HONOLULU – Hawaii State FCU has selected two recipients for its inaugural small business grant program. Dawn Patrol Assessments and Fitgevity, both local businesses based on Oahu, have been awarded $5,000 each to grow or expand their operations.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community. Often times it is challenging for them to qualify for financing to grow their companies, so it is important for us to do our part to support small business and help them succeed,” said Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaii State FCU. “This is Hawaii State FCU’s first year offering a grant program for local entrepreneurs, and it is our intent to offer this grant program on an annual basis. We wish the two recipients continued success as they work hard to expand their businesses.”
To qualify and apply for the program, interested businesses were required to be a for-profit company in good standing with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; a sole proprietor age 18 or older; in business in the state of Hawaii for at least 12 months; member of Hawaii State FCU in good standing for at least 12 months; and annual gross revenues must not have exceeded $1 million. The grantees applications were reviewed and selected based on need and plans for business expansion.
“I felt excited and honored that my business was selected for a Small Business Grant,” said Dawn Martin, owner of Dawn Patrol Assessments. “A lot of our clients don’t have insurance and can’t afford to pay for assessment and counseling services, so we step in so that high costs don’t become an obstacle to getting treatment. This grant will go a long way in helping us expand our reach and get more clients placed into the right rehabilitation and treatment programs.”
Fitgevity works with local businesses to create fitness classes, programs and in-house gym facility operations. The company is owned by Brad Kalilimoku.
“Throughout my college athletic career, we were always taught the importance of giving back. I’m a huge believer in supporting my community however I can, and I like to align myself with companies that have the same beliefs,” said Kalilimoku. “Hawaii State FCU embodies those same beliefs – they’ve shown that they support their members and want to help small businesses in Hawaii.”