Small Business Grant
Congratulations to Our 2019 Small Business Grant Recipients!
Hawaii State FCU introduced the Small Business Grant to highlight and support local small businesses making positive and lasting impacts in the community. With so many innovative entrepreneurs within our membership, the Small Business Grant is one of the ways we acknowledge our small business owners and support their growth and goals.
Congratulations to members Dawn Martin, owner of Dawn Patrol Assessments, and Brad Kalilimoku, owner of Fitgevity, who are the recipients of Hawaii State FCU’s inaugural Small Business Grant. Each will receive $5,000 to assist them in growing or expanding their business.
Dawn Martin, owner of Dawn Patrol Assessments
Started in 2011, Dawn Patrol Assessments offers individual and family counseling, assessments, and resource referrals to help those with substance use or mental health issues receive the treatment they need. Read more about her story below.
A Community Game Changer
Dawn Martin saw a critical need in her community. Witnessing increases in drug use and mental health issues, especially among youth, broke her heart. “While there are good rehabilitation and treatment programs available, they can be hard to get into. Some require a court order to be accepted. It shouldn’t come to that,” she explained.
Many of Dawn’s clients do not have insurance and can’t afford to pay for the assessment and counseling sessions, so Dawn Patrol Assessments often steps in to help cover costs so payment won’t be an obstacle to getting help. “The grant money will go a long way in helping us get even more clients placed into the right rehabilitation and treatment programs,” said Dawn. “We estimate being able to help 30 more individuals with support services this coming year.”
When asked if she had any advice for members interested in applying for future Small Business Grants, Dawn said, “Don’t feel intimidated by the process. You may think that your business isn’t big enough, or that you’re not a good enough writer, so your application won’t be considered. At the end of the day, small businesses are about your heart, and how you channel your passion and commitment to your cause through your business. And sometimes, that’s good enough!”
How Does It Feel to Be a Recipient of the Small Business Grant?
I felt excited and honored that my business was selected as a Small Business Grant winner. I’ve always been impressed by the support Hawaii State FCU provides to small businesses. They’ve always shown a commitment to helping my business succeed — by answering my questions, providing me with the right information and resources, and just showing a genuine interest in what we are doing in the community.
Brad Kalilimoku, owner of Fitgevity
Fitgevity works with local businesses and organizations to develop fitness classes, programs, and manage corporate gym facilities. The company provides a wealth of wellness options for clients of all ages. Read more about his story below.
Making Wellness a Life-Long Priority
A former football player for the University of Hawaii, Brad Kalilimoku has always been passionate about exercise and nutrition, and friends and family would often ask him for fitness-related advice. While he was happy to help, he never imagined he would make it his career.
That changed after a chance meeting with someone who gave him life-changing advice. “What he told me was so simple: Whatever you’re passionate about, create a business around it,” said Brad. “It got me thinking – what am I passionate about? What drives me? I realized it was helping the people I care about, and improving the health of my community. That’s how Fitgevity was born.”
Brad plans to use the grant money to purchase new workout equipment that will help his current clients and also allow him to expand his services to include more youth programs. “I plan to purchase additional equipment to better service the diverse fitness needs in our communities. Incorporating new equipment gives our clients more variety in their workouts, which we hope will keep them engaged, excited and committed to achieving their fitness goals.”
How Does It Feel to Be a Recipient of the Small Business Grant?
I felt truly humbled and blessed when I found out I was selected for a grant. Throughout my athletic career, we were always taught the importance of giving back — we used to visit schools, community centers, hospitals — talking about successes, failures and overcoming adversity. So I’m a huge believer in supporting the community however I can, and I like to align myself with companies that have the same beliefs. Hawaii State FCU embodies those same beliefs – they’ve shown that they support their members and want to help small businesses in Hawaii.
Learn more about how to apply for a Business Account or how to choose the right Business Loan or a Business Line of Credit that works for you.