Kamehameha Schools and the investment firm Ulupono Initiative are teaming up to offer the 10th annual Mahiai Match-Up program, a business plan competition for food-focused entrepreneurs, according to a press release from Kamehameha Schools.
This year, winners of the competition will receive cash prizes of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 and a chance to participate in a three-month business mentorship program.
“Through Mahiai Match-Up, we strive to inspire oiwi leaders to join this critical industry and help to increase the production of and access to healthy, affordable, local food for all,” said Kanakolu Noa, interim director of sustainable industries at Kamehameha Schools, in a written statement. “By inspiring and uplifting homegrown businesses, we can enhance Hawaii’s food sustainability, which we know directly impacts the health and wellbeing of our communities, economies, culture and aina.”
The program's theme this year is Native Hawaiian crops. Applicants are encouraged to share business plans focused on cultivating indigenous and ancestral crops, according to the Kamehameha Schools' web page focused on the program.
The program is funded by nearly 20 community partners and organizations with Ulupono Initiative as the title sponsor of this year's competition, according to representatives of Kamehameha Schools.
Contestants in the competition must have a business idea and be seeking help to launch it. But the entrepreneurs don't need to have a working product or service to compete, according to the press release.
Established in 2013, the Mahiai Match-Up program has helped more than 20 businesses get started with prizes that include start-up capital, land lease agreements and other resources. Since the program's start, 14 businesses have signed leases totaling 144 acres on Kamehameha Schools land, according to a statement from the school.
More than $450,000 in prize money has been awarded, including $70,000 in college scholarships, it said.
“Over the past decade, we’ve connected farmers with aina to grow Native Hawaiian staples like kalo and ulu among other crops, raised and distributed capital to help local food system businesses scale their operations, invested in innovative agricultural technology and grew the pipeline of future mahiʻai and food system entrepreneurs to join this field,” said Kā‘eo Duarte, vice president of community and aina resilience for Kamehameha Schools.
Applications are due July 15. Contestants will interview in July and August and pitch their ideas in September. Winners will be announced in October. Entrepreneurs can apply here: ksbe.edu/mahiai.
