In Focus: Some resources for women entrepreneurs in Hawaii like schemes, initiatives and grants
#WomenInBusiness #AlohaEntrepreneurs #HawaiiBusinessTrailblazers #WomenEmpowerment #EntrepreneurshipInHawaii
Hawaii, famously known as the “Aloha State” is really more than just a tropical paradise – it’s a hub for vibrant & diverse entrepreneurial opportunities. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, Hawaii’s strategic location serves as a dynamic bridge between the US mainland and Asia – making it an ideal environment for forward-thinking business owners. And, women entrepreneurs in Hawaii are taking full advantage of this unique setting; they are carving out their own paths in industries – ranging from tourism and agriculture to technology and sustainable business practices.
How Women Entrepreneurs are Shaping Hawaii’s Economy
What sets women entrepreneurs in the “Aloha State” apart, is their ability to blend traditional values with modern innovation. The islands’ rich cultural heritage & commitment to ohana (family) foster a supportive, collaborative environment where female-led businesses thrive. With a tourism-driven economy & a growing focus on sustainability – women entrepreneurs are creating niche markets that blend cultural authenticity with global appeal!
Plus, Hawaii also offers a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem tailored to women, with organizations like the Hawaii Women’s Business Center providing mentorship, training, & funding resources. From craft-based enterprises inspired by local traditions to cutting- edge tech startups – the women of Hawaii are reshaping the business landscape while staying rooted in their community and environment.
For aspiring business leaders, Hawaii offers not just opportunity but inspiration – a place where innovation meets the ‘aloha’ spirit, and dreams of success are powered by resilience, community, and creativity.
Here are some resources for women entrepreneurs like schemes, initiatives and grants.
> Hawaiʻi FoundHer
Hawaiʻi FoundHer was specially created by women for women. And, they provide research-tested resources that are critical to the success of an early-stage wāhine-led business.
Hawaiʻi FoundHer is an entrepreneur accelerator specifically for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander & Asian women and mothers in Hawaiʻi, and it is the only operating women’s accelerator providing childcare and non-dilutive grant funds.
Their vision is – to economically empower culturally driven, ethically conscious, women- led businesses & to serve as a model for indigenous-serving groups across the world.
FoundHer accelerates growth for women-founded businesses in Hawai’i, especially supporting historically overlooked AAPI and Native Hawaiian wāhine. No other program combines capital, family care, mentorship, and skill-building uniquely for AAPI and indigenous women.
They actually aim to provide grant funding to seed your business’ growth and empower you to build your future.
https://foundher.org/
https://www.lisamasiello.com/women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business-in-hawaii
Hawaii Government Agencies
> State of Hawaii – Hawaii.gov
The business division of the State of Hawaii, – the Hawaii.gov website, provides all information on starting a business in the state of Hawaii. It covers a number of topics like – professional licensing, tax services, how to search for a business, nonprofit organizations, how to do business with the state, register a business online & business annual report filing.
If you’re new to business ownership and want to learn everything about starting a business in Hawaii, you can visit the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Action Center.
> Hawaii Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration’s Hawaii district office provides services including – funding programs, counseling, federal contracting, certifications & disaster recovery.
They can also connect you to partner organizations, lenders & other community groups that help small businesses succeed.
The Honolulu, Hawaii office services a wide area like – the state of Hawaii, the territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, & the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business-in-hawaii
Hawaii Agencies & Non-profit Organizations
> The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL)
The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership (MCBL) was established by YWCA Oahu, the U.S. Small Business Administration & a community of partners – to become the only Women’s Business Center (WBC) in Hawaii.
It is designed to assist women in starting and growing small businesses; and also seeks to be the “level the playing field”- for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world.
MCBL is named in honor of Patsy T. Mink – to acknowledge her dedication to helping women through legislative reforms. Most importantly, she was a transformative leader & a national voice for gender equality, education, peace & much more.
> Hawaii Small Business Development Center (HISBDC)
Established in 1990, the Hawaii Small Business Development Center is the only state- wide business assistance organization in Hawaii.
So, whether you are an existing business owner or an entrepreneur who plans to open a new business – the Hawaii SBDC can provide you with the resources to achieve your dreams.
It’s a fact that successful business managers are lifetime learners! And, the Hawaii SBDC offers access to a variety of workshops and resources – to maximize your management skills.
For business leaders, understanding the marketplace is critical. The Hawaii SBDC can assist you in analyzing the market – to ensure you are well-positioned for success.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business-in-hawaii
Funding – State and Federal Sources
U.S. Small Business Administration
Here a number of facilities are available – like loans, investment capital, disaster
assistance, surety bonds, and grants are available to you to start and grow a business
as well as to recover from a disaster.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business-in-hawaii
> Amber Grant
WomensNet makes available – Amber Grants for Women, which is a perfect place to start your own business.
All businesswomen from Hawaii are eligible to apply for these grants, which run monthly. If you’re one of our three Amber Grant winners this month, you’re automatically eligible for one of our three additional $25,000 Amber Grants at the end of the year.
WomensNet will award a total of $35,000 to a trio of woman-owned businesses every year.
WomensNet – Hawaii
Women-owned small businesses in Hawaii, both new and established, are encouraged to enter for a monthly chance to win the Amber Grants being offered.
https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/free-grant-tips-hawaii/
> 77 Grants for women in Hawaii
These are grants for women entrepreneurs, seed money to individual women, college grants for women, small business grants for women, enterprise grants and grants for minority women.
https://hawaii.grantwatch.com/cat/39/women-grants.html
Hawai’i Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Small business owners & entrepreneurs will find like-minded colleagues here, as well as knowledgeable professionals. Growing a small business can be a huge challenge, but being able to seek out advice and strategic planning tips can help entrepreneurs to develop and occupy their own niche successfully!!
Business Development and Support Division – Hawaii.gov
It is important that small business owners of all levels will be able to find value in the Business Development and Support Division. From microloans to small business fairs – the division provides useful assistance.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
