HI HB1407

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish and administer a Chamber of Commerce Competitive Grant Program to provide funding to qualifying chambers of commerce.

Grants up to $100,000 available to chambers of commerce that serve at least 300 businesses and have raised at least one-fifth of the grant amount requested from other sources.

Grant recipients must provide a $1 match for every $5 of grant funds received and use funds for entrepreneur development activities including mentoring, workshops, skill development, staffing, technical assistance, software, and technology upgrades.

Chapter 42F qualifying standards and conditions do not apply to chambers of commerce awarded grants under this program; department must adopt rules to administer the program and establish an appeals process for grant denials.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027; requires grant recipients to submit annual reports detailing fund usage; takes effect July 1, 3000.