Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) is now accepting applications for Cohort 6 of the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, open through April 13, 2025. In partnership with Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) and the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC), this initiative equips Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge needed to scale their value-added food businesses, utilizing locally grown, raised, or caught ingredients.
Each cohort, 15 innovative entrepreneurs are selected to transform their food products into market-ready businesses. The scholarship provides $1,000 toward the $1,500 tuition for Leeward CC’s 12-week ʻĀina to Mākeke course, an intensive program covering licensing, regulations, commercial kitchen operations, branding, packaging, sales, and distribution—key skills for scaling a food business. Cohort 6 will run from May 27 to August 14, 2025, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 P.M. Entrepreneurs are responsible for the remaining $500 course fee.
Beyond the online program, participants gain access to the WVAPDC, where they can scale production, enhance efficiency, and explore new business opportunities in the new state-of-the-art facility. Program alumna Jina Wye credits the initiative with helping launch her business, Okonokai Sea Snacks, which is currently producing at the WVAPDC. “HACA’s Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship and the ʻĀina to Mākeke program was the giant kickstart I needed to make my dreams a reality,” said Wye. “When I started, I only had the beginnings of an idea to create a unique value-added snack food from Kona-grown seaweed. The program provided invaluable support, education, and inspiration during those crucial early months of starting my business.”
With each new cohort, the impact of the program continues to grow. Since 2023, Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance has provided scholarships to 74 entrepreneurs across five Hawaiian Islands, many of whom have successfully expanded into major retailers such as 7-Eleven, ChefZone, Costco, Foodland, ABC Stores, Down to Earth and more after the program. More recently, seven alumni businesses—including Any Kine SNAX, Hawaiian Krunch Company, Hawaiian Vinegar Co., Hometown BBQ, Island Rayne Gourmet, Island Sausage, and Mauka Meats—proudly represented Hawai‘i at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas.
“Supporting local food producers strengthens Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry while expanding the reach of Hawai‘i businesses,” said Denise Yamaguchi, CEO of Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance. “Each cohort showcases the incredible innovation within our food community, and we’re honored help value-added entrepreneurs to turn their passions into successful businesses.”
The program’s success is further underscored by recent accolades from the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association (HVCA). HACA CEO Denise Yamaguchi was honored as 2025 Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, while cohort alumni Hawaiian Soda Company received HVCA’s Consumer Packaged Good of the Year award—demonstrating the scholarship’s role in fostering thriving local businesses.
For those interested in learning more about the program and application process, an online informational session will be held on March 20, 2025. Additional details on the ‘Āina to Mākeke program, application requirements, and deadlines are available at www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/cottageindustry. Support for the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship is provided by the State of Hawai‘i.
