The NHO Program

A Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) is any community service organization serving Native Hawaiian communities (Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, U.S. Department of Interior).

As Native Hawaiians have been deemed to be disadvantaged, federal law permits NHOs and NHO-owned small businesses to participate in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) business development program. The NHO-owned 8(a) program allows Native Hawaiians to rapidly develop self-sufficient economic ventures that support Native Hawaiian communities. Unlike SBA 8(a) participants owned by individuals, profits generated from NHO-owned 8(a) participants go back to Native Hawaiian communities.

To be accepted into the SBA 8(a) program, an NHO must be a non-profit entity, chartered in the State of Hawai`i, principally managed by Native Hawaiians, and serve Native Hawaiian communities. NHOs must also have majority ownership of a for-profit small business approved to participate in the SBA 8(a) business development program. NHO-owned 8(a) participants can receive sole-source contract awards above the 8(a) ceiling for Department of Defense contracts offering their Federal government customers a valuable contracting vehicle that streamlines the acquisition process.

This unique concept of social enterprise promotes business opportunities, jobs, and community service.