Best Small Business Resources in the Hawaii Area

Description

Hi’ilei Aloha can help you get your business off the ground by offering a free, one-hour mentoring session. While this organization is very well connected and can help you network with other useful resources, it also has its own workshops and seminars on starting your own business. They also offer a coworking space with conference rooms and access to networking events and workshops. The organization maintains a frequently updated list of grants available to startups and small businesses.

Restrictions

Businesses deemed beneficial to Native Hawaiians.

Description

GoFarm offers a variety of learning opportunities ranging from one-time evening seminars to educational programs that span months or years. Their programs are primarily about the business of agriculture, but some also offer education on farming. GoFarm provides a wide range of consulting on both agricultural and small business topics, typically for free or low cost. 

Restrictions

Businesses in the food or agriculture industry.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

MIC provides a coworking space for Hawaii-based tech companies. Your company can use office and conference space as well as services and amenities like high-speed wifi. This is an especially great opportunity for businesses in which owners tend to be somewhat isolated (for example, a business with only one owner/employee, or an international business). For manufacturing or light-industrial businesses, Innovate Hawaii can support new endeavors with technical consulting and networking with suppliers around the region. They offer free initial consulting to gauge your needs and paid subsequent consulting on nearly any relevant topic.

Restrictions

New and early stage tech companies, must pay for office space.

Description

Boxjelly provides coworking spaces with access to office amenities (printers, internet, voice conferencing, etc.) as well as a community that hosts frequent networking events. Special programs, such as resident artists and in-house pilates offered at a discount for members, are additional perks offered. Educational workshops on small business topics are occasionally hosted, while social enrichment events are put on more regularly.