Empowering ʻŌiwi Businesses
ABOUT KŪHANA
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is launching KūHana Cohort 6 – Food Systems Edition this coming January 10, 2022. All Hawaiʻi-based food-system related (farmers, distributors, value-add) businesses are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to CNHA members and Hawaiian or minority-owned businesses. Top performers from this cohort will be invited to compete in the Mahiʻai Match-Up Competition hosted by Kamehameha Schools, where the winners will have an opportunity for an agricultural land or commercial property agreement to expand their company operations.
Interested in joining Cohort 6? Apply here.
Application open November 1, 2021.
Graduates of the program may be also eligible for a discounted rate for a business loan with CNHA as well as a one-year business membership with CNHA, as well as ongoing technical assistance services paid for in full or in part by CNHA.
The KūHana program helps local and Hawaiian-owned entrepreneurs 1-5 years in operation get clear on their business strategy by hosting a 9-week business plan development class with tools, technical assistance, and ample networking. Each business will walk away with a completed business plan, a polished business pitch, and collaboration opportunities with their fellow cohort participants.
If accepted the fee for this course is $250, with a 50% discount for applicants CNHA Business Membership.
*Partial Scholarships Available*
Register here for the Information Session
kaʻohi
business basics seminar
Got an idea? Start your journey here by learning the fundamentals needed to kickstart your business with the free Kaʻohi Business Basics Seminar program.
Open to brand new business. Classes are ongoing.
e hoʻopaʻa
to solidify & make strong
Solidify your foundation! Learn market research, cultural values, and sustainability integration to set a strong foundation from which to grow.
Open to start-up businesses 1 to 4 years in operations.
food systems
kaʻaina kamahaʻo
This cohort will prepare Hawaiʻi businesses in the food and agriculture industry scale and plan for future demand, to achieve resiliency and secure a strong economy.
e kūkulu
to build & grow
Scale up! Learn to grow your company and take it to the next level with culturally-grounded business practices.
Open to developed businesses 5+ years in operations. We are currently seeking applications for Cohort 5.
KūHana Cohort 6 Application
This cohort for all farmers and food systems companies is brought to you in partnership with Kamehameha Schools' Mahiʻai Match-Up Business Plan Competition.
Applications due
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 5PM
OUR KŪHANA GRADUATES
"We are so grateful to have been a part of the KūHana Business Program. All of the instructors were truly inspiring and experts in their fields. The program provided us with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to grow our business to a new level while maintaining a foundation of our important Hawaiian values."
— Kailin Kim, Hoʻōla Honey
Meet the Program Manager
G. Max Mukai is a Program Manager at CNHA. He was raised in the East Honolulu Kona District of Oʻahu – He is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools class of 2010 and attended Pepperdine University Seaver College undergraduate program and Graziadio School of Business & Management for his graduate program. His passions can be found at the intersection of Hawaiian culture and economic development.
Our Sponsors & Partners
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement
with the U.S. Small Business Administration
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