The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development is opening the floor for innovative thinkers this fiscal year, welcoming submissions for the FY 2024-2025 Innovation Grants. Budding entrepreneurs and established visionaries alike have from now until September 3, to present their proposals, as noted by County of Kaua‘i.

Submitting an application is streamlined via the Amplifund Grants contract management system - no traditional mail, email, or fax submissions will be entertained. It's a digital-first approach aiming to facilitate a smooth process for all parties involved, with the firm 4:30 p.m. deadline on the horizon. Should any proposals come in late, they'll be set aside, unconsidered as per the County of Kaua‘i’s strict policy.

The areas ripe for innovation range widely, from the usual tech and small business sectors to tourism, agriculture, and more. With October 21, marked as the date when applicants will hear back about funding, those selected will spearhead Kaua‘i's innovation for the year spanning November 1, to October 31, 2025. Providing a clear identification of community needs alongside a viable, evidence-backed solution is the crux of a successful application. According to the County of Kaua‘i’s grant details, a deep understanding of local challenges paired with innovative approaches previously successful in other contexts could be the winning combination.

To assist potential applicants in navigating the process, an informational webinar is on the calendar for August 14 at 10 a.m. Whether it's the application how-to or a deeper dive into the purpose of the Innovation Grants, the Office of Economic Development aims to provide clarity. For folks who can’t make it, a recorded session will be available by August 16 on the project's webpage. Moreover, any accessibility needs for the webinar or other requests for accommodation due to disability must be addressed to Therilynn Martin Haumea at [email protected] by August 9, to ensure ample preparation time. Clarifications on the grant specifics can still be sought via email to [email protected] before the end of the workday on August 21.