State agency to cover vendor booth fees for 9 Hawaiian-owned businesses participating in Merrie Monarch Market

The annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and craft fair in Hilo brings out the best in Hawaiian culture – from hula to arts and crafts to foods – attracting thousands of spectators and shoppers every year.

And this year, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Community-Based Economic Development Program will be supporting nine Native Hawaiian-owned businesses participating in the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market by covering their vendor booth fees and travel expenses through an $8,000 grant from the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture Center for Entrepreneurship.

The grant also covers the businesses’ marketing to enhance their visibility, according to a press release from the state department.

The market, set up at Sangha Hall in Hilo, is held in conjunction with the festival taking place from April 24-26. Of the nine businesses receiving funding, three are based on the Big Island.

Kaulana Mahina, from Kea‘au, is a research-based resource promoting Hawaiian culture and language through mahina workshops, moon calendars, maps, keiki books and more.

Pawniolo Pets, from Waimea, offers quality pet food and snacks rooted in the traditions of its family cattle ranch.

Sweetheart Farm, based in Hilo, offers farm-fresh products ranging from microgreens and chili pepper jelly to baked goods and lilikoi butter.

“By supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at the Merrie Monarch Festival, we are investing in the long-term success of local businesses while celebrating and perpetuating Hawaiian culture,” said Mark Ritchie, Business Support Division Branch Chief for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The festival, officials stated, provides a unique opportunity for local artisans, food vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, increase brand recognition and generate revenue.

“This funding allows us to provide critical support for Native Hawaiian small businesses – helping them grow their brands, expand their customer base and contribute to the local economy,” said Lisa Pakele, program director of the INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship. “We are grateful to the CBED Program for its commitment to community-based economic development.”

The other six businesses awarded funding are from O‘ahu. They are: Bujo Bae, Honolulu Baby Company, Kākou Collective, Keha Hawai‘i, The Keiki Dept and Mahina Made.

For more information about the CBED Program and its initiatives, visit https://invest.hawaii.gov/business/cbed/. To learn more about INPEACE and its programs, visit https://inpeace.org/.