INNOVATE Hawaii will host a training program focusing on e-commerce and digital marketing in 2022 and is currently seeking applicants to join the cohort.
Officials said in a release that the program is targeted toward “manufacturers, makers, and other value-added producers interested in scaling their businesses.” The program will run for three months beginning Jan. 19, consisting of a series of 10 virtual workshops that will include lectures, assignments, and one-on-one consulting.
The program will offer two different tracks, with the e-commerce track geared toward businesses with little or no experience in e-commerce.
“The e-commerce track will cover content on critical areas that a manufacturer needs to build an e-commerce site, including strategy, user experience and user interface, branding, and search engine optimization,” Hawaii Technology Development Corporation explained in the release.
The digital marketing track, meanwhile, is for businesses that are looking to scale existing e-commerce operations. It will cover topics such as content marketing, email marketing, social media and analytics.
Each track will admit up to 15 participants.
INNOVATE Hawaii, a program within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, aims to help strengthen local manufacturers. It offers a range of services, including coaching, training, and consulting, and grant opportunities.
The e-commerce and digital marketing program launched in 2020, and this will mark its third cohort. Past participants include Aloha Edibles, Honolulu Mushroom Company, Kai Wahine Designs, and Jade Food.
Deanne Ho, the president of Jade Food, said in a statement that participating in the program has helped her grow online sales.
“Since working to make updates to the company website and implementing guidance gleaned from the e-commerce cohort, Jade Food has seen a steady 150% rise in online sales,” stated Ho. “We anticipate that sales will continue to increase as we continue to improve our site.”
Participation in the program costs $600, and applications are due by Jan. 7. For more information, visit htdc.org/ecommerce or email Nicole Pfeffer at nicole@htdc.org.
