In the wake of the devastating Maui wildfires in August 2023, many small business owners faced significant losses—damage to property, disruptions in operations, and reduced customer bases. To support these businesses and their community’s recovery, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with American Express and with support from Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, established the Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program.
Created with additional collaboration from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and LahainaTown Action Committee, the program provided $5,000 grants and business coaching to 100 small businesses to help them recover and rebuild in the face of economic uncertainty.
Program Participants: A Closer Look
Nearly 1,000 businesses applied for the Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program, reflecting the urgent need for assistance on the island. The 100 businesses selected represented a diverse range of industries, including retail, arts, entertainment/recreation, and food services, just to name a few. They were small but mighty—many employing fewer than 10 people. Specifically:
- 20%had 3 employees
- 25%had 4 employees
- 27%had 5-9 employees
- 28%had 10-20 employees
Overcoming Challenges in the Aftermath of the Fires
The impact of the wildfires on these businesses was widespread and severe.
- 96%reported loss of customers
- 62%experienced disruptions due to infrastructure damage (utilities down, road closures)
- 60%reported a lack of employee availability
Program participants also reported damage to their inventory, equipment, or physical buildings.
Beyond these immediate losses, many business owners faced additional challenges that hindered their recovery, including limited access to short-term capital, changes in their local customer base, or the need to relocate their businesses.
A Lifeline for Local Businesses
When asked how they used the $5,000 grant, business owners reported a range of needs:
- 49%used the grant to pay employee salaries
- 38%used it to rebuild their customer base through marketing and advertising
- 31%directed funds to repairing or replacing damaged inventory
- 25%invested in equipment repairs or replacements
A smaller portion used the grant to move to a new location or repair damaged buildings.
While $5,000 was only a fraction of what was needed to fully recover, the grant provided critical support at a time when every dollar counted.
The Power of Coaching and Long-Term Resilience
In addition to financial support, the program’s coaching sessions helped grantees make strategic adjustments to help them rebuild and prepare for future challenges. Many business owners expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in sessions focused on marketing, business continuity planning, and customer engagement.
After completing the program:
- 62%of participants rated the program as highly beneficial for their business
- 69%were highly satisfied with the resources provided
- 59%felt better prepared for future natural disasters
A Blueprint for Recovery
Through coaching and peer learning, grantees made several strategic changes to strengthen their businesses. Many developed or refined their business plans, set clearer goals, and enhanced their disaster preparedness strategies. Some grantees focused on expanding their customer base, launching new marketing campaigns, or introducing innovative ways to connect with their community. Others emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration to build a more resilient local business ecosystem.
One key takeaway for many participants was the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. Several business owners noted that the program helped them identify weaknesses—such as staffing shortages or gaps in their business continuity plans—and provided the tools and resources to address them.
Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Future
While recovery is an ongoing process, the Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program provided crucial support to help businesses get back on their feet and build a foundation for the future.
As these businesses continue to recover, they serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Maui community. By combining financial support with strategic guidance, the Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program has empowered these local businesses not just to rebuild, but to be more prepared for whatever the future may bring.
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