Honolulu’s vibrant small business community is the backbone of our local economy, representing 99.3% of all businesses in Hawaii and employing nearly half of the private-sector workforce. To support this vital sector, various organizations and programs offer resources tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
FAMES Hawaii: Mentorship and Networking
FAMES Hawaii is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring, educating, motivating, and developing leadership among entrepreneurs and business owners in Honolulu. They provide expert mentorship programs, business networking events, and scholarship and funding support. Their mission is to foster a thriving entrepreneurial community where shared success benefits all.
XLR8HI: Education and Community
XLR8HI serves as Hawaii’s entrepreneurship center, offering workshops and courses designed to unlock the innovation mindset. Their interactive classes are open to anyone interested in learning the essentials of innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, XLR8HI provides mentorship from founders, investors, and industry professionals, as well as access to a growing community of changemakers and leaders.
Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC): Facilities and Resources
HTDC offers a variety of services to help grow companies from startup to beyond product launch. Their facilities, such as the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in downtown Honolulu, provide low-cost office and coworking spaces. The Sandbox encourages creativity, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, hosting a variety of business educational programs and networking events.
Oʻahu Business Connector (OBC): Personalized Support
The OBC connects small businesses and entrepreneurs to nonprofits, government partners, and support organizations to help them grow and create jobs. Managed by the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization, OBC offers events, seminars, and professional development opportunities, along with an online directory to find resources that meet specific business needs.
YWCA Oʻahu: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
YWCA Oʻahu’s YWahine in Business serves as Hawaii’s premier resource for women entrepreneurs, providing a comprehensive suite of services under one organization. Their mission is to empower individuals in business through essential technical assistance, fostering business development, growth, and access to capital.
INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship: Tailored Support
The INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship offers support for small businesses to grow and elevate. They provide a variety of support online through workshops, peer networking groups, business coaching, and connections to various resources, catering to the unique needs of each business.
KūHana Accelerator: Business Plan Development
The KūHana Accelerator is a business program that guides entrepreneurs through a clear process to develop strategies for growth and scaling. Participants create solid business plans ready to present to banks, with the program offering technical assistance, cash prizes, and other forms of capital to top-performing companies.
By leveraging these resources, Honolulu’s entrepreneurs can access the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of business ownership and contribute to the economic vitality of our community.