The Program
Most accelerators are built around one goal: exit. Sell fast, scale fast, cash out. FoundHer was built around a different question: what if wāhine in Hawaiʻi could build businesses that let them stay?
Since 2021, weʼve backed 24 companies, delivered over $480K in non-dilutive investment, and watched founders triple their revenue and build wholesale accounts, childcare stability, and community. Weʼre not slowing down.
Our Mission
To build economic sovereignty and create lasting community impact through wāhine leadership.
Our Vision
A transformed economic landscape, rooted in cooperation, cultural grounding, and regenerative practice where businesses uplift community and ʻāina.
Women-led businesses are less risky, deliver greater ROI, and multiply their impact across community. Yet the funding gap persists. FoundHer closes it with capital, care, and a curriculum built through an indigenous cultural lens.
What You Get
Curriculum
Real business skills taught through an indigenous cultural lens.
Is FoundHer For You?
Youʼre based anywhere in Hawaiʻi. Your business can be in any industry.
Youʼre based on Hawaiʻi Island. Your business is in agriculture, food production, or food systems.
To join either program youʼll need
How We Select Our Cohort
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Applications for 2026 are now closed. Follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn for 2027 announcements.
From Our ʻOhana
“Our quality of life at home has improved significantly, we travel, we've purchased real estate, we're planning for ours kids' future. FoundHer didn't just help me grow my business, it helped me understand my business.”
Taleea Carvalho · Wailua Granola Company · Kauaʻi · Cohort 3
“None of this would be possible without FoundHer. There is nothing like this. We are positioned for longevity rather than just pure profit. We want to be sustainable because we actually care about what we are doing.”
Malie Sarsona · Waimea Herb Company · Hawaiʻi Island · Cohort 1
Our Mentors
Our mentors are the heartbeat of this program. We are deeply grateful to each of them for showing up, sharing their wisdom, and investing their time in the next generation of wāhine founders. Each company in our cohort is paired with two dedicated mentors throughout the 6 months.
Our Team
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Our Story
Five years. Six cohorts. And our moʻolelo still in kākau mode.
Operating Partner
The Purple Maiʻa Foundation is on a mission to educate and empower the next generation of culturally grounded, community-serving technology makers and problem solvers.
Learn More →