Kamehameha Schools and Ulupono Initiative have awarded a total of $40,000 to three winners of a business plan competition for agricultural entrepreneurs: Ulu Mana, Piko Provisions and Hooulu Punaluu.
The competition, called Mahiai Match-Up, was established in 2013 and encourages innovative agricultural solutions to improve the state's food security. This year, the competition focused on businesses that utilize Native Hawaiian crops, and the participating entrepreneurs cultivate or sell products with items such as breadfruit and taro.
The winners were announced at an event on Nov. 2.
Breadfruit chip company Ulu Mana, which opened a brick-and-mortar store in Kalihi in June, won the top prize of $25,000.
Baby food company Piko Provisions, which was one of Pacific Business News' startups to watch in 2023, won $10,000.
Hooulu Punaluu, a 4.5-acre farm that produces kalo for the Waiahole Poi Factory, as well as cacao, ulu, avocado, papaya and bananas, won $5,000, according to representatives of KS.
The winners also participate in a three-month business mentorship program, according to the program's website.
“Over the past decade, Mahiai Match-Up has been a catalyst for positive change in Hawaii’s food landscape," said Kā‘eo Duarte, vice president of Aina Pauahi for Kamehameha Schools, in a written statement. "Dozens of farmers and food businesses, inspired by this competition, have become integral contributors to our state’s food sustainability. Their impact goes beyond agriculture, influencing the health and well-being of our communities, economies, culture and aina.”
Investment firm Ulupono Initiative has been a sponsor of the competition since its start, according to representatives of KS.
“It’s important for the entire community to continuously support innovation using locally grown food as we move our state towards better resiliency and sustainability," said Murray Clay, Ulupono Initiative's president, in a written statement.
This year, the competition had 46 applicants, according to representatives of KS. From that group, nine finalists were selected, including Liquid Life, Polipoli Farms, The Local General Store, Maui Breadfruit Company, Canoe Plant Collective and Kohala Food Hub.
To date, the Mahiai Match-Up competition has awarded nearly $500,000 in prize money and supported 24 local business with prizes ranging from capital to land lease agreements, according to representatives of KS.
For more information about the program, go here.
