Request for Proposal
The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development is now requesting proposals for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Innovation Grants.
The intent of this grant program is to deploy innovation on island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, and product development. Proposals must identify a known deficiency, problem, or need within the Kaua‘i community and deploy an innovative community project that will be or has been successful in other contexts.
Applications are being accepted through the SMApply grants management system. All applications must be submitted via the SMApply system on or before 4:00 p.m., August 6, 2026. Applications are not accepted through mail, email, hand delivery or fax. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.
Public Comment
The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development (OED) is inviting the public to review the proposals for the Innovation Grants and provide feedback. The public is encouraged to submit substantive and constructive comments on these projects, rather than cast a general vote or show support for a specific organization. This public feedback will be factored into the scoring as part of the selection process. You can view eligible proposals by clicking the button below.
The public comment period is open from Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 21 at 4:00 PM HST.
Informational Webinar
The Office of Economic Development hosted an informational webinar on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 03:00 p.m. A recording can be found here.
Questions about the grant program can be emailed to oedgrants@kauai.gov by Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
SMApply Grant Application Tutorial
A video on how to use the SMApply Grant Application Portal can be found below.
Award Notification
Applicants will be notified of funding during the week of August 31, 2026. The project funding period will be upon full execution of the Grant Agreement to October 31, 2027.
Timetable
Accessibility
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Therilynn Martin Haumea at tmhaumea@kauai.gov or 808-241-4299 no later than July 13, 2026. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.