Zonta Club of Hilo awards $6,000

The Zonta Club of Hilo presented $6,000 in four microgrants for “Pay It Forward” 2021.  This award program supports women entrepreneurs on Hawai‘i Island who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.

“We are thrilled that Zonta was able to assist female business owners keep their ventures on track, especially during the pandemic,“ said Tonya Ozone, Pay It Forward Committee Chair.

2021 microgrant recipients were Kristen “KT” Thario of Big Island Pulse, Susan Collins of Bird and Bee Hawaii LLC, Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita of Kalakoa Products, and Aesha Shapiro of Ladies Artisan Market LLC.

Big Island Pulse is a digital media company whose mission is to keep our island informed, connected, entertained, and supported while connecting Hawaiʻi Island’s locally owned, independent businesses to the communities they serve through online advertising.

Located on a five acre farm in Honokaa, Bird and Bee Hawaii’s goal is to educate current and future beekeepers as well as offer equipment, support, and swarm removal services to support healthy honeybees on the Big Island.

Created by a mom, Kalakoa Products provides kid’s books and activities, therapy tools, and wellness to empower other moms and create opportunities for growth in their children.

Ladies Artistan Market creates, facilitates, and operates live and online marketplaces, events, conferences, workshops/trainings, coffee dates, and networking events for women in business. 

“Zonta is proud to provide a financial boost to these four exemplary women-owned businesses,” said Ozone.

“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.