Best Small Business Resources in the Oahu Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Hawaii has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Oahu area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Hawaii.
Resources Available in your Area
Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The RCD offers resources for agricultural entrepreneurs in Oahu. Their workshops cover general topics as funding your business as well as more niche topics like pest management. For a fee, it also offers contract-based administrative support to help expand your business. They specialize in consulting on environmental topics and can help ensure your agribusiness starts out on a green foot.
Restrictions
Open to agricultural businesses only.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Hawaii SBDC Oahu Center
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
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.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Oahu SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
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.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
The Patsy T Mink Center for Business and Leadership at the YWC of Oahu
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
