Empowering Local Entrepreneurs Across Hawai'i
Mana Up’s Accelerator is a six-month, results-driven program designed to help Hawaiʻi-based companies unlock high-impact sales opportunities, tackle operational challenges, and strengthen executive leadership. Through weekly workshops and one-on-one check-ins, founders receive hands-on guidance tailored to their company’s stage, growth goals, and the unique realities of building a business in Hawaiʻi — and scaling it globally.
Participants are matched with industry experts for targeted mentorship, supported in refining their brand and growth narrative, and connected to a robust network of partners, resources, and discounted services. The program also provides access to new distribution and sales channels, introductions to capital, and the opportunity to sell products through House of Mana Up — both in our brick-and-mortar locations and via our e-commerce platform.
Hawai'i-based companies that have graduated from Mana Up's accelerator
Revenue generated by Mana Up alumni in 2024
Jobs created across the Islands by Mana Up alumni since joining the program
Criteria
- Hawai'i-based founder + company
- Retail, beauty, or value-added food product
- Owner has full-time commitment to company
- Elevates Hawai'i or Hawai'i brand through authentic connection, resources, or story
- Quality of product + potential for international expansion
- Prefer companies with $100,000 in annual revenue currently
The cost of the program is based on a percentage of revenue growth.
All companies in our accelerator program MUST:
- Attend ALL 12 workshops
- Attend ALL weekly 30-minute virtual check-in meetings
- Participate in Showcase
Program Perks
- Centralized resource hub value-added food products
- E-commerce partnerships, guidance and support
- Curated mentor network
- Free & discounted tools and resources
- Coaching around narrative & storytelling
- Sales channels including House of Mana Up
- Inclusion in Mana Up Showcase
- Robust alumni program
Workshop Topics
Weekly workshops focus on such topics including & much more:
- Building Buyer and Vendor Partnerships
- Marketing and eCommerce
- Igniting Your Audience
- Skills-based sessions focused on key areas of growth (i.e. digital marketing, e-commerce & more)
- Overviews of FREE & discounted resources
- Alumni Advice sessions
Access to Sales Channels
Mana Up provides you access to new sales opportunities through our partners, mentors & broader network (domestic & internationally!).
You also have the opportunity to sell your incredible products alongside other successful Mana Up companies through our retail brand, House of Mana Up–online & at our store locations: Royal Hawaiian Center & South Shore Market
E-Commerce Growth
Through our suite of digital marketing partners, you gain the knowledge, skills, & connections necessary to scale your e-commerce presence to the next level.
With the increase of consumers' preference for online shopping during the pandemic, we have doubled down on e-commerce training components of our program.
Showcase
Our annual accelerator program culminates in our epic annual Showcase event. During this event, graduating companies hone in on storytelling in front of a global audience–"pitches" are followed by a marketplace & party! In 2022, we debuted our first hybrid event featuring an in-person party & marketplace, plus a global livestream. Our 2025 Showcase Marketplace was our most successful ever, in terms of attendance and vendor sales.
Watch the Mana Up Showcase Broadcast
See how your brand could be featured during Mana Up's biggest event of the year.