Zonta Club Offers MicroGrant for Women Entrepreneurs

The Zonta Club of Hilo is accepting grant applications to provide funding for women-owned businesses on Hawai‘i Island.  Women who are seeking financial support to start up or improve upon a business are encouraged to apply.

Applications are available online at www.zontahilo.org and are being accepted via email to zontapayitforward@gmail.com by midnight HST or by mail postmark on Friday, July 31, 2021.

The Pay It Forward program of the local chapter of Zonta was launched in 2014 with an initial generous donation from Nancy Cabral, a Zonta member and owner of Day-Lum Rentals & Management, Inc. Cabral’s desire was to encourage other women to achieve financial independence and business success. Since its inception, many other generous donors have contributed to these microgrants for women entrepreneurs.

The program goal is to help women in our community start up or expand a business through a microgrant intended to give a helping hand. The grant will be for up to $2,000.  Awardees are required to submit a written report after one year, and will be asked to present the report to the club. Awardees are encouraged to “Pay It Forward” when they are able.

“Encouraging women to succeed in their goals to provide a better community for Hawai‘i Island is an important part of the mission of our club.  The Pay It Forward Program is one of the many programs our club offers to empower women and girls through service and advocacy,” said Zonta Club of Hilo President Julie Engelhardt.

Applications may also be requested by mailing:

Zonta Club of Hilo

Pay It Forward Program

P.O. Box 1915

Hilo, HI  96721-1915

For more information, visit the website www.zontahilo.org or email zontapayitforward@gmail.com.