Updated

Updated · Big Island Now · Jun 15

ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi Launches 8-Week ʻĀinapreneur Network With June 25 Virtual Kickoff

Updated

Updated · Big Island Now · Jun 15

ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi Launches 8-Week ʻĀinapreneur Network With June 25 Virtual Kickoff

1 articles · Updated · Big Island Now · Jun 15

June 25 marks the virtual soft launch of ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi’s ʻĀinapreneur Small Business Network, a new support hub for Big Island entrepreneurs, creatives and small-business owners.
The network expands a pilot business-development program as local firms face rising costs and limited resources, offering mentorship, funding access, financial literacy, technical assistance and collaboration.
An 8-week course will help participants build a one-page growth plan and business pitch, while the group’s Native Community Development Financial Institution provides no-interest loans tailored to Native Hawaiian and local entrepreneurs.
Bryson Hiro, who completed the earlier 12-week pilot, used a $10,000 microloan to buy equipment for Hiro’s Cookies and expand sales across Hawaiʻi Island.
ChangeMakers says early members will help shape the network, which also adds an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi initiative to bring Hawaiian language into participating businesses.

Sources

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