Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center – Hilo

Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center - Hilo is a business advisory organization in Hilo, HI, providing no-cost consulting and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the island. The center supports clients in developing business plans, improving financial performance, securing capital, expanding market reach, and implementing growth strategies. Services include one-on-one advisory sessions, workshops on marketing, accounting, and strategic planning, and access to research and analysis tools. It serves individuals and businesses throughout the region, helping them start, grow, and sustain operations. With a 4.70 rating and positive reviews, the center is recognized for its accessible, expert-led support.

Established in 1990, the Hawaiʻi SBDC is part of a nationwide network of over 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, funded jointly by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of Hawaiʻi. Its advisors bring diverse professional experience, including prior entrepreneurship, advanced education, and international business exposure. The center offers confidential, no-fee services focused on practical, real-world solutions, including guidance on business structure, licensing, financial management, and disaster recovery. It also hosts regular workshops and events designed to strengthen management skills and promote long-term business success.

Located on Pauahi Street, the center sits just a short walk from Hilo Bayfront Park and near the Vietnam War Memorial and Kamehameha Memorial, both situated along Kamehameha Avenue. It is also within a few hundred meters of Bayfront Highway, placing it in close proximity to key city landmarks and transportation corridors.

The center is known for its strong track record in supporting local economic development, having helped create jobs, secure capital, and launch new businesses across the island. Its reputation is built on consistent, high-quality advisory services delivered by experienced professionals who prioritize the long-term sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s small business community.

As a vital resource in Hilo’s business ecosystem, the Hawaiʻi SBDC plays a key role in strengthening the local economy by empowering entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.