About us
About us
About us
Why FoundHer?
Women are leading the way to an alternative vision of business that centers cultural values, supports community, and embodies stewardship. Yet the imbalance and lack of funding support persists despite the proof that women-owned businesses are less risky investments, have greater ROIs, and their successes empower more people.
The FoundHer program provides businesses direct funding injection, ‘ohana care stipends, and essential business workshops through an indigenous cultural lens.
Program Resources
Program Resources
Program Resources
Announcing our Pae ʻāina & new Kapalili Programs!
Applications open September 15 - October 17
Pae ʻāina Cohort 5
The Hawaiʻi FoundHer program empowers women-led businesses rooted in culture and community for growth. Our accelerator is tailored specifically to the needs of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Asian women and mothers starting businesses in Hawaiʻi.
Open to all industries
Statewide (any island)
Kapalili Cohort 1
This new initiative supports NHPIAA wāhine entrepreneurs on Hawaiʻi Island who are growing businesses in agriculture and food systems.
The Kapalili Program is rooted in culture, ʻāina, and innovation — designed specifically for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Asian women and mothers leading the next generation of local food-focused businesses.
Focused on agriculture & food systems
Hawaiʻi Island residents only
Our Impact
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Native Hawaiian Founders
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Native Hawaiian Founders
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Native Hawaiian Founders
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Gross Revenue Increase
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New Whole Sale Accounts
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New Whole Sale Accounts
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Follow-on Funding Received
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Follow-on Funding Received
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Follow-on Funding Received
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'Ohana Care Stipends
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'Ohana Care Stipends
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Applications to date
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Portfolio Companies
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Portfolio Companies
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Non-dilutive Investments
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Non-dilutive Investments
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Non-dilutive Investments
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
Hear from our alumni
Hear from our happy clients about their experience working with Refit and the quality of our craftsmanship.
“I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”
Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper
"The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."
Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies
“It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”
Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet
"The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."
Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective
“I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”
Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper
"The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."
Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies
“It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”
Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet
"The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."
Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective
“I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”
Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper
"The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."
Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies
“It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”
Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet
"The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."
Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective
“I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”
Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper
"The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."
Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies
“It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”
Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet
"The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."
Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective
“I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”
Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper
"The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."
Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies
“It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”
Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet
"The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."
Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective
“I’m forever grateful and honored to have been selected for Hawaiʻi FoundHer, which has created space, sisterhood, and focus for us Native Women entrepreneurs here in Hawaii.”
Mele Jones, Kōkua Diaper
"The $4,000 ʻOhana Care stipend from Hawai’i Found Her has been a tremendous support for our growing family. It allowed us to secure reliable childcare while we participated in our first Merrie Monarch, a major milestone for our small business. Most meaningfully, it’s now helping us maintain consistent care as we prepare to welcome our second child, giving us peace of mind and stability during this important transition."
Steffy Simms, Guava Jammies
“It has been a joy, and an honor and a privilege being in the FoundHer Program. I have grown as a person and as a Founder. My business has grown as well. I look at things in a much broader/bigger way. I see so much potential for growth. I've have learned a lot but I have made friends, which is invaluable.”
Dore Centeio, Kamuela Gourmet
"The child care stipend helped me care for my two keiki by easing the financial stress of paying for safe, reliable child care. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a nurturing space while I engaged in learning through our cohort. That support made it possible for me to focus on building a better future for all of us."
Noelani Sagapolutele, Waʻa Collective
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
Answering your questions
Answering your questions
Answering your questions
Got more questions? Send us your inquiry below
Got more questions? Send us your inquiry below
Got more questions? Send us your inquiry below
What are the basic criteria to qualify for the program?
For Profit (structured as an LLC or corporation) Proof of Concept (i.e. Sales, Partnerships, Active Users, etc.) 51% of FoundHers must be women, of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian descent, AND based in Hawaiʻi Early Stage (under 3 years of existence) FoundHers’ values align with our own
How do I know which program to apply for?
If you are located on Hawaiʻi Island and have a business operating in agriculture, food production, consumer packaged goods, and other food-related industries you would apply for the Kapalili program. If you are located anywhere in Hawaiʻi you would apply to our Pae ʻĀina program
Can you give me examples of businesses in the industries you are targeting?
Tech: communication systems, social media, IoT, online activism, AI, computer science Food Systems/Restaurants: farms, produce, consumer goods Fashion: accessories, clothing, apparel recycling/disposal programs Health & Wellness: spirituality, beauty products, natural remedies, mental health services, fitness Keiki/Education: children’s toys, education programs or tools, art and art programs
I have been in operation for 4 years, but your qualifications say 3 years. Can I still apply?
If you aren’t sure if you meet every program qualification, we encourage you to submit an inquiry, or submit an application.
I am not Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian. Can I still participate in the program?
A requirement of our program is that at least 50% of the founders are Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or Native Hawaiian women.
How much funding will selected companies receive?
Funding amounts will be determined at the beginning of the program.
What is the time commitment for the program?
On average, our participants spend 15 hours per week on the program, including curriculum meetings, mentor meetings, and assignments. This does not include the in-person retreats that take place over 1 weekend per-month.
Is this a grant?
FoundHer is a 6-month business accelerator that provides a non-dilutive grant as part of the program. You are required to fully participate in the programming to receive the grant.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Fill out an inquiry at on our contacts page, or email keanu@purplemaia.org with your question.
What are the basic criteria to qualify for the program?
For Profit (structured as an LLC or corporation) Proof of Concept (i.e. Sales, Partnerships, Active Users, etc.) 51% of FoundHers must be women, of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian descent, AND based in Hawaiʻi Early Stage (under 3 years of existence) FoundHers’ values align with our own
How do I know which program to apply for?
If you are located on Hawaiʻi Island and have a business operating in agriculture, food production, consumer packaged goods, and other food-related industries you would apply for the Kapalili program. If you are located anywhere in Hawaiʻi you would apply to our Pae ʻĀina program
Can you give me examples of businesses in the industries you are targeting?
Tech: communication systems, social media, IoT, online activism, AI, computer science Food Systems/Restaurants: farms, produce, consumer goods Fashion: accessories, clothing, apparel recycling/disposal programs Health & Wellness: spirituality, beauty products, natural remedies, mental health services, fitness Keiki/Education: children’s toys, education programs or tools, art and art programs
I have been in operation for 4 years, but your qualifications say 3 years. Can I still apply?
If you aren’t sure if you meet every program qualification, we encourage you to submit an inquiry, or submit an application.
I am not Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian. Can I still participate in the program?
A requirement of our program is that at least 50% of the founders are Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or Native Hawaiian women.
How much funding will selected companies receive?
Funding amounts will be determined at the beginning of the program.
What is the time commitment for the program?
On average, our participants spend 15 hours per week on the program, including curriculum meetings, mentor meetings, and assignments. This does not include the in-person retreats that take place over 1 weekend per-month.
Is this a grant?
FoundHer is a 6-month business accelerator that provides a non-dilutive grant as part of the program. You are required to fully participate in the programming to receive the grant.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Fill out an inquiry at on our contacts page, or email keanu@purplemaia.org with your question.
What are the basic criteria to qualify for the program?
For Profit (structured as an LLC or corporation) Proof of Concept (i.e. Sales, Partnerships, Active Users, etc.) 51% of FoundHers must be women, of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian descent, AND based in Hawaiʻi Early Stage (under 3 years of existence) FoundHers’ values align with our own
How do I know which program to apply for?
If you are located on Hawaiʻi Island and have a business operating in agriculture, food production, consumer packaged goods, and other food-related industries you would apply for the Kapalili program. If you are located anywhere in Hawaiʻi you would apply to our Pae ʻĀina program
Can you give me examples of businesses in the industries you are targeting?
Tech: communication systems, social media, IoT, online activism, AI, computer science Food Systems/Restaurants: farms, produce, consumer goods Fashion: accessories, clothing, apparel recycling/disposal programs Health & Wellness: spirituality, beauty products, natural remedies, mental health services, fitness Keiki/Education: children’s toys, education programs or tools, art and art programs
I have been in operation for 4 years, but your qualifications say 3 years. Can I still apply?
If you aren’t sure if you meet every program qualification, we encourage you to submit an inquiry, or submit an application.
I am not Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian. Can I still participate in the program?
A requirement of our program is that at least 50% of the founders are Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or Native Hawaiian women.
How much funding will selected companies receive?
Funding amounts will be determined at the beginning of the program.
What is the time commitment for the program?
On average, our participants spend 15 hours per week on the program, including curriculum meetings, mentor meetings, and assignments. This does not include the in-person retreats that take place over 1 weekend per-month.
Is this a grant?
FoundHer is a 6-month business accelerator that provides a non-dilutive grant as part of the program. You are required to fully participate in the programming to receive the grant.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Fill out an inquiry at on our contacts page, or email keanu@purplemaia.org with your question.