Skip the mall and “shop small” at Kailua Town’s “Holiday Sip + Shop” event on Thursday, December 12 from 4:30 – 7:30pm. Your $10 donation to Shop Small Hawaii will get you access to all the free pupus + refreshments throughout Kailua Town presented by Alexander & Baldwin.

To start your Sip + Shop soiree, grab an event passport at the Lau Hala Shops lobby (by the UFC gym entrance) and fill out your passport with stamps throughout the night for a chance to win a $500 Kailua Town gift package.

Enjoy a fun evening of stress-free retail therapy as you stroll through town. More than 20 local shops will welcome holiday shoppers with festive treats and sips, live entertainment, and exclusive “Sip + Shop” pricing.

• Holiday mocktails from Stir Beverage

• Organic cotton candy from Daydream Sugar Co.

• Fresh malasadas from Kalele Eats

• Mini halo halo cups from Goen Dining + Bar

• Mini charcuterie boards from Aloha Graze Co.

Tickets**

Early Bird Tickets (Purchase by 12/11): $10

Tickets at the Door on Dec. 12: $15

**Passports are available for participants 18 and over. Children are welcome to accompany adults.

The first 75 customers to check in will receive an exclusive holiday Kailua Town tote bag.

All proceeds benefit Shop Small Hawaii, a community initiative powered by the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership a program under YWCA Oʻahu. The initiative is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Are you confident that your business is safe from a cyber threat? Join us to learn about the Cyber Safe Hawaii Program where you can sign up to receive the following:

- Cyber awareness training for companies and their employees

- Technical assessments of IT systems to identify vulnerabilities

- Penetration testing to validate security

- Resources for Recovery

Eligibility criteria for Cyber Safe Hawaii program:

- Be a Hawaii-based business employing fifty (50) or fewer employees​.

- Be generating revenue or a non-profit organization.

- If not at the time of submission, commit to enrolling as a client of a small business resource partner

Speaker(s): Jason Ushijima, Economic Development Specialist - Business Development and Support Division, State of Hawaii, Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Fee: No Cost

Register Online

Register Online (Link: https://bit.ly/3rdkokua)

Join us as we celebrate Shop Small Hawaii's 3rd Annual Kokua Awards and recognize the achievements of the local small businesses in our community!

We are excited to celebrate our Kokua Award Winners in the following categories:

• Small Hawaii Sustainable Champions – Small businesses working towards creating a stronger Hawaii through sustainable business practices.

• Shop Small Hawaii Mentors & Connectors - Small businesses helping to uplift fellow local entrepreneurs by sharing their knowledge, guidance, and connections in Hawaii.

• Shop Small Hawaii Neighborhood Champions - Small businesses supporting local causes and giving back to our community.

• Hawaii Veteran's Small Business Award - Recognize Hawaii veterans who have made a significant contribution to the economy through ownership in a small business, made a significant difference in their communities by promoting a sense of duty, volunteerism, and an appreciation of country, democracy, and freedom.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Central Pacific Bank, Aloha Authentic, Mana Up, and Hawaii Business Magazine! We wouldn’t be here today without all of your support.

Event Information

When: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00 pm*
Where: YWCA Laniakea – Courtyard
Ticket Cost: $25 (includes pupu and drink)

Register Online (Link: https://bit.ly/3rdkokua)

*Shop Small Hawaii Marketplace opens at 4:00pm

YWahine In Business is a 7-week long course that offers business fundamentals for new startups. This cohort offers Hawaii small business owners the right insight, knowledge, and resources for a stronger future. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. All entrepreneurs are welcome and not limited to woman-owned businesses!

DATES: October 24, 2024 - December 12, 2024

• Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays

• Mandatory Orientation on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:30pm (online via Zoom)

• NO CLASSES on November 26 and November 28

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

• Classes and graduation will be held in-person at YWCA O'ahu, Downtown Honolulu

WHO IS RIGHT FOR THE PROGRAM?

• You are in the early stages of concept development and are eager to learn how to take your product/service to market.

• You’ve started selling a product/service on a small scale and now want to take your efforts to the next level (i.e., expand the market, more sales, earn a full-time income, etc.) and increase your chance of long-term success.

• You’ve been actively operating your business for a few years (with no formal training) and now want to increase your knowledge of business management.

• You are passionate about completing the entire course and launching your business.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Concept Validation

• Business Model Development

• Business Model Development

• Economics & Financial Basics

• Brand Power Marketing

ELIGIBILITY:

• Hawaii resident.

• Interested in starting a business within 6-12 months.

• Committed to participating in the full YWahine In Business Program, plus working on your business in your free time

Cost: FREE

FACILITATOR: Noela Napoleon, Lead Instructor and Business Counselor, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership and Subject Matter Experts

Are you a small business owner ready to plan for your future and secure a comfortable retirement? Join the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business + Leadership, Shop Small Hawaii, and WestPac Wealth Partners for an engaging and informative workshop where we'll explore essential strategies to build a strong retirement plan tailored to your unique needs.

TOPICS COVERED:

1. Retirement Planning Basics

2. Types of Retirement Plans

3. Tax Implications & Benefits

4. Investment Strategies for Retirement

GUEST SPEAKERS:

• Spencer Dung, CFP®, ChFC® | Financial Advisor

• Roxy Kiessling, Financial Advisor

EVENT DETAILS:

• Date: Tuesday, October 22

• Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

• Location: Online via Zoom (the Zoom link will be sent out the week of the workshop)

• Cost: FREE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join us at the 13th Annual Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM! More than 20 classes led by professional experts will be offered, from how to start a business to organizing and strengthening your finances to expanding your markets beyond Hawaiʻi.

More than 30 exhibitors featuring business advisors, nonprofits, and organizations that specialize in helping small businesses and innovators will also be onsite. Be part of the 2024 Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair!

• Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

• Time: 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM

• Venue: Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala ʻIke Street, Pearl City, HI 96782

• Cost: FREE

Click here to register!

Come join us with this introduction to contracting for Women-Owned Small Business to help demystify SBA certifications and how they may or may not benefit your business. Join the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership and the SBA Small Business Team in helping you on your journey into the government contracting arena.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Workshop Highlights

1. SBA Certifications

2. What does the government buy?

3. Will this certification benefit my small business?

4. How can I finance my contracts?

5. Getting to know your banker and why?

6. What’s a work in progress schedule?

7. Will I need bonding?

Presenters

• Mary Dale (Economic Development Specialist, Hawaii District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration)

• Melitajean Racadio (Lender Relations Specialist, Hawaii District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration)

This is a **FREE** workshop hosted online via Zoom! Zoom details will be sent out 24 hrs prior to the event.

We hope to see you there!

Calling all Women Entrepreneurs!

Join us for an exciting and informative webinar on the SBA's Office of Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program presented by the SBA Hawaii District Office.

Roderick Johnson from the WOSB program office will provide an overview of the program, explain the certification process, and share valuable tips for navigating application requests for information questions.

DATE: Wednesday, July 31

TIME: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

LOCATION: ONLINE

FEE: FREE

Don't miss this chance to boost your business potential! Click here to register!

Join us for a fireside chat with experienced Hawai'i women executives on lessons in leadership. These evening events take place in beautiful Café Julia, providing an intimate setting for a casual discussion, Q&A, and opportunities for networking. This event includes heavy pupus and one drink ticket for each attendee.

Featuring: Dee Jay Mailer (President + CEO, Bishop Museum)

Fee: $35

Click here to register!

Find our booth at the 2024 Leadership Conference!

The Leadership Conference is a full day of inspiration, innovation, and thought-provoking conversations with some of Hawaii's distinguished business and community leaders. Attend keynote sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to develop and strengthen your leadership skills.

AGENDA:

REGISTRATION + NETWORKING EXPO
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

WELCOME REMARKS + OPENING GENERAL SESSION
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• Keynote Presentation by Dr. John Scott, MasterClass

MORNING I BREAKOUT SESSIONS
10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Bridging the Gap: Communication Strategies for a Diverse Workplace
• Rediscovering Hawaiʻi’s Soul

MORNING II BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Biz Tools to Help You and Your Business Thrive
• The Principles of an Effective Negotiation
• Engage, Connect, Learn, Collaborate: Dynamic Roundtable Discussions

LUNCH & NETWORKING EXPO
12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Be the Revolutionary: Unconventional Strategies for Success
• Level Up Your Leadership Skills 
• Team Dynamics: Fostering Inclusive Cultures and Effective Leadership

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION
3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• CEO Chronicles

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Are you a business owner looking to secure a solid financial foundation for your venture? Join Shop Small Hawaii and WestPac Wealth Partners for an engaging and informative workshop where we'll explore key strategies to enhance your financial well-being.

Discussion Topics:

• Financial Organization: Learn how to streamline your financial processes for better clarity and decision-making.

• Protection: Understand the importance of safeguarding your business and personal assets against unforeseen challenges.

• Savings and Effective Wealth Management: Discover practical tips for building and managing wealth efficiently.

• Long-Term Tax Planning: Navigate the complexities of tax planning to minimize liabilities and optimize financial outcomes.

Speakers:

• Spencer Dung, CFP®, ChFC® | Financial Advisor

• Roxy Kiessling, Financial Advisor

FREE | online via Zoom

The Zoom information will be sent out 24 hours prior to the webinar.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop, including a 1-hour lab, to learn how you can use Canva tools and resources to help you with marketing your small business.

Event Details:

• Thursday, May 23

• 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• YWCA Laniakea— MCBL

• Cost: $20

Topics Covered:

• Brand Guide Basics

• Image Creation

• Creating Templates

• 1-hour hands-on lab

Limited seats are available, and pre-registration is required.

Equipment Requirements:

• Fully charged laptop/tablet and charger

• Pen and paper

**All participants MUST have a Canva Pro Account PRIOR to the start of class.**

If you do not have a Canva Pro account already, you can sign up for the 30-DAY FREE TRIAL at https://www.canva.com/pro/.

NOTE: Participants DO NOT NEED to purchase Canva Pro.

Facilitator:

• Brittany Montilliano, Senior Program Manager
  Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership

If you have any questions, please contact us at 808-695-2604.

Click here to register today!

Hawaii Business Magazine and Central Pacific Bank are proud to present the Women Entrepreneurs Conference.

The conference is focused on helping women entrepreneurs grow their business by providing information on access to capital, revenue growth opportunities, financial management, networking, and inspiration. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn from and connect with successful business owners, funders, and key players in Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Friday, May 17, 2024
11:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Prince Waikiki

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

• Denise Woodard, Founder & CEO
  Partake Foods

• Robynne Maii, Chef & Owner
  Fête

SESSION TOPICS: 

• Sources of Capital & How to Draw on Them

• Mastering the Pitch: Lessons from ABC’s Shark Tank

• Balancing Act: Insights from Mompreneurs

• Let’s Talk Story & Connect: Roundtable Discussions Lead by Local Entrepreneurs

• The Grit Factor

• Empowering Local Makers: From Launch to Scale

Click here to learn more and register!

Get ready for an exciting evening at the YWCA Level Up! Pitch Competition, presented by the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership and sponsored by TJX!

Join us to cheer on your favorite small businesses as nine entrepreneurs compete for a chance to win a share of $18,500 in prizes! Don't miss this opportunity to witness the excitement firsthand and then mingle with the pitch competitors, judges, and a network of community small business resource partners during an engaging Pau Hana.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Tuesday, May 7, 2024

• 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

• YWCA Laniakea (Downtown Honolulu)

• Tickets: $25 (includes pupus and one drink ticket)

PRIZE CATEGORIES: One winner will be chosen in each of the three categories!

• 3 Start-ups (0-2 years in business) competing for $5,000

• 3 Growth Businesses (2-4 years in business) competing for $6,000

• 3 Expansion Businesses (4-5 years in business) competing for $7,500

Click here to secure your spot today for an unforgettable evening of competition, networking, and celebration!

Join us for MCBL’s next Mink Wahine Leadership Series event! This conversation will showcase leaders in our community who will share practical tips and takeaways to help you create a culture that values diverse perspectives, fosters open communication (aka speak-up culture), and promotes learning and opportunities for innovative problem solving.

Moderated by:

• Anne Weber-Yarbough (Managing Director Regional Initiatives, Teach For America)

Panelists:

• Saedene Yee-Ota (Owner & Creative Director, Sae Design Inc)

• Jody Shirmona (VP of Communication, PBS Hawaiʻi)

Cost: $45

TO RSVP, CLICK HERE!

Join us for a fireside chat with experienced Hawai'i women executives on lessons in leadership. These evening events take place in beautiful Café Julia, providing an intimate setting for a casual discussion, Q&A, and opportunities for networking. This event includes heavy pupus and one drink ticket for each attendee.

April 2024 Mink Wisdom Series - Lessons in Leadership

• Featured Speaker: Marie Milks, Judge (ret.)

• Q&A Moderator: Maile Kawasaki (AVP & Commercial Banking Associate, Central Pacific Bank

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

YWahine In Business is a 7-week long course that offers business fundamentals for new startups. This cohort offers Hawaii small business owners the right insight, knowledge, and resources for a stronger future. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. All entrepreneurs are welcome and not limited to woman-owned businesses!

DATES: February 27th - April 18

• Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays

• Mandatory Orientation on February 22nd (online via Zoom)

• NO CLASSES on March 12th & 14th

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

• Orientation, classes and graduation will be held in-person at YWCA O'ahu, Downtown Honolulu

WHO IS RIGHT FOR THE PROGRAM?

• You are in the early stages of concept development and are eager to learn how to take your product/service to market.

• You’ve started selling a product/service on a small scale and now want to take your efforts to the next level (i.e., expand the market, more sales, earn a full-time income, etc.) and increase your chance of long-term success.

• You’ve been actively operating your business for a few years (with no formal training) and now want to increase your knowledge of business management.

• You are passionate about completing the entire course and launching your business.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Concept Validation

• Business Model Development

• Registering Your Business

• Business Model Development

• Economics & Financial Basics

• Brand Power Marketing

ELIGIBILITY:

• Hawaii resident.

• Interested in starting a business within 6-12 months.

• Committed to participating in the full YWahine In Business Program, plus working on your business in your free time

Cost: FREE

FACILITATOR: Noela Napoleon, Lead Instructor and Business Counselor, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership and Subject Matter Experts

More information to come!

FREE online via Zoom!

The Zoom information will be sent out 24 hours prior to the webinar.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, Shop Small Hawaii, and ShopYWCA for a comprehensive 5-week program comprising dynamic lectures and immersive hands-on labs guided by seasoned industry experts. Whether you're venturing into the creation of an e-commerce website or aiming to enhance an existing one, our "Build Your Product-Based Website" workshop equips participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources needed to kickstart, develop, and launch a successful Shopify website.

Key Topics Covered:

• Branding and Marketing Strategies

• Site Customization

• Photography Techniques

• Payment Processing

• Appointment Scheduling

• Online Legal Policies

• Hands-on Labs and More

Class Information:

• Mondays and Wednesdays

• 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• February 26 - March 207

• Online & In-person at the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership

Facilitator(s):

• Matt Nagatori

• Ryan Sweeney

Limited seats available. Reserve your spot today to embark on this transformative e-commerce journey!

Fee: $ 75.00

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join us for our first Mink Wahine Leadership Series Event on Shifting Mindset from Manager to Coach! This program will feature women leaders who will be providing tips and takeaways to help attendees transition from manager to coach and become the leader that people want to follow.

Speakers:

• Kathy Fujiwara (VP of Human Resources, Tori Richards)

• Unyong Nakata (Founder & Principal, Nakata Advisory LLC)

• Sarah Guay (CEO & President, Hawaiʻi Employers Council)

Moderator: Mary Fastenau (Senior Partner, Anthology Marketing)

Cost: $45

Click here to register!

Join Shop Small Hawaii for an insightful webinar with Sarah Guay, President & CEO of Hawaii Employers Council (HEC), as she takes the fear out of HR and sheds light on how HEC is a game-changer for small businesses in Hawaii.

Key Topics:

• Who is Hawaii Employers Council?

• How HEC can help your small business

• The value of membership

• Top 5 things small businesses need to know about HR

Facilitator: Sarah Guay, President & CEO of Hawaii Employers Council (HEC)

FREE online via Zoom!

The Zoom information will be sent out 24 hours prior to the webinar.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

From Local to International - Exporting for Small Businesses

Join the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and special guest speakers from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism from the U.S. Small Business Administration for a FREE webinar on Exporting for Small Businesses.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• The Pros and Cons of Exporting

• Financing Options

• How to Select the Right Market

• Learn about the Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program (HISTEP)

• Q & A Session

This webinar will help the new entrepreneur determine if exporting is right for you and how to overcome barriers to entry into the exporting world. You will learn about different export funding programs, market research tools, free trade zone benefits, international codes, and how they define your business. Spots are limited. Register today!

FEATURING:

• Mary Dale (Economic Development Specialist, SBA Hawaii District Office)

• Jamie Lum (Business Development Program Manager, DBEDT)

FREE ONLINE VIA ZOOM
*Zoom link will be sent out 24 hours prior to the workshop

REGISTER HERE!

Join the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and Shop Small Hawaii for an information session to learn how you can receive Verizon’s $10,000 small business grants!

It’s free and easy to apply!

By joining Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, you gain access to free courses, events, and more. Plus, the chance to apply for $10,000 grants.

FREE | ONLINE VIA ZOOM

Click here to register!