Our Impact
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Native Hawaiian Founders
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Gross Revenue Increase After 3 yrs
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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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Applications to date
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Portfolio Companies
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Non-dilutive Investments
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
Statewide
All Industries
Pae ʻāina Cohort 5
A 6-month business accelerator for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian women founders across Hawaiʻi. Open to all industries — tech, food, fashion, health, and beyond.
Hawaiʻi Island
Agriculture
Food Systems
Kapalili Cohort 1
A Hawaiʻi Island accelerator for NHPIAA wāhine building businesses in agriculture, food production, and local food systems. Grounded in ʻāina values and designed for the next wave of local food makers.
Testimonials
Donʻt believe us? Hear what our community has to say.
What your gift does
FAQs
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.