R&D Impact Grants - Business and Industry Development Program RFP No. 26BI-02

R&D Impact Grants - Business and Industry Development Program RFP No. 26BI-02 is sponsored by Hawaii County Department of Research and Development. The Hawaii County Department of Research and Development offers Impact Grants for projects that positively impact business and industry development within Hawaiʻi Island communities.

Euna Grants - Hawaii County, HI - FY 26-27 Business and Industry Development Impact Grant FY 26-27 Business and Industry Development Impact Grant FY 26-27 Business and Industry Development Impact Grant The Department’s goal is to support a high quality of life for Hawaiʻi Island residents by supporting projects that help to balance Hawaiʻi Island’s economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Through this RFP, the Department seeks proposals that demonstrate the potential to generate economic and equitable benefits to Hawaiʻi Island residents through capacities such as business income, job growth, increased accessibility, reduced expenses or reduced environmental footprint, and greater efficiency. The emphasis is on facilitating measurable, positive impact within Hawaiʻi Island communities.

Eligible proposals for Impact Grant Awards under the Business and Industry Development Program RFP No. 26BI-02 may address one of the following objectives. The submitted proposals must clearly specify which objective the project aligns with. To ensure focus and clarity, proposals must select and address only one of the listed objectives.

Addressing multiple objectives will not increase competitiveness and may reduce clarity and effectiveness of the proposal. Proposals should demonstrate clear implementation plans, defined deliverables, and measurable benefits to participating businesses A. Develop or Expand Aggregated Commercial Sales Spaces.

Develop or enhance shared commercial environments that enable small businesses to generate revenue through direct sales. Projects may include marketplaces, mākeke, pop-ups, or similar models that require business participation or financial buy-in.

Proposals should clearly identify: • Number and type of participating businesses • Frequency and duration of sales opportunities • Expected revenue generation or customer reach • How the model sustains or continues beyond the funding period B. Develop a Small Business Marketing Cohort Program. Develop a cohort-based program that builds practical marketing capacity for small businesses.

Projects must include structured training and result in tangible marketing outputs that participants can immediately use. Proposals should clearly identify: • Cohort size and participant selection • Specific skills and tools being taught • Required deliverables (e.g., brand kit, content library, campaign plan) • How participant progress and completion will be tracked C. Deliver Foundational Business Training Programs.

Develop or expand training programs that strengthen essential business operations. Topics may include financial management, marketing, AI tools, organization, planning, licensing, and permitting. • Proposals should clearly identify: • Training topics and structure • Number of participants served • Practical outputs (e.g., business plans, financial trackers, systems) • How knowledge will be applied by participants D.

Provide Access to Professional Financial Review Services. Develop programs that connect small businesses with licensed financial professionals (e.g., CPAs) to improve financial management and readiness for growth.

Proposals should clearly identify: • Number of businesses receiving services • Type of financial review or support provided • Expected outcomes (e.g., cleaned-up books, financial statements, tax readiness) • How businesses will be better positioned after participation E. Strengthen Shared or Cooperative Production Facilities. Develop or enhance shared-use or cooperative production facilities that support multiple small businesses.

Projects may include equipment, infrastructure improvements, or operational systems. Proposals should clearly identify: • Facility type and current use • Number of businesses served • Specific improvements being made • How capacity, efficiency, or access will increase as a result County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development Michelle. Agbigay@hawaiicounty.

gov Funding Opportunity Number https://www. gotomygrants. com/Public/Opportunities/Details/aa9adf2a-c9a8-4981-b380-4f10a7f37a93 Purchase of alcohol, business or organizational start-up plans, fundraising, commercial film production, travel expenses, indirect costs, or costs associated proposal production and submission.

Question Submission Information Question Submission Open Date Question Submission Close Date Question Submission Email Address cohresdev@hawaiicounty. gov Question Submission Additional Information Technical Assistance Session Technical Assistance Session Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education) Additional Eligibility Information See Section 1. 3 of the RFP for eligibility requirements.

Additional Information URL https://hawaiicounty. gov/impact Award Administration Information A progress report may be required per the contract. A final project narrative and financial report is due no later than 60 days following the close of the contract term.

The maximum score of 100 points will be divided among the following categories. Demonstrated Sector/Community Need. Maximum 10 points.

Evaluation criteria: The proposal provides a comprehensive and well-supported description of the sector or community need. Evidence is robust, relevant, and demonstrates the need for the project. Project Impact: Maximum 30 points.

Evaluation criteria: How well the proposed outcomes advance the Department's goal and Program Area objectives, and demonstrate the economic and equitable benefits to Hawaiʻi Island residents and businesses. How well the proposed project demonstrates measurable positive impacts in the community during and after the award period. Project Feasibility: Maximum 15 points.

Evaluation criteria: The extent to which the proposal reflects a coherent and feasible approach and includes a reasonable timeline for completion of all proposed activities. The clarity with which specific roles and responsibilities are defined. Applicant Qualifications and Experience.

Maximum 15 points. Evaluation criteria: The level of integrity, reliability, and credibility of the organization in the community. The extent to which the organization has the capacity to carry out the proposed project, including the appropriate mission and structure to fulfill the needs and requirements of the proposed project.

The depth and breadth of experience in performing similar work. Project Partnerships. Maximum 10 points.

Evaluation criteria: Duration and strength of partnerships related to the proposed project. The demonstration of established partnerships that support the success of the proposed project. Fiscal Capability and Accountability.

Maximum 20 points. The reasonableness, accuracy, and thoroughness of the proposed project budget. This includes the appropriate allocation of funds based on planned activities.

Level and probability of non-County funds committed to the project. Applicant's knowledge and implementation of appropriate fiscal controls and policies. Review and Selection Process Please review Section 4, EVALUATION PROCESS of the RFP for complete guidance.

Proposal review and selection under this RFP follows a three-phase process. Phase 1: Screening for eligibility and completeness. Phase 2: Proposal evaluation and scoring.

Evaluation committee members, recommended by the Department Director and approved by the County's Chief Procurement Officer, review each proposal on its own merits, assigning a score of up to 100 points according to the evaluation criteria described in the RFP. The Proposer's total score will be determined by the average of the total points by all evaluators.

Proposals whose total evaluation scores do not meet a minimum threshold of 70 points will not advance to Phase 3 of the evaluation process. Phase 3: Priority Listed Proposer Evaluation. The evaluation committee shall prepare a report summarizing proposal evaluation rankings and provide recommendations for award of contract.

Anticipated Announcement Dates The Department anticipates announcing awards by Wednesday, September 9, 2026.