The Zonta Club of Hilo is accepting grant applications to provide funding for women-owned businesses in East Hawaii.
Women who are seeking financial support to start up or improve on a business are encouraged to apply.
Applications are available at zontahilo.org. Applications also can be requested by mail at: Zonta Club of Hilo Pay It Forward Program, P.O. Box 1915, Hilo, HI 96721-1915.
Applications are being accepted through midnight Monday, July 15.
The Pay It Forward program of the local chapter of Zonta was launched in 2014 with an initial generous donation from Nancy Cabral, a member of Zonta and owner of Day-Lum Rentals & Management Inc./Coldwell Banker Day Lum Properties. Cabral’s desire is to encourage other women to achieve financial independence and business success.
The program goal is to help women in the community start up or expand a business through a microgrant intended to give a helping hand. The grant will be for $1,000 for one year, and is renewable for a second year.
Awardees are required to submit a written report after one year, and will be asked to present the report to the club. Upon successful completion of this report, a second grant of $1,000 will be awarded.
Awardees are encouraged to “Pay It Forward” when they are able.
“Encouraging women to succeed in their goals to provide a better community for East Hawaii is an important part of the mission of our club,” said Zonta Club of Hilo President Elyse Robinson. “The Pay It Forward program is one of the many programs our club offers to empower women and girls through service and advocacy. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Zonta International.”
For more information, email zontapayitforward@gmail.com.