Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurs with value-added food products using local ingredients are encouraged to apply by December 29
HONOLULU, HI (December 5, 2024)—Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Cohort 5 of the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship. This initiative, in partnership with Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) and the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC), provides valuable resources to Hawaii-based entrepreneurs using locally grown, raised, or caught ingredients to scale their value-added businesses.
Each cohort, 15 Hawaii-based entrepreneurs are selected to incubate their food products, taking them from concept to business plan and pitch with the tools to grow and scale their businesses. The scholarship offers $1,000 toward the $1,500 tuition for Leeward CC’s 12-week Aina to Makeke course, which is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to successfully bring their food products to market with lessons in licensing & regulations, operating in commercial kitchens, branding & marketing, packaging, sales & distribution, and more. Entrepreneurs are responsible for the remaining $500 course fee.
Cohort participants will also be introduced to the WVAPDC—giving small-batch producers in Hawaii the opportunity to scale production, build efficiency and seek new business. This month, the WVAPDC is onboarding 30 alumni participants from previous program cohorts, allowing them to leverage the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to enhance production capacity and further expand their businesses. This milestone reflects the growing support for local food entrepreneurs, empowering them to enhance efficiency and scale their operations in a state-of-the-art environment.
“Helping small food producers grow and expand their reach is key to strengthening Hawaii’s agricultural industry,” said Denise Yamaguchi, CEO of Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance. “This program not only supports local food businesses but also creates opportunities for Hawaii’s agricultural products to thrive in the global market.” Since 2023, Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance has successfully completed four cohorts with 60 entrepreneurs, 40% of which began selling in retailers like 7-11, ChefZone, Foodland, ABC Stores, Down to Earth and more after the program.
Applications for Cohort 5 are open now through December 29, 2024. The 12-week Aina to Makeke courses for Cohort 5 will run from February 10-April 30, 2025 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 P.M. An online informational session will be held on December 16, 2024 for those interested in learning more about the program and application process. For more information on the Aina to Makeke program, requirements and application, please visit www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/cottageindustry.
Support for the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship is provided by the State of Hawaii.
For Press & Media inquiries, please contact:
Kristen Lau-Grover, Director of Marketing & PR | [email protected] or 808-721-1849
ABOUT HAWAII AG & CULINARY ALLIANCE®
The Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) is the parent organization of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (HFWF)—the premier epicurean destination event of the Pacific, and Hashi Media—the digital platform for curated culinary stories featuring the global network of HFWF ambassadors and talent. Founded in 2011 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, HACA’s mission is to attract national and international attention for Hawaii’s extraordinary culinary talent and diverse, high-quality locally grown products—ensuring the islands maintain their competitive edge as a world-class destination. Since it’s inaugural year, HACA has donated $5 million to local community and aina-based organizations that support food sustainability, culinary education and agriculture. For more information, visit www.HFWF.me, follow HFWF on Instagram @HIFoodWineFest and Facebook at @HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.
ABOUT LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
As part of the University of Hawaii system, Leeward Community College provides an environment for academic learning and a center of cultural life for neighboring communities. With a main campus in Pearl City and an educational center in Waianae, and the Wahiawa Value-Added product Development Center, Leeward Community College’s proven commitment to affordable, quality education is the foundation of its mission. From professional career studies to liberal arts, the College offers diverse and comprehensive opportunities for all students.
For more information, visit www.leeward.hawaii.edu, follow @Leewardcc on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or contact Tad Saiki, Marketing Officer, at [email protected]. For information about the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, contact Chris Bailey at [email protected].