SBA officials will counsel Hawaii businesses

Business specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration will travel around Hawaii next week to help small-business owners on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island apply for loans for startup, growth, diversification, inventory or operations.
The SBA's "Community Express Days" kick off in Kahului on Maui on Monday before traveling to Oahu for a veteran and military session at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday. Next stop is Lihue on Kauai on Wednesday, then to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island Thursday and back to Honolulu on Friday.
The sessions will bring an SBA specialist, technical assistance providers and lenders together to help small-business borrowers during private, 30-minute appointments.
"With the forecast of an economic slowdown, we recommend that small businesses assess their capital needs over the year and develop a strategy to address possible changes," said Andy Poepoe, SBA district director. "That means adjusting your operations and having sufficient funds on hand to keep moving. That may also mean getting a business loan before credit tightens further."
credited by: bizjournals.com

Hawaii Superferry to start sailing Monday

Hawaii Superferry will resume service between Oahu and Maui starting Monday.
The interisland ferry has been in dry dock and out of service since Feb. 13 for repairs and maintenance. It was scheduled to be out of service until April 22 and its return comes a week after Aloha Airlines shutdown its passenger service.
Hawaii Superferry said Thursday that it will be taking reservations for the Maui service with special fares available through June 5.
credited by: bizjournals.com