What's Being Discussed
The Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Advisory Council, part of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, is holding its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The council oversees a loan program that supports small, Hawaii-based businesses. Topics on the agenda include:

Approving the minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting
Reviewing a loan request from Ua Body, a natural skincare and fragrance company founded in Waimea with stores in Honolulu, Kona, and Japan, seeking $125,000 to buy supplies and hire a marketing director
Reviewing a loan request from Uproot Origin, LLC, a Hilo-based wellness product maker, seeking $30,000 to purchase materials and equipment to grow production
Nominating and voting for a new Chairperson of the council
Reviewing and discussing the CBED EDA Revolving Loan Plan

Decisions Expected

A vote on approving a $125,000 loan to Ua Body (co-funded with a $150,000 loan from Feed the Hunger Fund, for a combined $275,000 at 5.5% over 6 years)
A vote on approving a $30,000 loan to Uproot Origin, LLC (co-funded with another $30,000 from Feed the Hunger Fund, for a combined $60,000 at 5.5% over 6 years)
Electing a new council chairperson

Who Should Pay Attention

Small business owners interested in CBED loan programs
Residents of Waimea, Hilo, Honolulu, and Kona communities where these businesses operate
Anyone interested in community-based economic development in Hawaii