Small businesses are an integral part of Hawaii’s economy, but many are struggling due to mandatory closings necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. As each door closes, more resources are becoming available to assist businesses and their employees. Below is a list of government resources that can support our local small businesses to help keep them afloat during this time and eventually assist with reopening their doors.
- The federal government is now offering assistance to support our families and businesses during this public health emergency. This resource page contains a comprehensive list of assistance for individuals, and it includes programs providing relief and protection for small businesses.
- The state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) has an excellent resource page listing assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. There are a variety of helpful resources (state and federal) including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which can subsidize employees and cover certain expenses for up to eight weeks.
- The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) RUDDER program is designed to train and transfer labor between sectors that have been hit hard by COVID-19. Companies would receive funding to help offset training and other costs for each new employee that’s hired. Additional funds would be payed if the employee is retained after six months.
- The state Employment & Training Fund (ETF), is available for eligible businesses who seek to train or upgrade the job skills of their current employees. Employers are eligible to receive up to 50% (maximum $400 tuition subsidy) of total tuition costs provided by approved vendors.
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