For the past 20 years, LISC has invested in and partnered with community-based organizations in Hawaiʻi as part of the Rural LISC program. These investments have included:
- establishing Financial Opportunity Centers and local CDFI co-lending partnerships,
- supporting rural economic development and healthy housing initiatives,
- and placing AmeriCorps members with Hawaii community-based organizations.
In 2021, through an investment from Kaiser Permanente, LISC launched its first urban focused program on the ground in Hawaiʻi: an initiative to catalyze and strengthen inclusive economic development. Hawaiʻi ohanas (families) are facing unprecedented economic challenges related to skyrocketing housing affordability paired with a weakened and changing economy that has been reliant upon tourism. The need to empower communities and individuals has never been more critical, as generational displacement and emigration for opportunities outside of Hawaiʻi becomes a greater and greater threat to the integrity of Hawaiʻi. Out-migration, in fact, threatens to permanently change the unique history and culture of Hawaiʻi, which honors the connection of the people to the ʻāina (land).
Our work in Hawaiʻi
Our economic development initiatives aim to create equitable opportunities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities along with economically disadvantaged residents to participate in and benefit from the economic growth of their neighborhoods and the wider region. We do this through an integrated strategy focused on three categories:
- Place. We support residents to enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of commercial corridors in underserved communities by investing in projects that embrace shared vision, improve the physical environment, and celebrate the unique assets of each neighborhood.
- Business. We help launch and sustain small BIPOC-owned businesses that provide essential goods and services to residents, create jobs, foster a sense of community and nurture economic opportunity and innovation.
- People. We create opportunities for people to secure jobs that increase their income and assets and help them build financial literacy, which can bolster their ability to maintain economic security.
Inclusive Economic Development
In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, LISC is advancing health and wealth through a unique approach to nurturing districts, businesses and talent in Hawaiʻi. This work will help dismantle barriers to inclusive growth and economic mobility encountered by AANHPI.
The goals of this program include:
- Ensuring that business districts have quality, affordable retail and commercial spaces and an environment that fosters business growth.
- Supporting AANHPI entrepreneurs to advance quality job retention/creation and a healthy ecosystem for equitable small business growth.
- Developing talent through financial coaching, providing access to income supports and reskilling so that people can land quality jobs.
Kalihi Inclusive Economic Development Landscape Analysis
This landscape analysis assesses the current conditions of the community and opportunities to strengthen and uplift the neighborhoods, small businesses, and residents.
Small Business Support
LISC helps organizations that support small businesses to start and grow, so that they, in turn, can provide wealth-building opportunities for entrepreneurs and bring vitality to business districts. These business development organizations offer coaching, technical assistance and long-range recovery strategies to AANHPI and women entrepreneurs. LISC-funded programs strengthen the operations of these businesses by providing access to capital, training, and tailored coaching.
Learn more about our small business loan products.
Contact
To learn more about our work in Hawaiʻi contact the team at LISCHawaii@lisc.org.