Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

For Immediate Release: October 16, 2023

HONOLULU—Maui small businesses hit by this summer’s wildfires are getting financial support to participate in this year’s Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival on November 3 and 4, 2023 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) program is providing $65,000 in grants to cover booth fees for vendors. The Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival is an annual event presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce to showcase products from the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

“Many of our participants experienced hardships following the devastating wildfires, losing inventory, storefronts, retail outlets, and so much more, and we deeply appreciate DBEDT’s financial support so our vendors can focus on preparing for the Festival,” said Pamela Tumpap, president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce. “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Festival and it’s much needed, especially this year.”

“Providing immediate support to small businesses on Maui is vital right now. This sponsorship allows 132 companies to exhibit their creativity and talent and for the community to experience what vendors have to offer while helping their recovery efforts,” said Dennis Ling, administrator of the Business Development and Support Division of DBEDT.

Each of the participating vendors will receive $450 for their booth space and other associated costs for the Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival.

The CBED program provides training and capacity-building opportunities to promote, support, and invest in community-based development projects that result in measurable economic impact.

About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation-sector job growth.

About the Business Development and Support Division (BDSD)
The Business Development and Support Division of DBEDT promotes industry development and economic diversification by supporting existing and emerging industries in Hawaii and by attracting new investment and businesses to the state. Learn more at: invest.hawaii.gov.

About the Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival
Presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce and supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival was created in 2014 to stimulate our island’s economy by boosting sales and awareness of locally made products. It is a showcase of the hard work and creativity in our local community, and buyers from around the state and across the nation are getting word that this is the place to be if they want to see the best that Maui County has to offer.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laci Goshi
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
(808) 518-5480

Dennis Ling
Business Development and Support Division Administrator
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism