Slow Money Hawaii brings resources to local food suppliers
Nov 28, 2023
This month, Ulupono spotlights a valued nonprofit partner, Slow Money Hawaii, that supports our goal to increase local food production in the state.
A $25,000 grant, provided last year through the Ulupono Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation and then dispersed via the North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership, is helping Slow Money Hawaii to secure at least $75,000 in low-interest loans for producers.
Slow Money Hawaii operates under the guiding principles of the Slow Money Network, which catalyzes relationships that result in the flow of capital between farmers and their communities. The Hawaii organization brings farmers and lenders together to nurture small Hawaii farmers and food entrepreneurs committed to increasing the local food supply using practices that are good for people and the earth. It offers opportunities for farmers and prospective lenders to get to know one another, resulting in the facilitation of short-term, low-interest loans to help these businesses expand.
Here are two recent examples in Slow Money Hawaii's recent newsletter:
- From Ranch to Dog Bowl! Pawniolo Pets creates nourishing dog food and needed income stream for Big Island ranch families
- Oahu Farm Family Becomes a Land Owner! Learn about how Thrive Farm is a fruit orchard success story
Want to learn more about Pawniolo Pet's loan request? The company is looking for those interested in lending at least $2,000 with repayment over 3 years, with interest. They will also offer Pawniolo pet treats in lieu of interest! For more details and an introduction to Nick and Miki, email Mary at info@SlowMoneyHawaii.com.
Slow Money Hawaii is currently facilitating person-to-person lending using promissory notes, loans of $15,000 or less via Kiva (a global peer-to-peer lending platform that enables crowdfunding for underserved communities), or a combination of the two. The organization also serves as a trustee on the Kiva online lending platform, where it also collaborates with The Hawaii Food Producers Fund at The Kohala Center, and operates the ‘ĀINA Fund, which is funded by general donations and may be used as supplemental or matching funds to those provided by individual lenders.