Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign to assist small business extended

LIHU‘E — The Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign, conducted in partnership with the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the county’s Office of Economic Development, the Kupa‘a Kaua‘i program and Jaxon Communications, has received notice that the program has been extended through the end of the year.

Originally, the program funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, covered the period starting in July and running through September, and offered a campaign to help support local restaurants and retailers during the pandemic.

With the extension, Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign officials encourage local restaurants and retailers to apply online at http://bit.ly/alohaforkauai by Sept. 12 for consideration of this free, digital marketing and promotional help. Only small businesses that fill out the online form will be considered.

Over the course of the second phase that covers the next 13 weeks, small businesses will receive brand audit and digital marketing coaching, a one-hour professional photography session, creative content for websites and social media, a 30-second promotional video, social-media promotion with dedicated features on @alohaforkauai, and paid social-media advertising.

Eligibility requirements call for the business to be open, have a functioning website, have Facebook and Instagram accounts, have an eCommerce store or, if a retailer, an online shop, a willingness to cross-promote on social-media platforms, and agreeing to donate a giveaway prize with a $50 minimum value.

People are able to follow Aloha for Kaua‘i on social media for updates, and to connect with the people and stores behind the island’s local businesses at @alohaforkauai on Instagram or Facebook.

Info: Email alohaforkauai@gmail.com

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.