Entrepreneurs from across the Islands will be center stage at the Mana Up Show Case 2025.
An in-person marketplace, open to everyone, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center, although early access tickets can get you in an hour earlier. You can get tickets here.
Mana Up, a business accelerator founded by Meli James and Brittany Heyd, helps Hawai‘i companies expand within the state and globally through a six-month accelerator and alumni program that offers workshops, mentorship and sales opportunities, resources and more.
Its 10th cohort of companies from across the Islands was announced this summer. Just 10 businesses were selected from a record 201 applicants this year.
The showcase is an annual event that spotlights the Hawai‘i-based companies — which now total more than 105 — that have gone through the accelerator program.
“The showcase is all about shining a light on the incredible talent we have here in Hawai‘i,” James said via email. “It’s a chance for people to meet the entrepreneurs behind their favorite local brands, try their products and see firsthand how these companies are helping build a stronger, more sustainable Hawai‘i.”
James says, too, that the showcase is a launchpad for Mana Up’s entrepreneurs.
“It connects them directly with customers, buyers and the media — helping them scale their businesses, create local jobs and share Hawai‘i’s stories with the world.”
Mana Up expects nearly 2,000 people to attend the Nov. 6 marketplace event and tickets are expected to sell out, the organization said. There will be product demos, giveaways, food and more. Haku Collective’s Artists to Watch concert follows at 8 p.m. at Mai Tai’s.
“We’re expecting a big turnout,” James says. “The energy at showcase is incredible — it’s a real celebration of local pride, innovation and aloha.”
In conjunction with the showcase, a number of Showcase Specials — limited-edition products and exclusive discounts — can also be found on HouseofManaUp.com through Nov. 9. These include collaborations, gift sets and new releases from Cohort 10 as well as alumni brands.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
