If you are looking to start a farming business or are a small farm on Oahu or Big Island looking to grow, contact us at info@pacificgatewaycenter.org.

START-UP & BUSINESS EXPANSION SUPPORT FOR FARMERS ON OAHU AND BIG ISLAND

Our Job Creation Through Agriculture (JCTA) program assists new agricultural enterprises get started and helps existing enterprises expand and grow.

What does the program provide for me?

The JCTA program recognizes that many people interested in farming are immigrants, refugees, and survivors of labor trafficking. These populations face unique challenges beyond just starting or running the business. That's why the program provides both business solutions and "wrap around" services to overcome obstacles and facilitate growth and expansion.

Some of the resources PGC can provide to farmers include:

• Access to farmland and microloans for low-income farmers;

• Start-up assistance to include drafting business plans, promotion and marketing, and technical assistance regarding products in-demand;

• Education and training related to agricultural practices, like design components for irrigation, food safety, or regulatory requirements;

• Wrap around services like language assistance and guidance - through a case manager - to navigate the regulatory environment and facilitate access to public agencies and other community-based organizations that support farmers and their families in Hawaii.