OED accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Innovation Grants
LĪHU‘E – The Office of Economic Development is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Innovation Grants. The application deadline is Thursday, August 6, at 4 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 Kauaʻi. Focus areas include small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, and product development. Projects should demonstrate innovative approaches that have proven successful in other settings or can be adapted to benefit Kauaʻi.
The Office of Economic Development also anticipates opening two additional grant opportunities later this month: the Kauaʻi Agricultural Farm Expansion Grants, expected to open July 14, 2026, and the Kauaʻi Cultural Programs and Events Grants, expected to open July 21, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit kauaiforward.com/grants for updates and additional application information.
Funding decisions will be announced the week of August 31. The funding period will begin upon full execution of the Grant Agreement and continue through October 31, 2027.
To assist interested applicants, OED will host a live informational webinar on Wednesday, July 15, at 3:00 p.m. The session will cover grant details and the application process. Register at kauaiforward.com or directly via the Zoom Webinar Registration Link. A recording will be available on the Kauaʻi Forward website by July 17 for those unable to attend live.
For questions about the grant program, contact the Office of Economic Development at oedgrants@kauai.gov by Tuesday, July 21, 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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