It is inspiring to see Maui’s response to this awful COVID-19 pandemic.

We truly are a great community of caring people.

There are countless stories of resorts, businesses, churches and non-profits stepping up to help people in this unprecedented global health and economic crisis.

The County of Maui and Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) are providing strong support to small businesses.

Last week, they launched the COVID-19 Business Assistance Series to provide relevant information and practical guidance in a safe online venue.

Visit www.mauibizassist.com to access an array of business and health information resources.

“The escalating impacts of COVID-19 continue to hurt our businesses, which are the backbone of our economy,” said Leslie Wilkins, president and CEO of Maui Economic Development Board.

“MEDB’s business team is working to bring business owners easy access to up-to-the minute information. The webcasts and one-on-one guidance help to navigate through the various federal loan applications to generate much-needed cash resources to businesses.”

The free COVID-19 Business Assistance Series webcasts can be viewed live or via the recording on any device. The goal is to help Maui small business owners navigate the resources available to them with clear step-by-step instructions.

“There is an enormous amount of federal money being injected into the economy, and we want to make sure every small business owner in Maui County has an opportunity to seek financial relief,” said series host Gerry Smith, MEDB’s director of business development.

The first two webcasts covered the application process for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the SBA Paycheck Protection Program.

MEDB’s Business Development team is also available for free one-on-one assistance over the phone or virtually by appointment. E-mail info@hightechmaui.com or call 270-6803 with any business-related questions.

There are county, state and federal programs to help small businesses during the shutdown and recovery. Maui businesses should take advantage of all available resources.