OED accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Innovation Grants

Published on August 04, 2025

LĪHU‘E – The Office of Economic Development is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Innovation Grants. The application deadline is Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

All proposals must be submitted online via the SMApply grants management system at kauaiforward.com/grants. Late submissions and applications sent by mail, email, hand delivery, or fax will not be accepted.

Innovation Grants aim to support forward-thinking community projects that address a clear need or problem within Kaua‘i. Focus areas include small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, and tourism destination management and product development. Projects should demonstrate innovative approaches that have proven successful in other settings.

Funding decisions will be announced the week of October 13, 2025, and the funding period will run from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026.

To assist interested applicants, OED will host a live informational webinar on Thursday, August 14, at 4:00 p.m. The session will cover grant details and the application process. Register at kauaiforward.com/grants or directly via this Zoom link: Webinar Registration. A recording will be available on the Kaua‘i Forward website by August 19 for those unable to attend live.

For questions about the grant program, contact the Office of Economic Development at oedgrants@kauai.gov by Thursday, August 20, at 4:00 p.m.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodation due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English-speaking persons, please contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or tmhaumea@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made early will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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