Funding to Help Hawaii Businesses

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.

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.

2021 SBIR Basics Webinar Series: June 30 – July 16
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 prepare for the 2021 National SBIR Week (July 19-23, 2021).

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

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 2023, HTDC’s INNOVATE Hawaii program has been funded $1M by the Hawaii State Legislators. Applications are scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

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!

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