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.
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
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 >>
Guidelines
* First time applicants will be given priority.
* Previously awarded companies who did not complete the HTDC Annual Impact Survey will not be considered for funding.* Upon successful completion of the next Annual Impact Survey (next survey release is TBD), company will then be eligible to apply for funding.
*Due to Covid-19 a 2020 survey was not conducted by HTDC so it will not impact a company’s eligibility.
Administrative Rules
To view the HSBIR Program Administrative Rules, click here
HSBIR Updates
Manufacturing Assistance Grant Program
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.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, crucial changes needed to be made to the State budget and it has been decided that the MAP Grant could not be funded this year. Please email info@innovatehawaii.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!
FY20 Stats
45
Applications
18
Companies funded
$485,692.15
Grants
$9,045,584.36
Company match
MAP APPLICATION PROCESS
The FY21 MAP Grant will not be funded this year.
For all questions regarding this grant program and to be added to the mailing list, email mfggrant@htdc.org.
Administrative Rules
To view the MAP Grant Program Administrative Rules, please click here
MAP Updates
Testimonials
“The MAP grant has helped us to purchase equipment for better efficiency and expanded production. These capital improvements will enable us to increase annual sales by $900,000, add eight new employees, and attract over $1,500,000 in additional investments.”
GARRETT W. MARRERO,
CEO & FOUNDER
MAUI BREWING CO, KIHEI, HI
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. HTDC provides funding to support their activities to achieve its 80/80 Initiative.
Sponsorship Application Process
Step 1
Read the required RFP first, then apply online. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the event.
Step 2
A committee will review application to determine if the event meets HTDC’s mission