Mar
1
to May 30
Apr
9
5:30 PM17:30
April Mink Wahine Wisdom Series
Join us for a fireside chat with experienced Hawai'i women executives on leadership lessons. These evening events take place in the beautiful YWCA Laniakea Courtyard, providing an intimate setting for a casual discussion, Q&A, and opportunities for networking. At each event, we will be offering heavy pupus and one drink ticket per attendee.
Guest Speaker(s): Ann Botticelli, Owner, Ann Botticelli LLC
Moderator: Jessica Lum, Program Manager, Stanford University (Wahine Rising Cohort 5 Alumnae)
Apr
22
10:00 AM10:00
Building Blocks for Financial Success with WestPac Wealth Partners
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: Learn how to reduce your overall tax liability.
Speakers:
Spencer Dung, CFP®, ChFC® | Financial Advisor
Roxy Kiessling, Financial Advisor
FREE | online via Zoom
Apr
29
5:30 PM17:30
Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance Cohort 10 Information Session
The Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance was launched in 2016 to increase the representation of women executives in Hawai‘i. This 10-month program is designed for professional women leaders and entrepreneurs who are committed to personal growth, professional impact, and community leadership. Participants will further develop their management and leadership skills in an effort to increase the representation of women executives in Hawai‘i. Please join us for a special Information Session for the tenth cohort of the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance. Light pupus and a no-host bar included.
May
31
12:00 AM00:00
Feb
26
5:30 PM17:30
Start Your Wholesaling Journey
About the Workshop:
Are you having trouble pricing, marketing and connecting with buyers for your product or service? Join this informative workshop to learn the ins and outs of wholesaling.
Discussion Topics:
What is wholesaling and is it right for you?
Pricing your products
Approaching retail buyers
Marketing your wholesale product
Date & Time:
Wednesday, February 26th
5:30-7:00pm
Presenter(s):
Kiani Wong, Co-Founder & CEO, Kaka'ako Kasuals and Ki'ikau Printers
Feb
19
10:00 AM10:00
Introduction to Innovate Hawaii Programs: Funding for Manufacturers
INNOVATE Hawaiʻi (IH) assists manufacturers and tech companies looking to improve their business and are willing to invest time and resources to grow their company. IH builds the strength and competitiveness of Hawaiʻi companies through an array of programs and services, including coaching and training, consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and grant opportunities.
ABOUT THE WEBINAR:
- The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides equity-free funding through federal agencies to small American businesses. IH supports Hawaii companies in this program with workshops, matching grant funding, commercialization assistance, and more.
- The Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) provides financial support to Hawaiʻi based
manufacturers.
- The Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Program provides training opportunities, manufacturing capabilities, and industry connections.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
- Cindy Matsuki, HSBIR Program Manager
- Wayne Layugan, Program Manager
- Wendy Oshiro, Project Manager
This is a free, virtual webinar conducted via Zoom. Advanced registration is required.
Feb
11
10:00 AM10:00
ASCENT Roundtable: Business Plan Basics
Join us for a workshop on the essentials of creating a business plan. Participants will gain useful knowledge and tools that can help their businesses succeed in a competitive environment. You will discover important topics like understanding your market, planning your operations, and predicting your finances.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:
Creating an executive summary
Developing a marketing plan
Discovering key management bios
Understanding your financial plan
FACILITATOR: Noela Napoleon, Lead Business Counselor & Instructor — Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership
Jan
21
to Jan 23
Registering Your Business Start-Up
Walk through the business registration site and receive detailed instruction on successfully completing the process. • Step-by-step Business registration for Hawaii-based businesses • How to ensure your business name is unique & protected • Brief overview of business entity types • Plan for future growth w/ U.S Tradename & Trademark protection This course is held over two evenings, Tuesday January 21 and Thursday January 23 from 5:30p-7:30p online. The sessions will not be recorded so please plan to attend both evenings.
Speaker(s): Noela Napoleon, Lead Counselor and Facilitator
Co-Sponsor(s): Capital Readiness Program funded through the Minority Business Development Agency
Advanced registration is required.
Dec
12
4:30 PM16:30
Presented by Alexander & Baldwin: Kailua Town Holiday Sip & Shop
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.
Dec
12
10:00 AM10:00
Safeguarding Your Business from the Threat of Cyber Attacks
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
Nov
5
4:00 PM16:00
2024 Kokua Awards
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
Oct
29
to Nov 26
Fall 2024 Marketing Bootcamp
Join MCBL for a new, high-impact small business marketing boot camp. Each week you will meet in a live virtual format (Zoom) for a 90-minute workshop session. You will have the opportunity to learn on topics like:
How to apply strategy to your marketing.
Designing a strategic marketing plan for your business.
Time hacks and tips to devise a system that makes your marketing more manageable.
BIG WINS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
This bootcamp was conceptualized with the busy business owner in mind and offers additional benefits like:
Real-time feedback from a practicing marketing professional and other business owners in a supportive environment.
The opportunity to create new relationships - learning and sharing best practices with other business owners.
Walk away with a better understanding of your marketing capacity and needs, with a solid plan on how to move forward.
EVENT DETAILS
Dates: Tuesdays, October 29 - November 26, 2024
Online via Zoom // Cost: FREE
Facilitated by: Ryan Sweeney (President + Owner, Aster Marketing Hawaii)
Advanced Registration Required.
Oct
24
5:00 PM17:00
YWahine In Business Incubator Cohort 3
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
Oct
22
10:00 AM10:00
Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners with WestPac Wealth Partners
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:
Retirement Planning Basics
Types of Retirement Plans
Tax Implications & Benefits
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
Oct
8
to Oct 10
Registering Your Business Start-Up
Let us walk you through the business registration site and receive detailed instructions on successfully completing the process with our TWO-DAY ONLINE workshop.
TOPICS COVERED:
Step-by-step Business Registration for Hawaii-based Businesses
How to Ensure Your Business Name is Unique & Protected
Brief Overview of Business Entity Types
Plan for Future Growth with U.S. Tradename & Trademark Protection
INSTRUCTOR:
Noela Napoleon, Lead Business Counselor & Instructor
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Dates: Tuesday/Thursday, October 8 & 10, 2024
Times: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Online via Zoom (the Zoom link will be sent out the week of the workshop)
Cost: FREE
Sep
28
7:30 AM07:30
2024 Small Business Fair
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
Sep
20
10:00 AM10:00
ASCENT Workshop: WOSB Certification Workshop
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.
Workshop Highlights
SBA Certifications
What does the government buy?
Will this certification benefit my small business?
How can I finance my contracts?
Getting to know your banker and why?
What’s a work in progress schedule?
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!
Aug
23
to Aug 25
30th Annual Made in Hawaii Festival
Hawaiian Airlines presents the
30th Annual Made in Hawai'i Festival.
August 23-25, 2024
Hawai’i Convention Center
Exhibit Halls I,II & III
Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat: 9am-8pm & Sun: 9am-5pm
Aug
1
11:30 AM11:30
August 2024 Mink Wahine Leadership Series
Join us for our next Mink Wahine Leadership Series event! This inspirational discussion will feature leaders in our community who will provide practical tips and takeaways to help you practice self-compassion and help you manage your inner voice. Equip yourself with the tools to help you navigate the barriers self-talk presents and guide your decisions.
Jul
31
9:00 AM09:00
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program
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!
Jul
25
5:30 PM17:30
Mink Wisdom Series
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
Jul
19
8:00 AM08:00
2024 Leadership Conference
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
Jul
1
to Sep 9
Wahine Rising Cohort 6 - Application Portal Opens
Wahine Rising is a 30-hour leadership program that was created to help elevate our future women leaders. This package focuses on potential women leaders looking to build core competencies through facilitated classes and our Wahine Luncheon events. The women will learn about various leadership issues and topics that are relevant to their personal and professional development.
Key Dates
Thursday, 10/3/24 | Wahine Rising Orientation (9:00a - 11:30a)*
Thursday, 10/17/24 | Building Your Confidence (9:00a – 11:30a)*
Thursday, 11/14/24 | Wahine Rising Coffee Hour: Pt. 1 (5:30p – 7:00p)*
Thursday, 12/5/24 | Wahine Leadership Series: Holiday Pau Hana (5:30p - 7:30p)*
Thursday, 1/23/25 | Building Your Leadership Capacity (9:00a - 11:30a)
Thursday, 2/6/25 | Mink Wahine Leadership Series (11:30a – 1:00p)*
Thursday, 2/20/25 | Wahine Rising Coffee Hour: Part 2 (5:30p – 7:00p)*
Thursday, 3/13/25 | Building Your Future Network (9:00a - 11:30a)*
Thursday, 4/3/25 | Wahine Rising Coffee Hour: Part 3 (5:30p – 6:30p)*
Thursday, 4/22/25 | Wahine Rising Coffee Hour: Part 4 (5:30p – 6:30p)
Thursday, 5/6/25 | Mink Wahine Leadership Series (11:30a - 1:00p)*
Wednesday, 5/15/25 | Wahine Rising Graduation (5:30p - 7:30p)*
Jun
25
10:00 AM10:00
Building Blocks to Financial Success for Business Owners
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.
May
23
11:00 AM11:00
Ascent Roundtable - Canva for Beginners Workshop & Lab
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.
May
17
11:30 AM11:30
WE Conference
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 FoodsRobynne 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
May
7
5:00 PM17:00
YWCA Level Up! Pitch Competition
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!
May
2
11:30 AM11:30
Fostering a Culture of Creative Thinking
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
Apr
17
5:00 PM17:00
Mink Wisdom Series
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
Apr
15
to May 31
WE by Rising Tide - Cohort 4
WE by Rising Tide, Cohort 4
Applications Now Open!
WE by Rising Tide is a Women Entrepreneurs program sponsored by Central Pacific Bank and aio Foundation, in partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and Rising Tide Hawaii. WE by Rising Tide is an 11-session program designed for Women Entrepreneurs to hone financial management, marketing, and leadership skills, and provides a host of benefits including funded marketing consultation and access to established leaders to help selected participants grow their business. A cohort of 20 Women Entrepreneurs will be selected each year, helping to create a powerful community comprised of women business owners and women leaders in Hawaii that help each other rise.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Financial management acumen to better manage your business
Marketing and branding strategies to help your business grow
Exclusive opportunities to network with successful women entrepreneurs and executives
Travel provided for neighbor island attendees
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
Business must be 51% women-owned and a for-profit entity
Business must be in operation for a minimum of 3 years and
Currently open for business
Minimum annual revenue generation of $250,000 (2023)
Maximum annual revenue generation of $5,000,000 (2023)
TIME COMMITMENT
This is an 11-session program culminating in a graduation. To fully benefit from the WE by Rising Tide program, a commitment of 10 of the 11 sessions is required.
PROGRAM COST
No program cost. All fees for 20 women entrepreneurs are being funded by Central Pacific Bank.
KEY DATES
April 15: Application opens
May 31: Application closes
June 6: Applicant interviews begin
August 7: Opening session
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
August 7: Opening Session 5:00p.m-7:30 p.m.
August 14: Financial Management 5:30-8:00 p.m. Overview of Closely Held Businesses
August 21: Financial Management 5:30-8:00 p.m. Understanding Your Business Financial Statements
August 28: Financial Management 5:30-8:00 p.m. Financial Plan & Budget
September 4: Financial Management 5:30-8:00 p.m. Strategies for Growth & Funding Sources
September 11: Journeys to Success Panel 5:30-7:30 p.m.
September 18: Resources for Growth 5:00-8:00 p.m. Speed Mentoring
September 27: Marketing Part 1 5:30-8:00 p.m.
September 28: Marketing Part 2 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
October 2: Focus on People 5:30-8:00 p.m. Attracting, Hiring & Retaining Top Talent
October 9: Graduation Ceremony 4:30-7:30 p.m.
**Neighbor Island cohort members attend in-person
Feb
27
5:00 PM17:00
YWahine In Business Incubator Cohort 2
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
Feb
27
10:00 AM10:00
Guidance on Selling or Buying a Small Business
More information to come!
FREE online via Zoom!
The Zoom information will be sent out 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Feb
26
5:30 PM17:30
Build Your Product-Based Website
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
Feb
1
11:30 AM11:30
Shifiting Mindset from Manager to Coach
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
