Mana Up is currently recruiting for its next product accelerator program and is seeking 10 entrepreneurs to join Cohort 9. Applications are due Wednesday, Feb. 21, with the program slated to begin in late May.
Launched in 2017, Mana Up aims to help local companies scale globally while expanding economic opportunities in Hawaii. The six-month accelerator program is designed for locally based companies that create food, beverage, beauty, home or other consumer products.
In a Jan. 17 announcement calling for applicants, Mana Up also noted that participating businesses should have products that “elevate Hawaii through authentic connection, resource or storytelling” and products that “are well-suited for potential international expansion.” Although not a requirement, companies making at least $100,000 in annual revenue are preferred.
“The Mana Up business program is a comprehensive six-month program that includes workshops, mentorship connections, access to sales channels, and resources to help locally based companies expand,” the company said in the announcement. “The program's goal is to significantly boost participants' revenue while addressing business challenges such as manufacturing, hiring, marketing and more.”
To date, 85 companies have completed the accelerator program, including 11 that wrapped Cohort 8 in late 2023. (Two Cohort 8 companies were featured in PBN’s recent Startups to Watch feature.) Program alumni include businesses such as frozen dessert brand Banán, skincare line Ua Body, clothing company Yireh, and Pono Potions, which produces all-natural flavored syrups for coffee and cocktails.
In addition to the accelerator program, Mana Up manages a venture capital fund that supports Hawaii-based businesses. It also has a retail arm, House of Mana Up, that is comprised of five brick-and-mortar shops — including two on Hawaii Island, two on Oahu, and a newly opened store on Kauai — that sell products from alumni companies.
Entrepreneurs that are interested in applying for Cohort 9 can attend an informational session— there will be one at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 via Zoom, followed by an in-person session at 10 a.m. Feb. 15.
For more information and to apply, click here.