The Zonta Club of Hilo recently presented $10,000 in microgrants for its 2024 “Pay It Forward” program.
The award program supports women entrepreneurs on Hawaii Island who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.
The 2024 microgrant recipients were Dawn Patterson of Dawn’s Barber Shop, Rachel Edrman of LoveBug Farm, Napua Arakaki-Heen of Nalani Farm Store, Megan Brady of Uproot Origin and Syd Wang of Wala‘au Therapy.
Patterson has been a barber for 29 years and is sole proprietor of Dawn’s Barber Shop in Hilo. She will use the grant to pay off her EIDL COVID loan and purchase tools for the shop.
Erdman’s LoveBug Farm raises hydroponic lettuce, microgreens and produce, as well as provides dog daycare, boarding and training services. She will use the money to build a sink and a cleaning and processing area for the produce grown on her farm.
Arakaki-Heen’s Nalani Farm Store, located in downtown Hilo, is a boutique gift shop specializing in goods grown, made and designed in Hawaii. She estimates that around 70% of the products she stocks are produced by women-owned businesses. She will use the funds to purchase inventory for the store.
Brady created her signature Uproot Origin elixir from organic ginger, organic turmeric and organic honey sourced from small farms on the Big Island. She plans to use the grant to hire administrative support to help her business grow.
Based in Hilo, Wang’s Wala‘au Therapy evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive and swallowing/feeding disorders. She plans to use the award to build an ADA-compliant entrance ramp at her practice.
“For the third year in a row, we saw a record number of applicants for the grant. It’s inspiring to see so many women entrepreneurs in our community,” said club president Julie Tulang in a press releaase. ”The Zonta Club of Hilo is proud to provide a financial boost to these five well-deserving women-owned businesses.”
“Pay It Forward” microgrants are funded annually through the charitable Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, donations to which are tax-deductible. For more information, visit zontahilo.org.
