About the Program
FoundHer accelerates growth for women-founded businesses in Hawai’i. The program is especially for historically overlooked and unsupported AAPI and Native Hawaiian wāhine.
No other accelerator program in the state is specifically for women, and no other accelerator in the U.S. has FoundHer’s unique combination of capital, family care, mentorship and skill-building for AAPI and indigenous women. As founders, mothers, and caretakers ourselves, we are committed to removing barriers to women’s success in early-stage business start-ups.
Program Resources
Non-dilutive Grant Capital
Program Resources
Child & Elder Care Support
Program Resources
Experience-based Education
Program Resources
Mentorship and Service Providers
Program Resources
Monthly Business Retreats
Program Resources
Statewide Workspaces
Program Resources
Supportive Community
Program Resources
Non-dilutive Grant Capital
Child & Elder Care Support
Experience-based Education
Mentorship and Service Providers
Monthly Business Retreats
Statewide Workspaces
Supportive Community
Cohort 4 Program at a Glance
- 6 month duration
- Start date: January 2025
- 7 company cohort size
Program Criteria
- For Profit (structured as an LLC or corporation)
- Proof of Concept (i.e. Sales, Partnerships, Active Users, etc.)
- 51% of company owners must identify as women, of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian descent
- Based in Hawaiʻi
- Early Stage (~3 years of operations)
- FoundHers’ values align with our own: Community, sustainability, mutual responsibility, & regenerative practice
Program Requirements
FoundHers are required to:
- Meet with mentor(s) for 1-2 hours per month
- Complete monthly and quarterly progress surveys
- Attend virtual educational sessions, check-ins with the program manager, and cohort check-ins
- Attend In-person program kick-off, monthly retreats, and graduation
Program Highlights
- 17 company portfolio
- All companies less than three years old
- 650 applications to date
- Cohort 1 tripled average revenue within 1 year of joining the program
Cohort 2 spotlight
Ha'a & Co
Hear from cohort 2 alumna, Maliana from Ha'a & Co, and view a day in the life.
Hawai'i FoundHer Accelerator reviews
Hawai'i FoundHer Accelerator reviews
“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.”
Blog posts
Building Meaningful Mentor Relationships
"Building a meaningful mentor relationship takes time, effort, and a genuine interest in mutual growth. By following these tips, you can create a lasting and valuable connection with your mentor."
6 Tips to Prepare for the Hawai'i FoundHer Application
"Preparing for the Hawai’i FoundHer application is a chance to reflect on your business's journey and future aspirations. By following these tips, you can create a strong application that showcases your vision, commitment, and readiness to grow with FoundHer."
