4 webinars on job search and preparation * Topics around resume writing and positioning (LinkedIn) * 210 registrants LEARN MORE

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Focus on technology advancements and adoption to enable sustainable economic recovery

	Highlighted technology best practices for company adoption to accelerate economic recovery * Partnership with the Hawaii Executive Collaborative * 6 webinars * 376 registrants LEARN MORE: TRUE Initiative
	Kickstarted the state's first foray into digital currency innovation * Partnership with Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) * 2-year pilot program for approved digital currency companies to conduct transactions * 12 companies selected (out of 19 applicants), 10 to continue in 2021 LEARN MORE
	Hosted virtual event to commemorate Hawaii's first Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day * Led by our Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT) team * Oct 8 proclaimed as "Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day" in Hawaii by Governor Ige * 150 registrants LEARN MORE