In response to the COVID19 crisis, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is awarding grants to small businesses in rural communities through its Rapid Relief and Resiliency Fund.
Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Non-profit organizations are not eligible. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less (which according to the most recent U.S. Census, covers all of the Big Island communities, including Hilo–96720, which squeaks in at 48,774). A community is defined as the city/town/village where your business address is located. If the business is mobile (a food truck, fishing boat, ride share driver, etc) the address where the vehicle is stored during non-business hours is considered the business address.
Grants will be made in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. LISC will use the funding to provide grants to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19.
Eligible uses of funds include:
- Payables to include rent and utilities.
- Payroll (including for the applicant).
- Paying outstanding debt to vendors.
- Other immediate operational costs.
Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. The application period for today, Sept. 28, through next Monday, Oct. 5, is now open.
- Please read the Frequently Asked Questions
- Online application
- See Census population data for Hawaii County Census Divisions
The LISC is funded by numerous companies. Click here for a list.