A business grant organized by the American Heart Association is being extended to Hawaiʻi for the first time this year.
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator grant provides funding for entrepreneurs and start-up companies focused on improving Hawaiʻi’s health.
According to AHA, "In 2019, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people were four times more likely than other populations to die from cardiovascular disease, and three times more likely to die from stroke."
First place, second place and the fan favorite will receive $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 grants, respectively. The winners will also receive six weeks of MBA-style business training.
Kamehameha Schools is sponsoring the grant to the tune of $100,000.
"Social determinants of health are especially significant here in Hawaiʻi, and the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities are increasingly empowered to take charge of their health," said Sarah Antone, the portfolio lead at Kamehameha Schools.
"So this program will offer training opportunities centered around health and well-being that will include business development training and funding for finalists, business activities who are really working to reduce those adverse social determinants within their respective communities," Antone told HPR.
Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for this program, but it is open to all local entrepreneurs who are in the community and finding ways to improve the health and wellbeing of Hawaiʻi’s communities
People and organizations interested in the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator grant can apply on the American Heart Association’s website by April 1, 2022.
