Applications are now open for a remarkable state-funded initiative aimed at helping Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurs take their food products from concept to business plan and pitch. This program provides essential tools to fuel the growth and scalability of their businesses.

Unlock Success with Hawai‘i's Entrepreneurial Program

Empowering Through Education

The Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance's Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship offers a significant boost. It provides $1,000 towards the $1,500 tuition for Leeward Community College's 12-week ʻĀina to Mākeke course. This course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the skills needed to successfully bring their food products to market. It covers various aspects such as licensing & regulations, operating in commercial kitchens, branding & marketing, packaging, sales & distribution, and more. Entrepreneurs are responsible for the remaining $500 course fee.This program not only offers financial assistance but also opens doors to valuable knowledge and resources. By enrolling in this course, entrepreneurs gain the confidence and expertise to navigate the complex world of food business. It serves as a stepping stone towards realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.

Access to Advanced Facilities

Cohort participants are introduced to the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center. This state-of-the-art facility gives small-batch producers in Hawai‘i the opportunity to scale production, build efficiency, and seek new business avenues. It provides a platform for them to enhance their production capacity and further expand their businesses.The center's advanced equipment and infrastructure enable entrepreneurs to take their products to the next level. They can experiment with different production methods, optimize processes, and explore new markets. This access to cutting-edge resources is a game-changer for local food producers.

Building a Strong Agricultural Industry

“Helping small food producers grow and expand their reach is key to strengthening Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry,” said Denise Yamaguchi, CEO of Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance. This program truly lives up to its purpose by supporting local food businesses and creating opportunities for Hawai‘i’s agricultural products to thrive in the global market.Since 2023, the alliance has successfully completed four cohorts with 60 entrepreneurs. A remarkable 40% of these entrepreneurs have begun selling their products in retailers like 7-11, ChefZone, Foodland, ABC Stores, Down to Earth, and more. This success story showcases the impact of the program and its ability to drive local economic growth.Applications for Cohort 5 are open now through Dec. 29, 2024. The 12-week ‘Āina to Mākeke courses for Cohort 5 will run from Feb. 10 to April 30, 2025, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. An online informational session will be held on Dec. 16, 2024, for those interested in learning more about the program and application process.For more information on the ‘Āina to Mākeke program, requirements, and application, visit www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/cottageindustry.