The Zonta Club of Hilo is accepting grant applications to provide funding for women-owned businesses in East Hawaii.
Women seeking financial support to start up or improve upon a business are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online at zontahilo.org and are being accepted via email at zontapayitforward@gmail.com or mail through midnight Friday, July 31.
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 East Hawaii 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 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.”
Applications also can be requested by mailing: Zonta Club of Hilo, Pay It Forward program, P.O. Box 1915, Hilo, HI 96721-1915
For more information, visit zontahilo.org or email zontapayitforward@gmail.com.
The Zonta Club of Hilo is a member of Zonta International, whose mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. Hilo club projects include Fashion Frenzy, Magnificent Me Girls Conference, college scholarships and Amelia Earhart Girls in Engineering Day.