The June 2026 Project Hoʻomana Cohort is underway! Join our interest list to be the first to hear about future cohort opportunities.
ATTENTION: Native Hawaiian entreprenuers
Project Hoʻomana's June 2026 Cohort Is Now in Session
Join our interest list to be notified when applications open for the next cohort.
A proven 3-month business accelerator for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs
3 Successful Cohorts Completed
50+ Native Hawaiian Entrepreneurs Served
Native Hawaiian-owned businesses (50%+)
What is the Ho‘omana Cohort?
Conceived in 2022, Project Ho‘omana helps level the playing field for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs by offering business owners the knowledge, tools, and support needed to succeed. Our program focuses on three core pillars: Brand Identity, Marketing Strategy and Business Planning. Designed with time-starved business owners in mind, this cohort-based experience is focused, flexible, and rooted in Hawaiian values.
Proven Impact from Our First Three Cohorts
Entrepreneurs from retail, food, creative, service, and cultural businesses
Participants clarified their brand identity and strengthened pricing and business plans
Business owners built confident, actionable marketing strategies to move forward
Who's the Ho'omana Cohort Perfect For?
Native Hawaiian Entrepreneurs In Various Sectors
Micro & SMall Businesses
COnstruction
Real Estate
Professional services
Retail Trade
food services
Arts and Entertainment
Educational Services
Personal Services
If you're driven to grow your business and deepen your impact, this cohort is for you.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for the Hoʻomana Cohort?
Native Hawaiian-owned businesses (50%+ ownership or control)
Entrepreneurs ready to grow and strengthen their business
Able to commit to the full program
Small cohort experience (up to 25 participants)
Not sure if you qualify?
Join our interest list and our team will be happy to answer your questions about eligibility and future cohorts.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply to the Ho‘omana Cohort?
Native Hawaiian-owned businesses (50%+ ownership or control)
Entrepreneurs ready to grow and strengthen their business
Able to commit to the full program
Spaces are limited to 25 participants.
Not sure if you qualify?
You can still apply—our team will review your eligibility.
Real Results from Hoʻomana Cohort Participants
Hear directly from entrepreneurs who completed Project Hoʻomana
Project Hoʻomana has supported Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs across multiple industries.
Mandi K. Scott
Kumu Hula | President, Nā Maka o Puʻuwai Aloha Foundation
Project Hoʻomana has supported Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs across multiple industries.
Glen Freitas
Real Estate Investor | kBrah HI LLC
What You’ll Gain
Tools for Long-Term Success
Brand Identity Development
Define your brand’s purpose, mission, and market position to stand out in your industry.
Marketing Strategy & Execution:
Understand who your real core consumer is and learn how to reach them effectively and efficiently.
Business Plan Enhancement:
Develop a stronger, more compelling business plan to increase your chances of securing funding and investment.
Program Details
Comprehensive 3-Month Business Development Cohort for Native Hawaiian Entrepreneurs
Duration: 3 months
Typical schedule: Three morning sessions per week
Total Classes: 18 sessions (36 instructional hours)
Location: Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Cohort Size: Small cohort experience (up to 25 participants)
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Module I: Branding & Brand Identity
Module II: Marketing Strategy
Module III: Business Planning
• 18 sessions over 3 months
• Hands-on instruction from UH Mānoa faculty and business experts
Empowering Native Hawaiian Entrepreneurs Through World-Class Business Education
Project Hoʻomana is proud to collaborate with the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, renowned for its Asia-Pacific expertise and commitment to excellence in business education.
Why Hoʻomana?
Designed for Busy Entrepreneurs
We know your time is valuable. That’s why the Hoʻomana Cohort is designed to be:
Time-efficient (just 36 hours total)
Schedule: Mon-Wed, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Immediately actionable
Values-based and culturally relevant
Led by top professors at Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
A Game-Changing Opportunity
Upon completing the program, participants will receive a certificate from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, a prestigious recognition that adds credibility and value to their entrepreneurial journey.
Graduates will have an opportunity to be invited to present for a Mālama Loan.
A Game-Changing Opportunity
Upon completing the program, participants will receive a certificate from the Shidler College of Businessat the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, a prestigious recognition that adds credibility and value to their entrepreneurial journey.
Upon completing the program, participants will receive a certificate from the Shidler College of Businessat the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, a prestigious recognition that adds credibility and value to their entrepreneurial journey.
Rooted in Hawaiian Values
At Hoʻomana, we believe that true success is more than profits. It’s about community, sustainability, and cultural integrity.
Rooted in Hawaiian values, Hoʻomana integrates values-based learning to help entrepreneurs align their business growth with their personal and cultural identity to uplift themselves and the broader Native Hawaiian community.
What Our Entrepreneurs Are Saying
Be first to hear when the next cohort opens.
Investment & Value
Exceptional Training at a Fraction of the Cost
Thanks to generous support from federal grants championed by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz and a state grant, we’ve been able to implement Project Ho‘omana.
Program costs are heavily subsidized to support Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
Join the Interest List for Future Cohorts
Designed for Native Hawaiian-owned businesses (50%+ ownership or control)
Location: Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The June 2026 cohort is currently in session.
Join our interest list to be notified when applications open for the next Project Hoʻomana cohort.
NHCC Members
$2,629 value
Affordable Investment
Comprehensive Curriculum: 18 sessions totaling 36 instructional hours.
Cost per Hour:
Effectively free for members.
Expert Instruction: Learn from esteemed UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business professors.
Time-efficient: (just 36 hours total)
Convenient Location: Sessions conducted at Shidler College of Business, UH Mānoa.
Exclusive Opportunities: Access to OHA’s Mālama Loans Program (business loans as low as 4% interest)
Cultural Relevance: Program tailored for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
Limited Enrollment: Only 25 spots available, ensuring personalized attention.
All NHCC members who complete the course will receive a $50 rebate!
$50
Be first to hear when the next cohort opens.
Native Hawaiian-owned businesses are encouraged to join the interest list for future cohorts.
Non-members
$2,829 value
Affordable Investment
Comprehensive Curriculum: 18 sessions totaling 36 instructional hours.
Cost per Hour:
Less than $1.40 for non-members.
Expert Instruction: Learn from esteemed UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business professors.
Time-efficient: (just 36 hours total)
Convenient Location: Sessions conducted at Shidler College of Business, UH Mānoa.
Exclusive Opportunities: Access to OHA’s Mālama Loans Program (business loans as low as 4% interest)
Cultural Relevance: Program tailored for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
Limited Enrollment: Only 25 spots available, ensuring personalized attention.
Includes an annual NHCC small firm business membership
$200
Be first to hear when the next cohort opens.
Native Hawaiian-owned businesses are encouraged to join the interest list for future cohorts.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Project Hoʻomana's June 2026 cohort is currently in session. Join our interest list to be the first to hear about future cohort opportunities, application dates, and program updates.
Interested in a Future Cohort?
