Product accelerator Mana Up is searching for entrepreneurs for its next cohort.
This will mark the eighth cohort for Mana Up, which launched in 2017 as a way to help local companies scale globally while expanding economic opportunities in Hawaii. The six-month accelerator program is designed for retail, beauty, or food products that are made in Hawaii.
Mana Up said Tuesday that it is looking for a total of 10 companies for this cohort, and it’s hosting two informational sessions — one via Zoom at 11 a.m. Feb. 8. and one in-person at Mana Up headquarters at 680 Iwilei Road at 4 p.m. on Feb. 9 — for prospective applicants.
“Going into the sixth year of helping small, local businesses, my co-founder Brittany Heyd and I are always inspired by the emerging companies driven to expand globally,” said Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up, in a statement. “We look forward to working with 10 more of Hawaii's innovators and up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are well positioned to diversify the state’s economy and drive our mission of providing job opportunities for local residents.”
Through the program, Mana Up aims to help founders tackle operational challenges and develop executive leadership skills. The accelerator features workshops, one-on-one mentorship, branding support, and more. The program also provides participants with access to sales and distribution channels, as well as connections to a network of industry experts.
According to Mana Up, 74 companies have graduated from the program to date. Graduates include food product companies such as HI Spice and Maui Crisps; clothing companies like Western Aloha and Coco Moon; personal care brands including Po Naturals and Utara Organics; as well as others like raw pet food brand Pawniolo Pets and puzzle producer Surf Shack Puzzles.
In addition to the accelerator program, Mana Up also operates a fulfillment center and launched its first venture capital fund in 2021 with $6.3 million in capital commitments to support local product companies. It also has four House of Mana Up locations — two on Hawaii Island and two on Oahu — which are brick-and-mortar shops that sell products from companies that have gone through the program.
Applications for cohort eight are due Feb. 17, and the program is slated to begin in May. For more information and to apply, click here.
