Local value-added food manufacturers who use Hawaii-sourced ingredients are encouraged to apply by April 13

HONOLULU, HI (February 10, 2025)—Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) is now accepting applications for Cohort 6 of the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, open through April 13, 2025. In partnership with Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) and the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC), this initiative equips Hawaii-based entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge needed to scale their value-added food businesses, utilizing locally grown, raised, or caught ingredients.

Each cohort, 15 innovative entrepreneurs are selected to transform their food products into market-ready businesses. The scholarship provides $1,000 toward the $1,500 tuition for Leeward CC’s 12-week Aina to Makeke course, an intensive program covering licensing, regulations, commercial kitchen operations, branding, packaging, sales, and distribution—key skills for scaling a food business. Cohort 6 will run from May 27 to August 14, 2025, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 P.M. Entrepreneurs are responsible for the remaining $500 course fee.

Beyond the online program, participants gain access to the WVAPDC, where they can scale production, enhance efficiency, and explore new business opportunities in the new state-of-the-art facility. Program alumna Jina Wye credits the initiative with helping launch her business, Okonokai Sea Snacks, which is currently producing at the WVAPDC. “HACA’s Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship and the Aina to Makeke program was the giant kickstart I needed to make my dreams a reality,” said Wye. “When I started, I only had the beginnings of an idea to create a unique value-added snack food from Kona-grown seaweed. The program provided invaluable support, education, and inspiration during those crucial early months of starting my business.”

With each new cohort, the impact of the program continues to grow. Since 2023, Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance has provided scholarships to 74 entrepreneurs across five Hawaiian Islands, many of whom have successfully expanded into major retailers such as 7-Eleven, ChefZone, Costco, Foodland, ABC Stores, Down to Earth and more after the program. More recently, seven alumni businesses—including Any Kine SNAX, Hawaiian Krunch Company, Hawaiian Vinegar Co., Hometown BBQ, Island Rayne Gourmet, Island Sausage, and Mauka Meats—proudly represented Hawaii at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas.

“Supporting local food producers strengthens Hawaii’s agricultural industry while expanding the reach of Hawaii businesses,” said Denise Yamaguchi, CEO of Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance. “Each cohort showcases the incredible innovation within our food community, and we’re honored help value-added entrepreneurs to turn their passions into successful businesses.”

The program’s success is further underscored by recent accolades from the Hawaii Venture Capital Association (HVCA). HACA CEO Denise Yamaguchi was honored as 2025 Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, while cohort alumni Hawaiian Soda Company received HVCA’s Consumer Packaged Good of the Year award—demonstrating the scholarship’s role in fostering thriving local businesses.

For those interested in learning more about the program and application process, an online informational session will be held on March 20, 2025. Additional details on the Aina to Makeke program, application requirements, and deadlines are available at 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 dedicated to forging a vibrant link between our world-class culinary events and the advancement of culinary education, from community colleges to four-year universities. Founded in 2011 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, HACA’s mission is to elevate Hawaii’s culinary and agricultural sectors, enriching both the visitor industry and local community. As the parent organization of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (HFWF)—the premier epicurean destination event of the Pacific, 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].