Kūhana Business Program
Empowering ʻŌiwi Businesses
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
KūHana Cohort 12 applications are due by July 26, 2023. Please note, this written application is one of a two step process. If your written application is accepted, there will be a follow up Zoom interview as part of the evaluation. Final determination and notifications will sent out by July 29, 2023.
If accepted into Cohort 12, the program will start on August 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the program manager, Max Mukai, at max@hawaiiancouncil.org
Cohort 12
If you are a cultural practitioner, this video is a must-watch. Kilohana is partnering with KūHana to support cultural practitioners looking to scale up their business in the tourism industry. Join Kumu Hina and CNHA’s manager of the KūHana Business Accelerator Program, Max Mukai, as they discuss the importance of understanding your market and share valuable wisdom for entrepreneurial practitioners looking to thrive in a modern Hawaiʻi. Mai hilahila, applications are now open for the KūHana Business Program Cultural Cohort. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to solidify your business, expand your reach and create meaningful connections in our community.
About KūHana
KūHana helps local and Hawaiian-owned entrepreneurs in the startup to early stages of development get clear on their business strategy by hosting a 8-week business plan development class with tools, technical assistance, and ample networking. Each business will walk away with a completed business plan, a polished business pitch, and collaboration opportunities with their fellow cohort participants. Prizes are awarded to top performing companies each cohort with either technical assistance, cash prizes, or other forms of capital.
Graduates of the program may be also eligible for a discounted rate for a business loan with CNHA as well as a one-year business membership with CNHA, as well as ongoing technical assistance services paid for in full or in part by CNHA.
If accepted the fee for this course is $250, with a 50% discount for applicants CNHA Business Membership.
*Partial Scholarships Available*
KūHana Spotlight
Since the first cohort, KūHana graduates were able to acquire the following forms of capital with the tools and strategies they learned in the program:
TOTAL
GRANTS
$260,000
PRIVATE EQUITY
$260,000
CNHA BUSINESS LOANS
$260,000
PITCH COMPETITION AWARDS
$260,000
PPP LOANS
$260,000
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
$260,000
Mahalo to our funders and community partners for supporting our KūHana businesses by helping them set a kāhua on which to grow.
Meet the Graduates
Fill out the interest form to share more with our Program Managers. We want to work with industry professionals to help build on our pathways that will uplift lāhui and generate economic empowerment in Hawai‘i households.
G. Max Mukai
G. Max Mukai is a Program Manager at CNHA. He was raised in the East Honolulu Kona District of Oʻahu – He is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools class of 2010 and attended Pepperdine University Seaver College undergraduate program and Graziadio School of Business & Management for his graduate program. His passions can be found at the intersection of Hawaiian culture and economic development.
Our Sponsors & Partners
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement
with the U.S. Small Business Administration
What We Do
Rent & Mortgage Relief
We can help you find the resources you need for your ʻohana to thrive -from mortage to utilities and assistance programs.
Kilohana Collective
We can help you find the resources you need for your ʻohana to thrive -from mortage to utilities and assistance programs.
Rent & Mortgage Relief
We can help you find the resources you need for your ʻohana to thrive -from mortage to utilities and assistance programs.
Rent & Mortgage Relief
We can help you find the resources you need for your ʻohana to thrive -from mortage to utilities and assistance programs.