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Mayor announces $3 million recovery and relief fund to support Maui County small businesses

By Staff | Jul 30, 2020

Gary Fukuroku, president and CEO of Maui County Federal Credit Union, speaks during the July 22 press conference. PHOTO BY THE COUNTY OF MAUI.

WAILUKU – Mayor Michael Victorino last week announced a partnership with federal credit unions to launch a $3 million recovery and relief fund for local small businesses.

The new Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery & Relief Fund utilizes CARES Act funds to help local small businesses recover and survive impacts from COVID-19.

The grant program will begin accepting online applications on Aug. 3, 2020.

The County of Maui is partnering with six chartered FCUs to implement the program: Maui County FCU, Maui FCU, Valley Isle Community FCU, Kahului FCU, Wailuku FCU and Maui Teachers FCU.

“We are pleased to partner with our local federal credit unions to provide the support our small businesses need to get through these unprecedented times,” Mayor Victorino said.

“Our hope is that by providing this financial assistance, we can help many business owners and residents to continue working and providing for their families.”

The fund covers reimbursable business expenses such as rent/lease payments, utility payments and COVID-19-related safety precautions at the place of business.

The maximum award for small businesses is $7,500.

Gary Fukuroku, president and CEO of Maui County Federal Credit Union, said, “The Maui chartered credit unions are pleased to partner with County of Maui to assist small businesses in this time of need.

“Small businesses are the heart of Maui County’s economy, and the expense reimbursement program will hopefully help those to stay in business.”

Businesses eligible to apply must:

1) Have a physical commercial or industrial business location within Maui County.

2) Have an active registered Trade Name with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

3) Have a current General Excise Tax (GET) license as proof of registration for doing business in the State of Hawaii.

4) Have been established prior to March 20, 2019, which should be reflected on the business’ GET license as the starting date.

5) Have less than $1 million in annual gross revenue.

6) Are operating at time of application.

For information on the Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery & Relief Fund, visit www.covid19mauinui.com/kokua-maui-county.