Purple Maia Foundation, a technology education nonprofit, announced Thursday the launch of Malama Design Studio, a nine-month business accelerator program rooted in Hawaiian values.
The program is supported by a Community Grant Award for Economic Stability of $498,660 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
“Malama Design Studio is incredibly excited to partner with local, talented Kanaka Maoli entrepreneurs to pursue Hawaiian economic acceleration and to create a more fertile ecosystem,” Managing Director Keoni DeFranco said in a statement. “Our intention is to build a coalition of Kanaka-owned businesses working together to create local, high-wage jobs and steer Hawaii towards self-sufficiency."
Malama Design Studio will select 10 companies, with a minimum of one from each Hawaiian Island, and will provide branding, marketing, website development and more. Participants will receive company analysis and high-level business strategy recommendations, technology analysis to determine possibilities for digital optimization and growth, and design thinking and implementation guidance.
Companies selected for the program will also receive a $2,500 stipend to implement and maintain a tech-oriented business solution, and will have bi-weekly collaboration meetings with Purple Maia's team and mentors. The accelerator will be held remotely, according to Purple Maia Foundation's website.
MDS is seeking early stage, revenue-generating companies that are based in Hawaii and majority Native Hawaiian-owned. Businesses should also fit into one of the following industries: tech, health and wellness, food systems, clean energy, fashion, or education.
“Most importantly, MDS seeks entrepreneurs focused on social impact, aiming to strengthen and empower our lahui. We must always be thinking forward to the next seven generations and leave behind a better future for our keiki,” DeFranco stated.
Applications open now, and are due by Feb. 1, 2023. Selected companies will be announced March 1.
For more information or to apply, visit purplemaia.org/mds.
