Programs

What we offer

Pae ʻāina & Kapalili Program

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

Download Info Packet To Learn More

Download Info Packet To Learn More

Download Info Packet To Learn More

Cohort 4 Hōʻike Recap

Program Features

These elements help ensure long-term success while redefining what business looks like. 

Non-Dilutive Grant

Women are over-mentored and under-funded so we aim to provide grant funding to seed your business’ growth and empower you to build your future. We offer a $20,000 cash infusion to help kickstart your business.

Non-Dilutive Grant

Women are over-mentored and under-funded so we aim to provide grant funding to seed your business’ growth and empower you to build your future. We offer a $20,000 cash infusion to help kickstart your business.

Non-Dilutive Grant

Women are over-mentored and under-funded so we aim to provide grant funding to seed your business’ growth and empower you to build your future. We offer a $20,000 cash infusion to help kickstart your business.

ʻOhana Care Stipends

$4000 Flexible child & elder care stipends that can be used to pay for anything from a day-care service to the auntie in your neighborhood or a grandparent to buy groceries.

ʻOhana Care Stipends

$4000 Flexible child & elder care stipends that can be used to pay for anything from a day-care service to the auntie in your neighborhood or a grandparent to buy groceries.

ʻOhana Care Stipends

$4000 Flexible child & elder care stipends that can be used to pay for anything from a day-care service to the auntie in your neighborhood or a grandparent to buy groceries.

Mentorship

Participating teams are connected with two core mentors based on the industry of their business. Teams also have access to a larger advisor network with former entrepreneurs, corporate decision-makers, leaders, and subject matter experts. Mentors have been carefully chosen and for their leadership and expertise in their respective spaces as well as the balance they bring to the core mentor team. They act as sounding-boards, brainstorm partners, connectors, and supporters.

Mentorship

Participating teams are connected with two core mentors based on the industry of their business. Teams also have access to a larger advisor network with former entrepreneurs, corporate decision-makers, leaders, and subject matter experts. Mentors have been carefully chosen and for their leadership and expertise in their respective spaces as well as the balance they bring to the core mentor team. They act as sounding-boards, brainstorm partners, connectors, and supporters.

Mentorship

Participating teams are connected with two core mentors based on the industry of their business. Teams also have access to a larger advisor network with former entrepreneurs, corporate decision-makers, leaders, and subject matter experts. Mentors have been carefully chosen and for their leadership and expertise in their respective spaces as well as the balance they bring to the core mentor team. They act as sounding-boards, brainstorm partners, connectors, and supporters.

Retreats

We believe in place-based learning, so we offer monthly retreats in neighboring islands. These retreats are an opportunity to take a break from the busy world of entrepreneurship, and to pour into yourself while experiencing rich learning opportunities. We begin each retreat by grounding ourselves in the moʻoleo of the island we are visiting. These immersive experiences blend cultural learning, business development workshops, wellness practices, and intentional cohort connection.

Retreats

We believe in place-based learning, so we offer monthly retreats in neighboring islands. These retreats are an opportunity to take a break from the busy world of entrepreneurship, and to pour into yourself while experiencing rich learning opportunities. We begin each retreat by grounding ourselves in the moʻoleo of the island we are visiting. These immersive experiences blend cultural learning, business development workshops, wellness practices, and intentional cohort connection.

Retreats

We believe in place-based learning, so we offer monthly retreats in neighboring islands. These retreats are an opportunity to take a break from the busy world of entrepreneurship, and to pour into yourself while experiencing rich learning opportunities. We begin each retreat by grounding ourselves in the moʻoleo of the island we are visiting. These immersive experiences blend cultural learning, business development workshops, wellness practices, and intentional cohort connection.

Education

The program’s curriculum was thoughtfully designed based on feedback from four cohorts of businesses, insights from subject matter experts, and cultural advisors. We provide participants with tools, knowledge, and community support to grow successful, sustainable businesses grounded in cultural values. Educational workshops are held on a weekly basis over Zoom, typically twice per week. Topics include: business plan development, financials, marketing, pitching, and more. Participants will develop a business plan, marketing strategy, and a refined pitch & pitch deck. There are bi-weekly cohort check ins, where participants can support each other's journeys and problem solve together.

Education

The program’s curriculum was thoughtfully designed based on feedback from four cohorts of businesses, insights from subject matter experts, and cultural advisors. We provide participants with tools, knowledge, and community support to grow successful, sustainable businesses grounded in cultural values. Educational workshops are held on a weekly basis over Zoom, typically twice per week. Topics include: business plan development, financials, marketing, pitching, and more. Participants will develop a business plan, marketing strategy, and a refined pitch & pitch deck. There are bi-weekly cohort check ins, where participants can support each other's journeys and problem solve together.

Education

The program’s curriculum was thoughtfully designed based on feedback from four cohorts of businesses, insights from subject matter experts, and cultural advisors. We provide participants with tools, knowledge, and community support to grow successful, sustainable businesses grounded in cultural values. Educational workshops are held on a weekly basis over Zoom, typically twice per week. Topics include: business plan development, financials, marketing, pitching, and more. Participants will develop a business plan, marketing strategy, and a refined pitch & pitch deck. There are bi-weekly cohort check ins, where participants can support each other's journeys and problem solve together.

Our Mentors

Applications open Sept 15 - Oct 17

Applications open Sept 15 - Oct 17

Applications open Sept 15 - Oct 17

Who is it for?

Application criteria

Qualification Requirements

- 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

Our Alumna Companies

Apply Now!

Go to the Application Form

Go to the Application Form

Go to the Application Form

Applications Open Sept 15 - Oct 31