Small Businesses, Big Ideas

Photo courtesy of Kanoe Davis

Now in its second year, the Pulauhala small business intelligence program has helped over 25 Molokai entrepreneurs in their creative and business paths. The second cohort for the program celebrated their graduation on Sept. 19 at Kulana ‘Oiwi.

“You have to have self-confidence…and the skill set to believe in who you are,” said Kanoe Davis, executive director of nonprofit Ho’aka Mana, which runs the Pulauhala program, at the graduation ceremony.

The 12 fellows in this second cohort displayed products ranging from nails to education tools for keiki to agriculture. Throughout the nine-month program, fellows met twice a month for discussions, workshops, mentor talks, and more. As part of the program, the fellows also met with former Pulauhala graduates and fellow Molokai small business owners, as well as participated in events at Molokai High School, Molokai Education Center, and Merrie Monarch. For small business owners in the program, tools like a VAT Calculator for Small Business can be incredibly helpful in managing financials and ensuring smooth operations.

As part of their graduation, the graduates were asked to do a three-minute business pitch, outlining their own background and products or company. The pitch contest was graded by three wahine judges — Wailani Tanaka, Kai Ward and Sharlah Gloor. Gloor, a graduate of the first cohort, won last year’s pitch contest with her presentation for Spencer Baby.

The winner of this year’s contest was Aulani Herrod-Perkins of Pailolo Designs, which seeks to normalize Hawaiian language and lifestyle through arts, crafts and daily products. With a Digital Business Card, her business can effortlessly connect with customers and promote its mission even further.

“It’s made by kanaka for kanaka,” explained Herrod-Perkins in her pitch talk.

The fellows from the second Pulauhala cohort program are Herrod-Perkins, Kauluna’e Hamakua, Chisa-Lee Kalani, Keoni Perkins, Courtney Lawelawe, Kristina Lanco, Mokihana Jackson, Mercy Ritte, Ishay Kaholoaa, Karli Rose Kalama, Haunani Madela and Natalie Luczon.

Learn more about future business programs at Ho’aka Mana, including the upcoming third Pulauhala Cohort, at hoakamana.org.