Kauai-based nonprofit CG Foundation is seeking applicants for its next food-focused incubator cohort.
The program, Common Ground Incubator, is open to early-stage food and beverage businesses. A spokesperson for CG Foundation told PBN that this cohort is only open to Kauai businesses, but there are plans to widen the net throughout the state in the future.
Applications are due July 15.
The CG Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Common Ground, a multifaceted Kauai business focused on food innovation. It also consists of farming operations, runs an accelerator program, and features its own distribution channel for food producers and entrepreneurs.
CG Foundation said in a statement that “incubator cohorts will have the opportunity to develop strategic growth goals and business plans.”
The foundation also will allocate $10,000 to each business in the cohort to assist in growth.
“Our aim is to help expand Kauai’s small business base and serve as a pipeline for early-stage businesses,” Program Manager Sarah Wright said in an email to PBN. “With education, mentoring and financial support, entrepreneurs that participate are given resources to help stabilize and grow their businesses. By focusing on the use of locally-sourced ingredients grown/farmed in Hawaii, Common Ground Incubator participants are part of a greater movement to bolster the local food supply chain — an impact that transcends their own unique businesses.”
This will mark the incubator’s second cohort. Businesses including Aloha Ginger Beer, ʻEkahi Market, Moloaʻa Organics, My Hawaii Honey Co., and Outpost Coffee were in the first cohort.
Classes for the Common Ground Incubator will begin July 28 and continue every Thursday until September 29.
Applicants should be early-stage businesses with Hawaii-grown ingredients that have annual revenues of less than $350,000. For more information and to apply, click here.
