Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism's (DBEDT) mission continues to be achieving a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. 

The Business Development & Support Division (BDSD), promotes industry development and economic diversification in Hawaii by supporting existing and emerging industries, attracting new investment and businesses that can create more skilled, quality jobs in the state, and work to increase exports of Hawaii products and services. Business support provides new and existing businesses direct loans, licensing and permit information and referral, business advocacy, planning and coordination of programs and projects aimed at specific business sectors or economically-distressed areas.

 

State Programs

Some of BDSD’s more notable state-wide programs include:

• Business of Exporting Accelerator
• Hawaii State Pavilions at various industry trade shows in the U.S. and abroad
• Coordination of Sister-State Relationships and International Student Attraction, both forging new global business linkages for Hawaii
• Small Business Fairs
• Microloans to Businesses
• Grants to Community-based Economic Impact Non-profits
• Enterprise Zone program designed to assist economically-disadvantaged areas of the state
• CBED (Community-based Economic Development) Accelerator

 

Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program (HiSTEP)

Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program, known as HiSTEP, is a comprehensive program designed to assist Hawaii small businesses with their export development.

The goal is to increase the number of small businesses that want to export as well as the value of exports for those small businesses that currently export. Today it is easier than ever for companies, regardless of size, to sell goods and services across the globe and this program can help achieve that.

 

 

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