The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is now accepting applications for its Kūlana ʻĀina Business Development Program, designed to support Native Hawaiian food entrepreneurs ready to grow and expand their businesses across Hawaiʻi’s food economy.
“Kūlana ʻĀina is about creating real opportunities for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs to grow sustainable, thriving businesses,” said Poni Askew, director of Economic and Business Resilience. “Through this program, participants gain the tools, connections, and confidence to expand their reach and participate more fully in Hawaiʻi’s food economy.”
The Program is tailored for established, early-stage business owners ready to take the next step in growing their food-related businesses. Participants will build practical skills rooted in ʻŌiwi values, with sessions focused on brand development, marketing, retail sales, and goal setting. Participants will leave the program with a clearer business direction, actionable growth strategies, and increased readiness to access new market opportunities, including institutional food systems.
The program runs from May 16 through June 11, 2026. All sessions will be held at OHA’s Honolulu headquarters, Nā Lama Kukui, in Iwilei. The series includes a kickoff session on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. followed by four weekly sessions on Thursday evenings from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The in-person workshop series is free to eligible applicants who are permanent residents of Hawaiʻi and who own or operate a food-related business beyond the startup phase, including packaged food producers, catering businesses, restaurants, commercial farmers, and food-based experiences.
The Kūlana ʻĀina Business Development Program is offered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi System Office of Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation (OIKI) and Systems Change Hawaiʻi.
“This partnership with OHA drives systemic change by helping local food entrepreneurs transform their operations for greater sustainability and community impact,” said Alec Wagner, OIKI program manager for Design and Innovation. “Through this program, we hope to show how Hawaiʻi’s values and business excellence are not only compatible, but they are also the essential foundation for a regenerative food system and economic future for our islands and the world.”
The application period will close on April 26, 2026. Space is limited, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
To apply or learn more, visit oha.org/kulana-aina or complete the OHA Beneficiary Interest Form online.
