Applications for the popular Agricultural Micro Grant Program 2.0 – which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers and administered by Maui Economic Opportunity – are available beginning today, Oct. 14.
The $1.5 million Maui County-funded program is open to operating farms on less than 12 acres possessing a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2021. Preference will be given to women and Native Hawaiians.
The grants may be used to directly impact the availability of locally-grown produce, livestock and poultry and other related products. Grant money can be used for:
– Farming equipment and machinery.
– Processing and storage equipment.
– Farm infrastructure, expansion and upgrades.
– Inventory and supplies.
– Packaging and packaging materials.
– Technology equipment.
The deadline to submit applications is Dec. 14, 2021.
The following documentation is required:
– Completed application.
– Farm needs statement.
– Copy of original General Excise Tax License, G-45 or G-49.
– Photo ID.
– 2020 State Tax Return Form N-11 (proof of residency).
Farmers may apply on the MEO website at meoinc.org/agricultural-micro-grant-program or in-person at MEO’s Wailuku office, 99 Mahalani St.
For more information, contact the MEO Business Development Center by phone at (808) 249-2990 or by email at *[email protected]*.
A similar agriculture microgrant program, funded by Maui County and operated by MEO’s BDC in fall 2020 into spring 2021, funded more than 100 small farmers.
Katie Romanchuk of Ohialani Gardens in Haiku drives a new Kubota backhoe that was purchased with a Maui County micro agricultural grant, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity. Agricultural Micro Grant Program 2.0 has begun accepting applications for a new round of farm grants.
*About Maui Economic Opportunity*
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., is a nonprofit agency that’s part of the national Community Action Partnership network, whose goal is to help low income individuals and families and disenfranchised people help themselves and transform their lives. Chartered in 1965, MEO offers more than 40 programs that assist low income people, kupuna, youths, persons with disabilities, immigrants and other disenfranchised individuals. MEO runs the Human Services transportation program and the Maui Bus paratransit system and Head Start preschools, as well as programs that offer kupuna socialization and information; rent, mortgage and utility assistance; Spanish interpretation and translation; entrepreneurial and financial basics; inmate reintegration into the community after release; and youth anti-drinking, -bullying and -suicide prevention. For more information about the entire array of programs, visit meoinc.org or call (808) 249-2990.
