On the hunt for handcrafted spices, jewelry, clothing and swimwear, snacks and more? The companies included in Mana Up's 10th cohort — a new batch of Hawai‘i's emerging entrepreneurs — might have what you're looking for.
Mana Up, a business accelerator and venture fund founded by Meli James and Brittany Heyd, introduces Hawai‘i-based companies to global markets. It recently announced its 10th cohort of companies from across the Islands.
These businesses will go through a six-month accelerator program focused on helping them scale their business, "with mentorship in brand development, e-commerce, global market expansion and storytelling," Mana Up said in a recent announcement.
Just 10 businesses were selected from a record 201 applicants this year. They are:
— Aloha Spice Co. from Hanapēpē. Owned and operated by Keiko Napier, the company creates artisan spice blends, rubs gourmet sea salts.
— Arlie Glass from the North Shore. Owned by artist Arlie Pemberton, the company creates handcrafted glass flowers and lei inspired by Hawaiian flora.
— Daguzan Charcuterie from Kāne‘ohe. Founded and owned by mixed martial arts fighter Pierre Daguzan, the artisan charcuterie company uses locally sourced ingredients and traditional French recipes.
— Kaua‘i Gourmet Nuts from Kapa‘a. Founded by Billy Carter, the artisan snack offers kettle-roasted macadamias, almonds and pecans in local flavors, using locally sourced ingredients.
— Keani Hawai‘i, a Maui-based lifestyle brand founded by Keani Le‘a Barnes known for its ocean- and nature-inspired designs.
— The Keiki Dept from ‘Aiea. Owned by Leilani Sills, the company offers children’s clothing celebrating Hawaiian language and island culture through its designs.
— Maoi Swim from O‘ahu, is a sustainable swimwear brand co-owned by Julia Muniz Robinson and Cayla Moore that creates eco-conscious swimwear.
— Oribe Tea Co. from Hilo. Owned by Tim Johnson, the company offers cold brew and loose-leaf teas made with locally grown ingredients like mamaki.
— Paper Crane Soaps from Kailua-Kona. Founded by licensed esthetician Amanda Richards, the company offers all-natural bath and body products handcrafted with local ingredients.
— Sugar Caddy from O‘ahu, a locally rooted golf and lifestyle brand founded Ian Pantorilla and Branden Agbunag, offers golf apparel for men, women and keiki.
"We love strong entrepreneurs that show execution, coachability, and positivity — an excitement for scaling their companies," James told Aloha State Daily in an email, when asked how the 10 businesses were selected from the 200-plus applicants and what makes an application stand out. "Every year, different factors come into play, whether they’re global trends, consumer behavior, agricultural components, cultural components.
"There’s no perfect answer, and it’s always shifting," she continued. "But we’ve been so impressed with the number of applicants and how we’ve been able to grow — not only the product offerings, but also the different islands and types of entrepreneurs we work with."
James said Mana Up received 80 applications in 2018 for its first cohort.
"This upward trend underscores Mana Up's expanding impact in fostering local entrepreneurship and promoting Hawai‘i-made products on a global stage," she said.
Since its inception, Mana Up has worked with 105 businesses. According to the organization, alumni of the program generated more than $105 million in revenue last year alone, and have created more than 1,035 jobs across the state since joining the program.
The program culminates later this year with the Mana Up Showcase Broadcast and Global Livestream on Oct. 26, followed by an in-person Showcase Marketplace Nov. 6.
To learn more about the accelerator program, visit ManaUpHawaii.com, and to shop products from the company’s entrepreneurs, visit HouseofManaUp.com.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
