Business Development Center

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MEO BDC provides micro-enterprise loans, business planning classes, and consultation services. Established in 1997, we have helped create more than 700 new business and 900 jobs and train 2,000 entrepreneurs. MEO BDC offers loans, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for startup operations or expansion of existing small business. We have emergency loans available for special situations. MEO BDC has facilitated 700 loans worth more than $4 million.

The Core Four course enables development of a realistic, achievable business plan. The six-week, 36-hour course is offered 10 times a year on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. The classes usually are held at MEO Family Center, 99 Mahalani St, Wailuku; an additional Introduction class is held at the Maui County Business Resource Center (brown bag session). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sessions currently are being held virtually on Zoom.

MEO BDC programs are funded by grants from the Maui County Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Agape Foundation.

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Business Development Center

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MEO Business Development Center (MEO BDC)

2 weeks ago

**David Daly named MEO Employee of the Month for July**David Daly, who empowers clients to “to go beyond to take their passions and make it a way of life,” has been selected MEO’s Employee of the Month for July.The director of MEO’s Business Development Center, which offers classes in business planning and financial literacy, as well as microloans to entrepreneurs and farmers, was nominated by Community Services Director Cassi Yamashita.“He is an example of what a leader looks like to me, someone who empowers his staff and has complete trust in their capabilities but is still engaged, passionate and continues to provide that one-on-one service that many of his clients want and need,” said Cassi.As a fellow director, David “reminds me to have fun every once and a while” and “to not sweat the small stuff,” she said.Cassi said she is “grateful to meet with him each week” and lauded his creativity in attracting different groups to BDC programs and services. David continues to tackle challenges with “a can-do attitude” and “embodies all of the core values of MEO,” she said.David joined MEO in March 2009 with a background in sales/product consulting, mortgage lending and as a financial adviser.The announcement was made during the General Staff meeting on Aug. 26. For being named Employee of the Month for July, David gets an extra vacation day and a $150 check. Cassi earned $50 for the nomination. ... See MoreSee Less

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MEO Business Development Center (MEO BDC)

3 weeks ago

The 48th annual Senior Fair, “Communities of Strength,” will return virtually for the second time in the event’s history beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, due to the pandemic. The Fair will appear virtually via Zoom, livestreamed on Facebook and broadcast on Akaku Channel 54 and offers information for kupuna, entertainment and fellowship.Legislators, for-profit businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to participate by commercial, pre-recorded message via Zoom. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, Sept. 27. For-profit businesses can submit a 60-second commercial for a $25 fee/donation. There is no-cost for nonprofit agencies or legislators to join, though gift cards of $10 or $20 increments would be appreciated for door prizes for Kupuna.All commercials and messages must be no longer than 60 seconds and must be prerecorded and submitted in MP4 format by Monday, Oct. 11.Legislators may choose to speak virtually for 60 seconds but must submit an application by Sept. 27.This event is produced by MEO and funded by the Maui County Office on Aging. For more information, go to www.meoinc.org, email lee.imada@meoinc.org or call (808) 243-4306. ... See MoreSee Less

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MEO Business Development Center (MEO BDC)

4 weeks ago

The next session of the Core Four Business Planning Course starts next week Tuesday, September 7. Class registration online at www.meoinc.orgThe Core Four Business Planning Course, which provides a total of 24 hours of instruction, covers writing a business plan and provides the information needed to start, operate and grow a business. It is perfect for those thinking of starting a business or who are just starting and need direction. ... See MoreSee Less

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MEO Business Development Center (MEO BDC)

1 month ago

*High school, intermediate students sought for second ‘Imi Pono Challenge*The 2021 ‘Imi Pono: The Greatest Challenge media contest for high school and intermediate students kicked off Monday, Aug. 16, with a COVID-19 prevention theme.The contest calls for youths to create a public awareness campaign around the theme: “The Four Ws — Wear Your Mask, Wash Your Hands, Watch Your Distance and Worldwide Vaccination.”There are three categories – Photography, Art and Video – with first,second and third place winners in high school and intermediate divisions. The entries should creatively capture the attention of the public.Entries will be accepted from Aug. 16 to Sept. 10 with finalists announced on Sept. 23. Youths may submit multiple entries.There will be monetary and other prizes and opportunities for winning entries to be shown and displayed throughout the county. Those details will be announced soon.To apply, go to form.jotform.com/211688173333053. For more information, call MEO Youth Services at (808) 243-4315 or email dane.ka'ae@meoinc.org.The 2021 ‘Imi Pono challenge is sponsored by the Maui County Council and county Office of Economic Development and produced by MEO’s Youth Services and Business Development Center and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. This is the second ‘Imi Pono challenge, the brainchild of Maui County Council Chairwoman Alice Lee.‘Imi Pono means “to search for the right way.” ... See MoreSee Less

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MEO Business Development Center (MEO BDC)

1 month ago

*MEO BDC Money Matters Financial Literacy Workshop online via Zoom*Another round of the Money Matters Adult Financial Literacy Workshop series, offered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center, will be held from 10 to noon Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 18 and 19, via Zoom.The two-session series will cover understanding and managing all facets of daily personal financial situations, especially in this very challenging economic climate.Workshop topics will include: -Understanding spending tendencies.-Realistic budgeting and saving strategies.-Understanding personal credit, credit reports, FICO score and identity theft.-Basic investment terminology and information.-Basic consumer lending information.-Strategies and tools to help financial well-being during COVID-19.To sign up for the Money Matters Financial Literacy Workshop, contact Heather Wells at MEO Business Development Center at (808) 243-4317 or at *heather.wells@meoinc.org* There is no cost for this workshop.The workshop is held from 10 to noon on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month. Funding from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development helps make the Money Matters Financial Literacy Workshop possible. ... See MoreSee Less

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