The Hawaii Agricultural Foundation's Young Entrepreneurs Program, or YEP, aims to empower middle and high school students to showcase their innovative businesses through an online market, which runs through the end of the month, according to a statement from the nonprofit.
Students participating in YEP learn entrepreneurial skills, such as business planning and sales strategy, while developing real-world businesses focused on locally sourced, value-added agricultural products. As part of the program, students get a chance to sell their products in an online store.
"Empowering students through YEP can help instill vital business skills and foster an appreciation for our local agricultural industry,” said Denise Yamaguchi, HAF founder and executive director, in a statement. “As students develop through the program, they can eventually transition to the Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance’s From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise program at Leeward Community College. Together, the programs form a continuum of innovation and sustainability, driving the diversification of our economy, enhancing food security, and amplifying demand for locally sourced ingredients.”
This year, 20 schools are participating in the program, including Aiea High School, H.P. Baldwin High School, Castle High School, Hana High School, Honokaa High and Intermediate, Ilima Intermediate, Kahuku High and Intermediate, Kau High School, Kaimuki Middle School, Kauai High School, Keaau High School, Molokai High School, Mililani High School, Pearl City High School, Waiakea High School, Waipahu High School and Washington Middle School, according to the marketplace website.
Items featured in the store this year include salt blends, soap, mamaki tea, macadamia nut cookies, pineapple snacks, kalo chips and starfruit marmalade. Profits earned go back to the schools, according to HAF.
"We encourage the community to shop the YEP Marketplace and support our young entrepreneurs," Yamaguchi added. "By purchasing their products, you're not only getting high-quality goods but also investing in the future leaders of our community."
The Hawaii Agricultural Foundation is a nonprofit that promotes farming and offers educational and outreach programs in an effort to "support and sustain Hawaii’s agricultural industry by addressing the critical needs and services of farmers and the industry in Hawaii, and by better connecting them with the community and vice-versa," according to its website.
The online marketplace is open through March 31. Products can be picked up at the Kapiolani Community College Farmer's Market on April 6 or shipped directly to homes in April. To see items that are for sale, go here.
