Helping founders find community and connections
Non-residential advisory program by Blue Startups for startups not ready for or not seeking the full accelerator program. Provides access to Blue Startups' mentor network, workshops, and resources on a flexible basis without the 12-week cohort commitment.
Advisory/Mentorship
in
Honolulu
Blue Startups
Highly competitive 12-week accelerator program for tech startups, consistently ranked among the top 20 accelerators in the U.S. Focuses on SaaS, travel tech, sustainability, and Pacific Rim markets. Provides seed investment, mentorship, and access to a global investor network.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
Blue Startups
Intensive multi-day startup bootcamp held on Maui, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs develop their business models, refine pitches, and connect with mentors and investors. Part of Blue Startups' effort to expand entrepreneurship support across the Hawaiian islands.
Bootcamp
in
Honolulu
Blue Startups
No-cost, confidential business advising from the Hawaii SBDC Maui office for Maui County entrepreneurs. SBA-funded advisors provide expert guidance on business planning, financial modeling, capital access, marketing, and growth strategies tailored to Maui's business environment.
Technical Assistance
in
Kihei
Hawaii SBDC – Maui
No-cost, confidential business advising from the Hawaii SBDC Hawaii Island Kona office for West Hawaii entrepreneurs. SBA-funded advisors support business planning, financial analysis, capital access, and growth strategies tailored to Kona and West Hawaii's unique business environment.
Technical Assistance
in
Kailua-Kona
Hawaii SBDC – Hawaiʻi Island Kona
No-cost, confidential business advising from the Hawaii SBDC Kauai office for Kauai entrepreneurs. SBA-funded advisors provide guidance on starting a business, financing, marketing, product technical assistance, business planning, export assistance, and SBA program navigation.
Technical Assistance
in
Līhuʻe
Hawaii SBDC – Kauaʻi
No-cost, confidential one-on-one business advising from the Hawaii SBDC Hawaii Island Hilo office for East Hawaii entrepreneurs. SBA-funded advisors offer expertise in business planning, financial modeling, capital access, government contracting, and SBIR grants for Hawaii Island businesses.
Technical Assistance
in
Hilo
Hawaii SBDC – Hawaiʻi Island Hilo
No-cost, confidential one-on-one business advising provided by the Hawaii Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Oahu office, an SBA-funded resource. Advisors assist with business planning, financial analysis, capital access, market research, growth strategies, and government contracting for Oahu-based businesses at any stage.
Technical Assistance
in
Honolulu
Hawaii SBDC - Oʻahu
Federal Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) center operated by University of Hawaii at Manoa's Shidler College of Business. Provides no-cost business advising, financial modeling, procurement assistance, business planning, and help accessing contracts and capital for minority-owned businesses in Hawaii.
Technical Assistance
in
Honolulu
Hawaiʻi MBDA Business Center
Indigenous business incubator led by designer Manaola Yap, integrating Hawaiian arts, culture, and values into business development. Offers a 5-phase program including a week-long retreat on Hawaii Island, mentorship, and support for entrepreneurs building culturally grounded businesses.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Hale Kua – Indigenous Business Incubator
Free or low-cost business workshops and webinars offered by SCORE Hawaii on topics including business planning, marketing, social media, pricing, franchising, and financial management. Workshops are designed for both aspiring and existing business owners across Hawaii.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
SCORE – Hawaii Chapter
Free or low-cost business workshops and webinars offered by SCORE of Maui County covering startup basics, marketing, financial literacy, and business growth strategies. Open to all Maui County entrepreneurs and business owners.
Education/Training
in
Kahului
SCORE of Maui County
Advanced track of the Capital Readiness Program at YWCA Kokokahi for women entrepreneurs ready to access capital and scale their businesses. Provides investor readiness coaching, loan application support, pitch preparation, and connections to lenders and investors.
Accelerator
in
Kāneʻohe
Kokokahi (YWCA Kokokahi – Women’s Business Center)
Entry-level track of the Capital Readiness Program at YWCA Kokokahi providing foundational financial literacy and business readiness training for women entrepreneurs. Prepares participants to understand capital, access credit, and build business financial foundations.
Education/Training
in
Kāneʻohe
Kokokahi (YWCA Kokokahi – Women’s Business Center)
Licensed commercial kitchen incubator at Oahu Food Hub providing food entrepreneurs with affordable access to professional kitchen facilities, food safety training, and business development support. Serves cottage food producers, caterers, and emerging food brands.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Oahu Food Hub
Intensive multi-week aquaculture startup accelerator by Hatch Blue held in Kona, Hawaii. The CREST program delivers business-ready assets for aquaculture ventures — including investor materials, market analysis, and go-to-market strategy — while connecting founders with Hatch's global network of mentors, investors, and industry partners.
Accelerator
in
Kailua-Kona
Hatch Blue – Aquaculture Accelerator & Innovation Hub
Annual 3-week intensive program for young professionals ages 18–35 interested in the space economy and aerospace industry. Combines technical education, hands-on projects, and networking with space industry leaders to launch careers in the growing space sector.
Accelerator
in
Kihei
Maui Economic Development Board
Two-year peer-to-peer business accelerator for entrepreneurs with $250K-$1M in annual revenue, offered through Entrepreneurs' Organization Hawaii. Provides four full-day quarterly learning events, accountability groups, and EO member coaching to help businesses cross the $1M revenue threshold.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
EO Hawaii (Entrepreneurs’ Organization – Hawaii Chapter)
Year-long program at UH OIC supporting faculty members in integrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization into their teaching and research. Fellows develop new curricula, engage with startups, and build bridges between academia and industry.
Fellowship
in
Honolulu
Office of Innovation & Commercialization (UH)
Community program through UH's PACE providing educational programs, forums, and networking opportunities specifically for family business owners. Addresses the unique challenges families face in managing and sustaining multi-generational businesses, including succession planning, governance, and conflict resolution.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
Commercial kitchen incubator at the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC), a 33,000-square-foot state-of-the-art food manufacturing and education facility operated by Leeward Community College. Provides food entrepreneurs with affordable hourly/monthly access to professional kitchen space, product development labs, packaging equipment, and cold storage to scale their food businesses.
Incubator
in
Wahiawā
Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC)
Social-emotional wellness and leadership cohort program by Education Incubator grounded in Hawaiian cultural values. Builds resilience, self-awareness, and community connection for participants through culturally relevant curriculum integrating ALOHA principles.
Leadership Development
in
Honolulu
Education Incubator
Free, confidential one-on-one business mentoring for Maui County entrepreneurs and small business owners provided by SCORE of Maui County, a volunteer nonprofit and SBA resource partner. Experienced volunteer mentors offer advice on business planning, finance, marketing, and operations for startups and established businesses.
Advisory/Mentorship
in
Kahului
SCORE of Maui County
Free, confidential one-on-one business mentoring provided by SCORE Hawaii (Chapter 159), a volunteer nonprofit and SBA resource partner serving Hawaii for 50+ years. Expert mentors with backgrounds in accounting, finance, marketing, law, operations, and more provide ongoing guidance to startups and existing businesses via in-person, phone, email, or video.
Advisory/Mentorship
in
Honolulu
SCORE – Hawaii Chapter
Hawaii chapter of the global GSEA competition recognizing college student entrepreneurs. Student business owners compete locally before advancing to regional and global competitions, gaining mentorship, visibility, and access to EO's global network of successful entrepreneurs.
Competition/Awards
in
Kapolei
Hawaiian Council (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement)
Globally competitive 6-month aquaculture and alternative seafood accelerator operated by Hatch Blue — the world's leading aquaculture-focused accelerator — based at NELHA's HOST Park in Kona, Hawaii. Accepted companies receive a $75,000 investment (uncapped SAFE note) and participate in an international program spanning Hawaii, Norway, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Accelerator
in
Kailua-Kona
Hatch Blue – Aquaculture Accelerator & Innovation Hub
Ten-month incubator program by PICHTR helping civilian technology companies adapt and transition their innovations for defense and dual-use applications. Provides technical support, DoD connections, market access, and funding navigation for the defense-tech sector.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
EO Hawaii (Entrepreneurs’ Organization – Hawaii Chapter)
Workforce development and career training program by Hawaiian Council focused on construction, trades, and skilled labor industries. Provides pathways for Native Hawaiian and local workers to enter and advance in trade careers through certification and apprenticeship connections.
Education/Training
in
Kapolei
Hawaiian Council (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement)
Social enterprise accelerator by HiReady (Hawaii Investment Ready) supporting nonprofits and mission-driven businesses in developing revenue-generating strategies and impact investment readiness. Has graduated 50+ enterprises across six cohorts, connecting them with impact investors and grants.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
HiReady
A 12-24 month deep-tech incubator for UH-affiliated researchers, faculty, and students commercializing university innovations. Provides seed funding, lab access, mentorship, and commercialization support for technologies in clean energy, biotech, ocean science, and advanced manufacturing.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Office of Innovation & Commercialization (UH)
Hands-on 3-month business development program from the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce for Native Hawaiian micro and small business owners. Features 18 sessions (36 hours) taught by University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business professors, covering brand identity, marketing strategy, and business planning. Limited to 25 participants per cohort.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce
Twelve-week food business course offered by Leeward Community College's Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) in partnership with the Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA). Cohorts of 15 local food entrepreneurs learn to scale products for commercial success, covering licensing, branding, packaging, and sales. Graduates receive priority access to WVAPDC kitchen facilities.
Education/Training
in
Wahiawā
Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC)
Thirteen-week business incubator program targeting entrepreneurs on the Waianae Coast, one of Hawaii's most underserved communities. Accepts 20 participants per cohort, provides business development training, and awards $1,250 in seed funding upon program completion.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Oʻahu Business Connector
Five-month accelerator for small businesses in Hawaii, co-developed by Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and HTDC. Runs two cohorts annually of eight businesses each, providing business strategy, technology adoption, marketing, and connections to Chamber's business network.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
Six-month business incubator and 2-year comprehensive development program for Native Hawaiian women entrepreneurs, offered through Kukolu. Integrates Hawaiian cultural values with business development, offering workspace, mentorship, and community support in a culturally grounded environment.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Kūkolu – Shop / Pop-Up Location
Design thinking and community problem-solving program for youth and educators developed by Education Incubator. Uses Hawaii's values of aloha and community stewardship as a framework for creative innovation, social entrepreneurship, and collaborative problem-solving.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
Education Incubator
Five-week SBA-funded business plan development accelerator for local and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, operated by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (now Hawaiian Council). Has graduated 260+ participants, providing business planning tools, mentorship, and community connections.
Accelerator
in
Kapolei
Hawaiian Council (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement)
Six-month milestone-based advisory program at UH's PACE for select UH-affiliated ventures that have progressed beyond the idea stage. Pairs founders with an interdisciplinary board of experienced professional advisors to achieve market readiness, investor readiness, and key company milestones. Teams completing the program are eligible for up to $20,000 in grant funding.
Advisory/Mentorship
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
Retail presence and pop-up program component of Mana Up, providing accelerator alumni and Hawaii product brands with curated retail shelf space at Royal Hawaiian Center and South Shore Market. Serves as a direct-to-consumer sales channel and brand visibility platform.
Retail/Market Access
in
Honolulu
Mana Up Retail
Six-month accelerator program for established Hawaii product companies in food, fashion, beauty, and home goods. Provides business coaching, retail strategy, marketing support, and connections to major retail partners. Has supported 105+ companies generating $84M+ in revenue.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
Mana Up
State-owned incubator facility on Maui providing affordable office and lab space to technology startups and research organizations. Managed by Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the center hosts tenants engaged in aerospace, defense, and high-tech industries.
Incubator
in
Kihei
Maui Economic Development Board
U.S. Department of Commerce MBDA Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) Business Center hosted at YWCA O'ahu — one of only five such centers in the nation. Provides training, counseling, resources, and contract/funding access for minority women entrepreneurs seeking to grow medium-sized businesses.
Technical Assistance
in
Honolulu
YWCA Oʻahu
Business incubator program through the Pacific Business Center Program (PBCP) at University of Hawaii providing technical assistance, workspace support, and business development resources to Pacific Islander entrepreneurs and small businesses across Hawaii.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Pacific Business Center Program (PBCP)
National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program administered by UH OIC providing rigorous customer discovery and lean startup training to science and engineering researchers. Teams conduct 100+ customer interviews to validate commercial potential of NSF-funded research.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
Office of Innovation & Commercialization (UH)
Free R&D and business incubator for aquaculture and ocean food ventures, hosted at Hatch Blue's office at NELHA's HOST Park in Kailua-Kona. Provides access to world-class aquaculture infrastructure, free facilities, market analysis support, and mentorship to help early-stage ocean food projects advance toward commercialization.
Incubator
in
Kailua-Kona
Hatch Blue – Aquaculture Accelerator & Innovation Hub
Fellowship program at UH OIC for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers focused on commercializing patented UH technologies. Fellows receive stipends, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship to develop viable business models around their research innovations.
Fellowship
in
Honolulu
Office of Innovation & Commercialization (UH)
Intensive 10-month leadership development program for women business owners and professionals in Hawaii. Combines cohort-based learning, executive coaching, and peer support to develop leadership skills and expand professional networks.
Leadership Development
in
Honolulu
Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership
Lean Startup methodology course offered by UH Office of Innovation & Commercialization. Teaches students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs how to validate business ideas, build minimum viable products, and iterate based on customer feedback.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
Office of Innovation & Commercialization (UH)
Free virtual hyper-accelerator by XLR8HI designed to help startups become investment-ready. The monthlong program covers fundraising strategy, pitch development, investor relations, and business model refinement. Has helped 124+ companies raise $50M+ and generate $115M+ in revenue.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
XLR8HI – Hawaiʻi’s Entrepreneurship Center
Annual pitch competition for small business owners, presented by YWCA O'ahu's Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership and the Shop Small Hawaii initiative. Entrepreneurs compete for a share of $18,500+ in prizes, gaining visibility, investor exposure, and connection to Hawaii's small business support network.
Competition/Awards
in
Honolulu
YWCA Oʻahu
Intense 54-hour weekend event at UH hosted by PACE in partnership with the global Startup Weekend network. Entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and startup enthusiasts pitch ideas, form teams, and build a business foundation in one weekend. Provides mentorship, customer validation practice, and community networking.
Bootcamp
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
Statewide STEM education and workforce development initiative serving 40,000+ students and teachers annually across Hawaii. Offers coding bootcamps, robotics, cybersecurity training, and career pathway programs connecting students to technology careers.
Education/Training
in
Kihei
Maui Economic Development Board
Free 6-week intensive startup program at UH's PACE for student founding teams from any of the 10 UH campuses. Focuses on market validation, business model development, and MVP building through customer discovery activities. Teams can earn up to $4,000 to kick-start their businesses and are positioned for Liftoff Advisors and UH Ventures Accelerator.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
Technical assistance program by the Pacific Business Center Program (PBCP) providing business consulting, financial management guidance, marketing support, and regulatory assistance to Pacific Islander entrepreneurs in Hawaii and across the Pacific region.
Technical Assistance
in
Honolulu
Pacific Business Center Program (PBCP)
Regular networking events and business workshops for Hawaii's technology and entrepreneurship community. Provides a platform for tech professionals, founders, and business leaders to connect, share knowledge, and build professional relationships.
Networking/Events
in
Kihei
Maui Economic Development Board
Annual pitch competition at UH hosted by PACE for students and faculty to showcase innovative business ideas with commercial potential across all disciplines. Participants pitch early-stage concepts for cash prizes. Designed to expose the UH community to entrepreneurial thinking and serve as an entry point to PACE's broader program ecosystem.
Competition/Awards
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
Semester-long business plan and pitch competition for University of Hawaii students, hosted by PACE since 2000. Now in its 25th year, the competition provides mentorship, education, and resources to UH student and faculty entrepreneurs across all disciplines. Offers substantial cash prizes and exposure to Hawaii's investor and business community.
Competition/Awards
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
University of Hawaii's flagship 3-month startup accelerator, operated by PACE at UH Manoa's Shidler College of Business. Open to faculty, staff, students, and alumni across all 10 UH campuses. Runs two cohorts annually (spring and fall), offering mentorship, education, and investor networking. Accepted companies are eligible for equity investment from UH Ventures LLC.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
Entry-level leadership program for emerging women leaders and beginning entrepreneurs at YWCA Oahu. Provides foundational business skills, confidence-building, and introduction to the YWCA entrepreneurship ecosystem. Designed as a stepping stone to more advanced programs.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership
Selective 11-session accelerator for established women-owned businesses with $250K–$5M in annual revenue, sponsored by Central Pacific Bank and aio Foundation in partnership with YWCA O'ahu's MCBL. Cohort of 20 women per year focuses on financial management, marketing strategy, and leadership — all at no cost to participants.
Accelerator
in
Honolulu
YWCA Oʻahu
Capacity-building program by Hatch Blue tailored for female founders in the ocean food and sustainable aquaculture sector. Provides skills development, access to Hatch's global network, and resources to help women-led companies grow their businesses and strengthen gender inclusivity in ocean-based industries.
Education/Training
in
Kailua-Kona
Hatch Blue – Aquaculture Accelerator & Innovation Hub
Free or low-cost business workshops and seminars from Hawaii SBDC Maui on topics including business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and access to capital. Open to all Maui County entrepreneurs at any stage of business development.
Education/Training
in
Kihei
Hawaii SBDC – Maui
Free or low-cost business workshops and seminars offered by the Hawaii SBDC Oahu office covering startup essentials, financial management, marketing, government certification, and more. Delivered in person and online for Oahu entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Education/Training
in
Honolulu
Hawaii SBDC - Oʻahu
Free or low-cost business education workshops and webinars from the Hawaii SBDC Hawaii Island Kona office, covering startup essentials, marketing, financial planning, and growth strategies for West Hawaii entrepreneurs.
Education/Training
in
Kailua-Kona
Hawaii SBDC – Hawaiʻi Island Kona
Youth entrepreneurship program co-developed by XLR8HI and Education Incubator for students in grades 7-12. Provides hands-on startup training, mentorship from local entrepreneurs, and pitch competition opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills in Hawaii's next generation.
Youth Entrepreneurship
in
Honolulu
XLR8HI – Hawaiʻi’s Entrepreneurship Center
Youth entrepreneurship accelerator for students in grades 7–12, developed through a partnership between Education Incubator and Sultan Ventures/XLR8HI. Provides hands-on business education, pitch competitions, and mentorship to develop the next generation of Hawaii entrepreneurs.
Youth Entrepreneurship
in
Honolulu
Education Incubator
Seven-week business incubator program for pre-launch and early-stage women entrepreneurs. Offered through the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership (MCBL) at YWCA Oahu, the program provides business planning support, mentorship, and access to professional networks.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership
Seven-week women's business incubator program co-hosted by YWCA Kokokahi (Women's Business Center) serving the Windward Oahu community. Partners with MCBL to provide business planning, financial literacy, and mentorship specifically for women entrepreneurs on the Windward side.
Incubator
in
Kāneʻohe
Kokokahi (YWCA Kokokahi – Women’s Business Center)
Seven-week business incubator for pre-launch and early-stage women entrepreneurs, offered through YWCA O'ahu's Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership — Hawaii's only SBA-designated Women's Business Center. Covers business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and operations in a supportive cohort environment.
Incubator
in
Honolulu
YWCA Oʻahu