Funding to Help Hawaii Businesses
Overview
Technology intensive companies such as businesses conducting research & development or manufacturing must be able to compete in today’s global markets. The State of Hawaii supports these important industries that are creating high wage jobs by providing grant funding to support their efforts.
Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Program
Helping Tech Startups Win Federal Grants
In 1988, HTDC began providing matching grant funds to Hawaii companies who received Federal Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR). These companies are recognized for advancing technology to solve critical challenges for the nation. The Hawaii SBIR matching grant program is the longest state funded SBIR matching program in the United States. Initially the grant program only funded companies that received Phase I grants. In 2016, the program was expanded to help companies who are moving their advanced technology products from research into the market. Hawaii’s SBIR Phase II and Phase III winners are creating the best technology solutions in the nation.
SBIR Basics Webinar Series
Brought to you by the University of Hawaii Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation Innovate Hawaii Program, SBIR Basics is a series of workshops to help local researchers and companies take advantage of the SBIR Program.
| SBIR BASICS SERIES (UH OIC + HTDC Innovate Hawaii) | PAST WEBINARS/WORKSHOPS |
 | SBIR Basics: An Overview of the SBIR Program In this session learn how to search for SBIR/STTR opportunities, if your technology or research is suitable for an SBIR/STTR program, how to gauge commercial or programmatic interest, and more! WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION >> |
 | SBIR Basics: Is SBIR a Good Fit For Me? In this session learn how to search for relevant proposal solicitations that best suit your R&D goals and how to assemble a team to meet eligibility criteria to increase your chances for success. WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION >> |
 | SBIR Basics: Writing a SBIR Proposal In this session learn how to effectively prepare and write a SBIR proposal to increase your chances for success. WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION >> |
 | SBIR Basics: Innovation & Commercialization In this session, learn the types of innovations the SBIR/STTR agencies are looking for, how to address that component of the proposal and how to develop a commercialization plan and the items to address. WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION >> |
 | SBIR Basics: Lessons Learned & Best Practices Part 1 Hear from Nalu Scientific, LLC CEO Isar Mostafanezhad, PhD, about his experience with SBIR proposals, including insights and tips for SBIR proposals. WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION >> |
 | SBIR Basics: Lessons Learned & Best Practices Part 2 Hear from Premier Solutions HI Business Development Director, Steve Brennan, and Oceanit Chief Scientist, Dr. Paul Pernambuco-Wise about their experiences with SBIR proposals, including insights and tips for SBIR proposals. WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION (Premier Solutions HI) >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION (Oceanit) >> |
 | SBIR Technology Market Assessment Info Session Learn how Technology Market Assessment research can help you gain a better understanding of the broader commercial potential of your technology or innovation by identifying specific applications and markets, and testing value proposition, featuring Steve McManus of RTI International. WATCH HERE >> DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION >> |
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration FAST grant
HSBIR Metrics since inception
$57 MM
Federal Phase 1 funding
$10.1 MM
HSBIR Phase 1 matching grants
$196 MM
Federal Phase 2/3 funding
$7.1 MM
HSBIR Phase 2/3 match
HSBIR Application Process
Applications
Applications are now CLOSED
To download a sample of the Phase 0 application CLICK HERE >> 
* To download a sample of the Phase 1 application CLICK HERE >>
The application may change from this sample so please be sure to read application carefully when it opens.
Requirements
* Registered to do business in Hawaii (HCE Compliant), project work done in Hawaii, active SBIR/STTR grant within the past 12 months, agree to complete NIST MEP and HTDC impact metrics surveys, agree to participate in INNOVATE HI's entrepreneurship and SBIR/STTR programming and events.
* Previously awarded companies who do not complete either required surveys or do not participate in any IH programming / events, will not be considered for funding. Upon successful completion of the next round of surveys (next survey release is TBD), company will then be eligible to apply for funding.
Guidelines
* Applications criteria include Team, Company, Need, Commercial Potential, and Economic Impact to the State and will be scored by a review committee.
* First time and neighbor island applicants, will be given priority, as well as projects focused on DBEDT priority areas: IT/Software, Manufacturing/Value Added Agriculture, Defense, Creative Media, Aquaculture, and Renewable Energy.
To view the HSBIR Program Administrative Rules, click here
HSBIR Updates
Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) Grant
Overview
HTDC’s Manufacturing Assistance Program Grant (MAP) offers Hawaii-based manufacturers up to a 20% reimbursement (up to $100,000) on qualified expenses to help Hawaii manufacturers become globally competitive. Qualifying expenses include: equipment purchases, training, energy efficiency projects, and manufacturing feasibility studies. Other State requirements to be eligible include (but not limited to):
1) Companies need to be registered to do business in the State of Hawaii and current on all State tax liabilities.
2) Certificate of Vendor Compliance from Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE). For details on this process visit https://vendors.ehawaii.gov/hce/
For the Fiscal Year 2024, HTDC’s INNOVATE Hawaii program has been funded $2M by the Hawaii State Legislators. Applications are scheduled to open in the fall of 2023.
For an FAQ on the MAP grant see: https://www.htdc.org/faqs/
Please email mfggrant@htdc.org to be added to the mailing list to receive program updates and information on resources and funding opportunities for manufacturers. Thank you for your continuous support!
MAP APPLICATION PROCESS
FY24 MAP Application
If you are interested in applying for this grant program, you have until February 16, 2024 11:59PM HST to submit your application. To get more information or to join the mailing list, please contact mfggrant@htdc.org by email.
CLICK HERE to complete application online. Applicants must have fully paid invoices for the items they are seeking for reimbursement for.
Download the sample application form here
Download FY24 MAP informational session slides here
Administrative Rules
To view the MAP Grant Program Administrative Rules, please click here
HSBIR Updates
Sponsoring Innovation
Overview
Hawaii is fast becoming a vibrant innovation and startup hub. There are new organizations providing programs and events that encourage collaboration and new company formation. These organizations are critical in the growth of Hawaii’s tech and innovation economy. To apply for sponsorship:
1) Download and review documents for Sponsorship opportunity consideration RFP-23-001-HTDC
2) Complete Sponsorship Application form
Read the required RFP first, then apply online. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the event.
A committee will review application to determine if the event meets HTDC’s mission