Pay It Forward Microgrants

Accepting Applications through July 20, 2025

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 Laurie Higashi.

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 Realty, 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 20, 2025 by filling out this online application: https://forms.gle/PnX57gfgv1M1MS2S6

PLEASE NOTE: All applicant email addresses will be added to our mailing list.  You may unsubscribe at any time.

• Download Pay It Forward Grant Application Info (PDF)

• Download Pay It Forward Flyer (PDF)

$10,000 in 2025 Pay it Forward Microgrants

The Zonta Club of Hilo presented $10,000 in microgrants for its 2025 “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 2025 microgrant recipients were Leslie Carroll of Lava Meats, Amanda Fox of I Ka Ua Farm LLC, Monica Pezze of Alchemy Farm Hawaii LLC, Melina Castro of Melina Castro Jewelry, Stephanie Hao of Maluhia x Malie, and Delilah Perreira of Abundant Beauty.

Carroll is the proprietor of Lava Meats, which recently opened a storefront on Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. She makes sausages and other products from local meat purchased from small farmers on Hawai‘i Island. The grant will go towards rent as she currently uses two separate places to process meat.

Fox’s I Ka Ua Farm produces value added products, such as turmeric and ginger powder and macadamia nut toffee with turmeric and ginger. She intends to use the funds to purchase more eco-friendly packaging for her toffee products.

Pezze’s Alchemy Farm Hawaii is an apiary focused on raw, small batch honey, beeswax products, and community mentorship. She will use the microgrant to maintain her current apiary and purchase more efficient beeswax melting equipment.

Castro is a metalsmith and jewelry designer based in lower Puna who also teaches jewelry making classes. The award will go towards essential tools and equipment to enhance and expand her jewelry-making workshops.

Hao creates individually designed sustainable fashion through her Maluhia x Malie brand. The money will be invested in essential equipment and supplies to increase production efficiency and improve garment quality.

Perreira’s Abundant Beauty is a luxury skincare studio located in Hilo. She plans to use the microgrant to expand community outreach efforts, upgrade essential equipment, and expand skincare retail and client education.

“For the fourth 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 Laurie Higashi. “The Zonta Club of Hilo is proud to provide a financial boost to these six 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.