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Accepting Applications through July 31, 2024

The Zonta Club of Hilo is accepting microgrant applications to provide funding for women-owned small businesses on Hawai‘i Island. Women entrepreneurs who are seeking financial support are encouraged to apply.

The Pay It Forward program goal is to help women in our community start up or expand a business through a microgrant intended to give a helping hand. Each grant will be up to $2,000. Awardees are encouraged to “Pay It Forward” when they are financially able.

“Helping women to succeed and improve our communities advances the mission of Zonta. Pay It Forward is one of the many programs our club offers to empower women and girls through service and advocacy,” said Zonta Club of Hilo President Julie Tulang.

The Pay It Forward program of the local chapter of Zonta was launched in 2014 with an initial generous donation from Nancy Cabral, a Zonta member and owner of Day-Lum Rentals & Management, Inc. Cabral’s desire was to encourage other women to achieve financial independence and business success. Since its inception, many other generous donors have contributed to these microgrants for women entrepreneurs.

If you have any questions, please email info@zontahilo.org

Applications are being accepted by midnight HST on July 31, 2024 by filling out this online application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnODAu_DEJOEGXqAGO71bAfcqEaV3xXJIrqj3mKdzbZrxOMg/viewform

Download Pay It Forward Grant Application Info (PDF)

Download Pay It Forward Flyer (PDF)

$10,000 in 2024 Pay it Forward Microgrants

The Zonta Club of Hilo presented $10,000 in microgrants for our 2024 “Pay It Forward” program.  The award program supports women entrepreneurs on Hawai‘i Island who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.

The 2024 microgrant recipients were Dawn Patterson of Dawn’s Barber Shop, Rachel Edrman of LoveBug Farm LLC, Napua Arakaki-Heen of Nalani Farm Store, Megan Brady of Uproot Origin LLC, and Syd Wang of Wala‘au Therapy LLC.

Patterson has been a barber for 29 years and is sole proprietor of Dawn’s Barber Shop in Hilo. She will use the grant to pay off her EIDL COVID loan and purchase tools for the shop.

Erdman’s LoveBug Farm raises hydroponic lettuce, microgreens, and produce as well as provides dog daycare, boarding, and training services. She will use the money to build a sink and a cleaning and processing area for the produce grown on her farm.

Arakaki-Heen’s Nalani Farm Store, located in downtown Hilo, is a boutique gift shop specializing in goods grown, made, and designed in Hawai‘i. She estimates that around 70% of the products she stocks are produced by women-owned businesses. She will use the funds to purchase inventory for the store.

Brady created her signature Uproot Origin elixir from organic ginger, organic turmeric, and organic honey sourced from small farms on the Big Island. She plans to use the grant to hire administrative support to help her business grow.

Based in Hilo, Wang’s Wala’au Therapy evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing/feeding disorders. She plans to use the award to build an ADA-compliant entrance ramp at her practice.

“For the third year in a row, we saw a record number of applicants for the grant. It’s inspiring to see so many women entrepreneurs in our community,” said club president Julie Tulang. ”The Zonta Club of Hilo is proud to provide a financial boost to these five well-deserving women-owned businesses.”

“Pay It Forward” microgrants are funded annually through the charitable Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, donations to which are tax-deductible.

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