Kauai Economic Development Board, Inc.

Kauai Economic Development Board (KEDB), doing business as Kedb, is a non-profit organization registered to receive federal awards since June 14, 2008. As a tax-exempt corporate entity, KEDB focuses on economic development initiatives in Hawaii, particularly in the areas of education, workforce development, and cybersecurity. The organization has a history of receiving both federal contract and grant awards, with its most recent federal grant award dated April 1, 2024. KEDB's primary mission revolves around fostering economic growth and development in Hawaii, with a specific emphasis on building capacity in critical sectors such as technology and cybersecurity. Through its various initiatives, KEDB aims to create sustainable pathways for Hawaii's residents to engage in high-skill, high-wage careers while simultaneously addressing the state's evolving economic needs.

KEDB's federal grant activities demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing Hawaii's cybersecurity capabilities and workforce development. A significant project in this regard is the Hawaii Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development Project, funded by a $326,086 cooperative agreement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620). This initiative aims to create a sustainable pipeline of cybersecurity professionals in Hawaii through various activities, including awareness and education programs, employment development, scholarship support for ten Hawaiians to pursue higher education, and a skills-based hackathon. The project also involves $211,000 in subawards for contracted activities. Additionally, KEDB has received funding through the Economic Development Initiative, Community Project Funding, and Miscellaneous Grants program from the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. Furthermore, KEDB has participated as a sub-grantee in the GEAR UP Hawaii State Grant, supporting low-income students in their academic journey to college and career success, with the University of Hawaii as the prime grantee. These diverse grant activities highlight KEDB's multifaceted approach to economic development, focusing on education, workforce development, and community support in Hawaii.