State offers $200,000 for
business projects

Star-Bulletin staff

The state hopes to give the economy a nudge with about $200,000 in grants earmarked for community business projects.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is offering the money through its Community-based Economic Development program.

Providing state funds for economic development projects can help improve communities, said DBEDT director, Seiji Naya.

"Such projects work best when they are self-sustaining, reflect the values and goals of the community, and are initiated by those within the community itself."

Past grant recipients have included aquaculture ventures, cultural tourism programs, employment programs, a native Hawaiian cultural center and farmers' markets.

Since the program's creation in 1990, more than $2 million has been invested in community projects and businesses in Hawaii, including areas formerly dependent on the sugar industry, according to the state.

During fiscal 1998, more than $315,000 was awarded to 13 community-based organizations receiving grants and loans.

Eligible organizations for the funds include cooperative associations or nonprofit, community groups seeking to develop business ventures, technical assistance or training with a local or community focus.

Deadline for submission of applications is Nov. 3, 1999.

For more information, call 586-2582 or check the DBEDT webpage at www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/ cbed.