Why has this program been created?
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program, in partnership with American Express and with support from Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, was created to support disaster recovery in Maui after the catastrophic Maui wildfires of August 2023.
How will this program help Maui recover?
In addition to the grant proceeds received by grantees, the program will provide grantees with tailored guidance and tools that will help them recover in the near-term and help strengthen the local economy. The program will also help grantees build resilience against future natural disasters through coaching and business continuity planning to lessen any ensuing economic hardships.
What small businesses are eligible?
A business must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program:
- Employed at least three (3) but no more than twenty (20) individuals, including the owner, full or part time, or those working for the business under a 1099 agreement, immediately before the 2023 Maui Wildfires began on August 8, 2023.
- Has at least one physical location or online business in Maui established on or prior to August 1, 2023
- Financially harmed by the 2023 Maui Wildfires
- Does not have sufficient financial resources to cover the business damage/loss your business experienced as a result the Maui Wildfires
- Has a valid employer identification number (EIN)
Certain businesses and industries are not eligible, including non-profit organizations, private clubs, religious educational institutions, and direct sellers. See more in our Terms and Conditions.
What is the process to apply for a grant?
Applicants are required to complete and submit an online grant program application and IRS form W-9. Applications must be submitted during the application period, which will begin on April 17, 2024, at 12:00 AM HDT and end on May 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM HDT. The application period may be extended as determined by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in its sole discretion. There is a limit of one (1) application per applicant. Applications generated by script, macro, or other automated means or by any means which subvert the submission process are void.
How much is the grant?
Grantees will receive a grant of $5,000 and business coaching to assist with their disaster recovery. For complete details, see the Terms and Conditions.
What can the grant funds be used for?
The funds can be used for business needs, including expenses such as rent, utilities, payroll, inventory, equipment, marketing, and professional services.
Does every business impacted by the Maui wildfires receive a grant?
No, only 100 grants will be provided.
How do I know if my business will receive a grant?
It is anticipated that all applicants will be notified of the status of their application by June 15, 2024.
What do I have to do after being notified?
Selected applicants will be sent a congratulatory email with instructions on how to obtain their grant funds, which will be distributed via e-Check to the business email address provided in the application.
The congratulatory email will also contain details regarding their participation in the business coaching program.
What does the business coaching entail?
Grantees are automatically enrolled in the business coaching program, which includes:
- A mix of in-person and virtual seminar-style classes facilitated by a business coach that follow a curriculum of group and self-guided work covering key business concepts, such as disaster recovery, building resilience, generating revenue, and more.
- Network-building and connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders in their area.
- Opportunities to meet with local leaders.
The business coaching program will run from June-August 2024.
Are there any requirements to fulfill after receiving the grant?
Grantees must attend a coaching orientation, must attend at least 75% of coaching sessions, complete all program-related surveys, develop a business plan informed by the Resilience in a Box curriculum, and complete Steps 1 and 2 of the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program. Grantees that do not fulfill these obligations will not be considered graduates of the program and will not be eligible for potential media coverage related to the program or other program benefits. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reserves the rights to require repayment of a grant if a grant recipient does not fulfill these requirements.
