The Zona Club of Hilo presented over $6,000 in five microgrants for “Pay It Forward” 2020.  This award program supports women entrepreneurs who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.

“We are excited that Zonta was able to assist female business owners keep their ventures on track, especially in tough 2020,” said Elyse Robinson, Club President.  “We wish we could have helped all of this year’s applicants.”

Repeat grant recipients were Springer Kaye of Kaye Family Farms and Kristina Henricks of Good Karma Spay and Neuter Clinic.  Both women received initial grants in 2019 and were awarded second grants this year based on reports of successful use of first year funding.

Receiving new grants were: Aesha Shapiro, founder of Ladies Artisan Market; Mattie Mae Larson, founder of Upcycle Hawaiʻi; and Sara Krosch, founder of Big Island Active.  All three women are working diligently to adapt their businesses to the current economic climate.

The Zonta Club of Hilo’s “Pay It Forward” program opened the grant application process this summer for women-owned businesses on Hawai’i Island, and received a record number of high-quality applications. Plans for a program in 2021 are still under development.

The Zonta Club of Hilo is part of an international organization, Zonta International, a global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.  Zonta Hilo Club projects include Fashion Frenzy, Magnificent Me Girls Conference, college scholarships and Amelia Earhart Girls in Engineering Day.

Microgrants are funded through the charitable arm of the club, Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, donations to which are tax-deductible.  For more information, visit zontahilo.org.

For a one-on-one interview, from Nov. 2019,  with Mattie Mae Larson of Upcycle Hawaii with New West Broadcasting’s Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken, click here.  Larson is continuing to use recycled plastic to make products right in Hilo.

Attached photo is Mattie Mae Larson.

Below courtesy Zonta Club of Hilo.