The Zonta Club of Hilo recently presented $10,000 in microgrants for its 2025 “Pay It Forward” program.

The award program supports women entrepreneurs on Hawaii Island who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.

The 2025 microgrant recipients were Leslie Carroll of Lava Meats, Amanda Fox of I Ka Ua Farm LLC, Monica Pezze of Alchemy Farm Hawaii LLC, Melina Castro of Melina Castro Jewelry, Stephanie Hao of Maluhia x Malie, and Delilah Perreira of Abundant Beauty.

Carroll is the proprietor of Lava Meats, which recently opened a storefront on Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo. She makes sausages and other products from local meat purchased from small farmers on Hawaii Island. The grant will go toward rent as she currently uses two separate places to process meat.

Fox

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