The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) in Hawaii has announced that its Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program is awarding an $8,000 grant to the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) Center for Entrepreneurship. This grant aims to support nine Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses as they participate as vendors at the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market. The market event is scheduled from April 24-26, 2025, at Sangha Hall in Hilo, Hawaii, alongside the Merrie Monarch Festival.
Mark Ritchie, DBEDT Business Support Division Branch Chief, commented on the initiative: “The CBED Program is committed to fostering economic opportunities that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s small business community, particularly those that align with cultural preservation and sustainability.” He emphasized the importance of supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at such a significant cultural event as a way to invest in their long-term success while celebrating Hawaiian culture.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is one of Hawaii's leading cultural events, drawing thousands of attendees including residents and visitors. The Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, enhance brand recognition and boost revenue.
Lisa Pakele, program director of the INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship, expressed gratitude towards the CBED Program: “This funding allows us to provide critical support for Native Hawaiian small businesses – helping them grow their brands, expand their customer base and contribute to the local economy.”
The allocated funds will be used to cover vendor booth fees, travel expenses and marketing efforts for participating businesses. The CBED Program focuses on initiatives promoting economic self-sufficiency and sustainable business development within Hawaii. Through community-driven projects like this one, DBEDT seeks to bolster local industries and foster economic resilience.
For more information about these programs or other initiatives by DBEDT or INPEACE, interested parties can visit their respective websites.