Apply to IWI Cohort 5!
For wāhine with a vision to build their business
Applications close Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 11:59PM HST
Our Indigenous Women’s Incubator (IWI) is designed to empower our entrepreneurs to build and promote sustainable growth of existing and early-stage small businesses. Our approach integrates Indigenous cultural community values within their business models.
The Program
Our comprehensive two-year business development program empowers Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs to transform their vision into thriving enterprises. Through Kukolu, participants evaluate and refine their business models while accessing the cultural and modern tools needed for sustainable growth.
What You'll Experience
Collaborative Community Workspace Access a dedicated, culturally-grounded environment designed for innovation and connection.
Strategic Network Development Connect with an ecosystem of leaders who are invested in your success.
Indigenous Leadership Development Strengthen your leadership capabilities through training rooted values and practices, preparing you to lead with both cultural integrity and business acumen.
Capital Access & Funding Support Navigate funding landscapes with guidance on capital opportunitiesand financial strategies tailored to Indigenous businesses.
Cohort IV
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ECHO
Pua Pakele & Cabot and Nicole Velasco | Honolulu, O'ahu | Native Hawaiian
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KAULUMAIKA
Emily States | Honolulu, O'ahu | Native Hawaiian
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LO'IHI DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
Alyssa Rodrigues | Kona, Moku O Keawe | Native Hawaiian
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MAIAVA MANAGEMENT
Litea Maiava | Lahaina, Maui | Native Hawaiian
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TRUSTWORTHY CLEANING MAUI
Karlee Brown | Maui | Native Hawaiian
Cohort Maui
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HAPA HOUR
Halli Marie Ancheta | Wai’ehu, Maui | Native Hawaiian
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HERE IN THE SUN
Pomaika’i Marmolejos | Kula, Maui | Native Hawaiian
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KAPUNA FARMS
Miki’ala Pua’a-Freitas | Waihe’e, Maui | Native Hawaiian
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WAIWAOLANI
Roselani Aiwohi | Wai’ehu, Maui | Native Hawaiian
Cohort III
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'AU 'AU HI
Deneen Dwyer Hesia | Kane’ohe, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian & Puerto Rican
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[EP-IK] STYLE
Sydney Yap-Kalipi | Kaunakakai, Moloka’i | Native Hawaiian
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HULALEI DESIGNS
Lehua Greenwell | Moloka’i Island | Native Hawaiian
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IOLANI MORIKAMI
Iolani Morikami | Honolulu, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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ISLAND SWIM
Lilinoe Wedemeyer | Kealakekua, Hawai’i | Native Hawaiian & Chamorro
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KŌ KĀKOU 'ĀINA
Thelma Tomich | Kaiwiki, Hilo Hema, Hawai’i | Native Hawaiian
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ONWARD + UPWARD
Raenissa (Noe) Sagapolutele | Kapolei, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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PIKO THERAPY HAWAI'I
Lauren Melendez | Kapolei, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian & Filipina
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SOULÉ
Kecia Littman | Honolulu, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
Cohort II
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B.ALIA
Brandy Alia Serikaku | Hilo, Hawai’i | Native Hawaiian
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FOUNDRY SALON
Mahina Ho | Kailua, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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GENUINE GUAVA
Kawehi Hopkins | Kaimuki, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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HUAKA'I HONEY
Teleise Scanlan | Hilo, Hawai’i | Native Hawaiian and Samoan
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NĀ'OHU / UNION PASIFIKA
Marissa Kihoi | Waimea, Hawai’i | Native Hawaiian
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NŌHIE
Sweetheart Eleneki | Wailuku, Maui | Native Hawaiian
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SLK CONSULTING
Summer Kapanui | Kaimuki, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
Cohort I
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HOOKED UP HAWAI'I
Kehaunani Reis | Kane’ohe, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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KAHIKOLU
Brytni Kalei K-Aloha | Punalu’u, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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KA MOANA BOUTIQUE
Moana Noa | Nanakuli, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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KAMAILEAULI'IL'I
Kim Scott | Kailua, O’ahu | Native Hawaiian
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SIMPLY HEALTHY WITH ESTEE
Estee Shizuru | Kuli’ou’ou, O’ahu | Maori
Meet the Mentors
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Crissy Gayagas
Colonel (US Army, Ret.) and Business Consultant
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Dani Aiu
EVP, Consumer Banking, American Savings Bank
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Debbi Eleneki
Honolulu Fire Department Battalion Chief (Ret.)
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Donalyn Dela Cruz
Principal, DDC Consulting
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Kelly Dukelow
Assistant Head of School, Kamehameha Schools Maui
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Kimberly Lord
Senior Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis Hawai’i (Ret.)
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Lisa Kracher
VP, Array Corp. and President, Staffing Solutions of Hawai’i and Kahu Malama Nurses
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Nalani Simpson
Business Consultant
