About us

Why FoundHer?

Women are leading the way to an alternative vision of business that centers cultural values, supports community, and embodies stewardship. Yet the imbalance and lack of funding support persists despite the proof that women-owned businesses are less risky investments, have greater ROIs, and their successes empower more people.

The FoundHer program provides businesses direct funding injection, ‘ohana care stipends, and essential business workshops through an indigenous cultural lens.

Programming

Meet our Newest Cohort Members!

Pae ʻāina Cohort 5

The Hawaiʻi FoundHer program empowers women-led businesses rooted in culture and community for growth. Our accelerator is tailored specifically to the needs of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Asian women and mothers starting businesses in Hawaiʻi.

  • Open to all industries

  • Statewide (any island)

Kapalili Cohort 1

This new initiative supports NHPIAA wāhine entrepreneurs on Hawaiʻi Island who are growing businesses in agriculture and food systems. 

The Kapalili Program is rooted in culture, ʻāina, and innovation — designed specifically for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Asian women and mothers leading the next generation of local food-focused businesses.

  • Focused on agriculture & food systems

  • Hawaiʻi Island residents only

Learn More

Our Impact

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Native Hawaiian Founders

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Gross Revenue Increase

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New Whole Sale Accounts

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Follow-on Funding Received

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'Ohana Care Stipends

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Portfolio Companies

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Non-dilutive Investments

Testimonials

Hear from our alumna

Donʻt believe us? Hear what our community has to say.

  • “I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”

    Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper

  • "The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."

    Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies

  • “It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”

    Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet

  • "The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."

    Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective

Join our mission to uplift Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian American Wāhine Entrepreneurs in Hawai'i

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FAQs

Answering your questions

Answering your questions

Got more questions? Send us your inquiry below

Got more questions? Send us your inquiry below

Get in touch

What are the basic criteria to qualify for the program?

For Profit (structured as an LLC or corporation) Proof of Concept (i.e. Sales, Partnerships, Active Users, etc.) 51% of FoundHers must be women, of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian descent, AND based in Hawaiʻi Early Stage (under 3 years of existence) FoundHers’ values align with our own

Are applications open?

Applications for 2026 programs are now closed. Please follow our Instagram or Linkedin for future program announcements!

How do I know which program to apply for?

If you are located on Hawaiʻi Island and have a business operating in agriculture, food production, consumer packaged goods, and other food-related industries you would apply for the Kapalili program. If you are located anywhere in Hawaiʻi you would apply to our Pae ʻĀina program

Can you give me examples of businesses in the industries you are targeting?

Tech: communication systems, social media, IoT, online activism, AI, computer science Food Systems/Restaurants: farms, produce, consumer goods Fashion: accessories, clothing, apparel recycling/disposal programs Health & Wellness: spirituality, beauty products, natural remedies, mental health services, fitness Keiki/Education: children’s toys, education programs or tools, art and art programs

I have been in operation for 4 years, but your qualifications say 3 years. Can I still apply?

If you aren’t sure if you meet every program qualification, we encourage you to submit an inquiry, or submit an application.

I am not Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian. Can I still participate in the program?

A requirement of our program is that at least 50% of the founders are Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or Native Hawaiian women.

How much funding will selected companies receive?

Funding amounts will be determined at the beginning of the program.

What is the time commitment for the program?

On average, our participants spend 15 hours per week on the program, including curriculum meetings, mentor meetings, and assignments. This does not include the in-person retreats that take place over 1 weekend per-month.

Is this a grant?

FoundHer is a 6-month business accelerator that provides a non-dilutive grant as part of the program. You are required to fully participate in the programming to receive the grant.

What do I do if I have more questions?

Fill out an inquiry at on our contacts page, or email keanu@purplemaia.org with your question.