Zonta Club of Hilo to Provide Microgrants to Women Entrepreneurs

The Zonta Club of Hilo has given out a call for applications to provide microgrants to women-owned small businesses in Hawaii’s Big Island. Women entrepreneurs in the need of funding have been encouraged to apply for the microgrant.

The goal of the Pay It Forward program is to aid women to establish startups on the island. Women looking to expand their businesses can also apply for the microgrant. Every grant provided will be up to $2,000 and the recipients will be encouraged to “Pay It Forward” once they are financially sound.

Julie Tulang, President, Zonta Club of Hilo, said, “After a record-breaking number of applications in 2023, the club is thrilled to increase funding from $6,000 to $10,000 in order to assist even more female business owners”.  

“Helping women to succeed and improve our communities advances the mission of Zonta. Pay It Forward is one of the many programs our club offers to empower women and girls through service and advocacy,” further added Julie.

Zonta’s local chapter of the ‘Pay It Forward’ program was established in 2014 through an initial donation from Nancy Cabral, a Zonta member and owner of Day-Lum Rentals & Management, Inc. Nancy wanted to support and motivate other women to strive for financial independence and business success. Several other donors have supported the initiative through contributions and donations for these microgrants for women entrepreneurs.

The applications for the ‘Pay It Forward’ program will be open till midnight HST, July 31.