Mana Up, a local business accelerator, recently announced its ninth cohort of local entrepreneurs. Since its establishment in 2017, Mana Up has supported 85 Hawaiʻi entrepreneurs in their growth and expansion efforts. Co-founded by Meli James and Brittany Heyd, the accelerator is focused on businesses that produce physical products for retail sales. The companies that Mana Up has assisted to date now collectively employ nearly 900 individuals and are experiencing an average annual growth rate of 33%.
Mana Up has been instrumental in the success of some well-known Hawaiian brands like Mānoa Chocolate, Coco Moon, and Ubae, among others. The accelerator’s rigorous selection process for its ninth cohort led to the selection of 10 product-based businesses from a pool of 163 applicants. These companies will undergo a six-month business growth boot camp that includes workshops, mentoring, coaching, and practical advice on areas like distribution and e-commerce.
The ninth cohort features a diverse range of businesses, each with unique products and goals. For example, Kauai Hemp Co. is a vertically integrated hemp farm focused on CBD products and aims to triple its sales and expand to Japan. To Be Organics, based in Maui, is founded by Karli Rose Wilson who has a passion for creating skin-friendly bath and body products. Another cohort member, Christine and Joey Valenti, started the Albizia Project in 2017 with the innovative idea of making surfboards from invasive albizia trees. Their vision is to expand both locally and internationally.
Overall, Mana Up continues to play a significant role in supporting Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their business goals through tailored programs, resources, and mentorship.