Following completion of the program, Cohort 1 participants may be considered for opportunities to exhibit at or attend FOODEX Japan in Tokyo in March 2027, providing firsthand exposure to one of the world’s leading international food and beverage trade shows and the Japanese marketplace. One of Asia’s largest international food and beverage trade shows, FOODEX Japan brings together 3,000+ exhibitors from approximately 100 countries with buyers, distributors, importers, and other food industry professionals, providing valuable exposure to the Japanese and broader Asian markets.

Select businesses may have the opportunity to showcase their products to international buyers and industry professionals at FOODEX Japan. Participants who attend in an educational capacity will have the opportunity to explore the trade show floor, connect with buyers and industry professionals, observe market and consumer trends, evaluate how products are positioned for the Japanese market, and gain firsthand insights to help prepare their businesses for future export opportunities.

Participation in FOODEX Japan is not guaranteed and will be determined based on factors including business readiness, product fit, available funding, and space availability.

• A $1,000 partial scholarship toward the $1,500 tuition for Leeward Community College’s 12-week Hawaii Grown to Global: Food Export Readiness Program from December 1, 2026 – February 23, 2027
  • The remaining $500 must be paid directly by the accepted applicant to Leeward CC upon registration, but no later than November 18, 2026
• 12 weeks of expert-led training and mentorship, with virtual classes held Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 P.M
• Access to industry experts with experience in international food manufacturing, sales, distribution, compliance, branding, and market development
• Participation in the Export Readiness Showcase, where entrepreneurs can present their products to global buyers, distributors, and other food industry professionals to receive valuable international market feedback
• Opportunity to exhibit or participate as an educational attendee at FOODEX Japan in March 2027, based on business readiness, product fit, and space availability
• Continued access to HACA’s industry network following program completion

Hawaii Grown to Global: Food Export Readiness Program is designed for Hawaii-based value-added food entrepreneurs with established products who are ready to strengthen their businesses and explore opportunities in new retail, e-commerce, domestic, and international markets.

The program prioritizes graduates of HACA’s Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship.

Applicants should:

• Be headquartered and producing in Hawaii
• 18 years of age or older at the time of the Cohort start date
• Use Hawaii-grown, raised or caught ingredients in their value-added food products
• Have an established product and be ready to work toward business and market expansion
• Commit to participating in all activities of the program including, but not limited to, weekly online course sessions, complete program milestones related to market readiness, in-person Export Readiness Showcase*, and surveys. Classes will be held once a week online from December 1, 2026 – February 23, 2027 on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 P.M.

Neighbor Island businesses are encouraged to apply. Because the course is primarily delivered virtually, entrepreneurs statewide can participate; however, travel to Oahu will be required for the Export Readiness Showcase and may be required for other designated activities.

*The Export Readiness Showcase will be held on Oahu on February 23, 2027

Yes. The total program tuition is $1,500. HACA provides selected participants with a $1,000 scholarship, leaving a $500 participant fee.

No. Previous mainland or international sales experience is not required. The program is designed for established businesses that are ready to take the next step toward market expansion and will help participants build the knowledge, systems, and strategies needed to pursue opportunities beyond Hawaii.

No. While Japan is a key focus of the program, the skills and strategies covered—including compliance, manufacturing, packaging, logistics, pricing, sales, and market readiness—can be applied to domestic and international markets. Japan will provide a practical lens for participants to learn what is involved in preparing their businesses and products for global expansion.

The 12-week program combines asynchronous online coursework with scheduled live virtual sessions. Participants will complete assigned coursework, activities, and business milestones on their own time within established deadlines, while also participating in live online sessions Tuesdays from 5:30–7:30 P.M.

The program runs from December 1, 2026 through February 23, 2027 and concludes with an in-person Export Readiness Showcase on Oahu on February 24, 2027. Participants should plan to dedicate time each week to coursework, live sessions, mentorship, and applying what they learn directly to their businesses.

Following completion of the program, participants may be considered for opportunities to exhibit at or attend FOODEX Japan in Tokyo, March 9–12, 2027.

Select businesses may have the opportunity to showcase their products to international buyers and industry professionals, while other participants may attend in an educational capacity to explore the trade show, build industry connections, observe market trends, and gain firsthand exposure to the Japanese market.

Participation in FOODEX Japan is not guaranteed and will be determined based on factors including business readiness, product fit, available funding, and space availability.

Yes. Businesses headquartered on the Neighbor Islands are encouraged to apply. The Hawaii Grown to Global: Food Export Readiness Program is primarily conducted online; however, travel to Oahu will be required for the in-person Export Readiness Showcase.

Applications will be reviewed based on business and product readiness, growth potential, commitment to the program, and alignment with program goals. 15 entrepreneurs will be selected for Cohort 1 based on their readiness to benefit from the program and pursue new retail, e-commerce, and international market opportunities.