PAGO PAGO — Bank of Hawaii is now accepting applications for the Atina‘e Manuia mo Amerika Samoa Small Business Revitalization and Development Grant for projects that will foster small-business development and economic activity within American Samoa.

Small-business owners are invited to submit applications by August 2, 2013. The award is open to small-business owners with a successful track record in operating a business or management experience, and provides five grants of $5,000 each. 

The bank established the grant program in 2012 to help promote new American Samoa businesses and to encourage existing small businesses to expand.

 If not already completed, grant awardees are required to successfully complete one of the following before Nov. 25, 2013:

* American Samoa Small Business Development Center small business training program

* Bank of Hawaii Smart Money small business financial education training

Grant awardees are also expected to report back to the bank on how the grant has made a difference to their business and the community by Nov. 25.

Application forms are available at Bank of Hawaii’s Centennial Branch in Utulei or by contacting our American Samoa regional manager at (684) 633-2496.

Forms are also available by contacting the American Samoa Small Business Development Center at (684) 699-4830. Applications should be submitted to: American Samoa Regional Manager Hobbs Lowson, Bank of Hawaii Utulei Branch, Centennial Building, PagoPago, American Samoa 96799.