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# Maui Business Bridge Grant Assistance for Businesses Affected by August Wildfires

## Introduction
The Maui Business Bridge Grant aims to provide financial support to businesses directly or indirectly impacted by the August wildfires. The program, funded by the state through the County of Maui, is a partnership with Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO), Credit Unions of Maui, and Maui Business Development Center. This initiative intends to stabilize businesses and assist them in moving forward.

## Importance of Small Businesses
Luana Mahi, the director of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, stressed the vital role of small businesses in MauiÔÇÖs economy. She emphasized that they are the backbone of the community, employing residents and supporting its vitality. The Bridge grant program aims to play a crucial role in assisting businesses during these challenging times.

## Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet certain criteria such as experiencing direct or indirect impacts from the wildfires, having a primary business operating on Maui as of July 31, 2023, and possessing an active Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) ID with a registered business address on Maui. Additionally, applicants need to submit a copy of a recent Hawaii GET filing and cannot be eligible if they are rental property landlords/businesses.

## How AI legalese decoder Can Help
The AI legalese decoder can assist businesses in understanding and interpreting the eligibility criteria and specific legal requirements for the Maui Business Bridge Grant. It can simplify complex legal language and provide clear explanations, ensuring that businesses meet all the necessary qualifications.

## Grant Usage and Processing
The grant funds may be used for various costs incurred after August 9, 2023, including rent, lease, mortgage payments, utility deposits, insurance premiums, and more. The application process for businesses with gross revenues of $300,000 or less in 2022 will be handled by MEOÔÇÖs Business Development Center. Credit Unions of Maui will handle applications for businesses with revenues between $300,001 and $599,999, while MEDB will process applications for businesses with revenues of $600,000 and above.

## Grants Allocation and Application Process
While the largest companies could receive as much as $20,000 in grants, businesses in the MEO tier are eligible for between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on size. The total grant amount received by MEO for the grants is $5.5 million, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are expended. Interested businesses can access online applications for all sizes of businesses at the provided link and can contact MEO for more information about applications for businesses in the MEO tier.

The AI legalese decoder can further help businesses in navigating the details and terms of the grant allocation and application process, making it easier for them to understand the specific funding options available to them. By simplifying legal jargons and providing contextual meanings, the AI tool can empower businesses to make informed decisions and effectively apply for the grant assistance.

In conclusion, the Maui Business Bridge Grant and the involvement of MEO, along with other partners, aim to provide critical support to businesses impacted by the wildfires. With clear guidance and assistance from the AI legalese decoder, businesses can navigate the application process and ensure that they meet the necessary requirements to receive the financial support they need for recovery and stability.

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