Strengthening ʻĀinapreneurs
Strengthening ʻĀinapreneurs
ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi Awards First Native CDFI Microloans
ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, an emerging Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), recently marked a significant milestone in their journey towards empowering indigenous entrepreneurs.
During a monumental event, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi awarded its first two emerging Native CDFI microloans to two remarkable individuals: Bryson Hiro of Hiroʻs Cookies and Sofia Chung of Torres Farm, both residents of Hawaiʻi Island.
These microloans, each totaling $10,000, signify not just financial assistance but a powerful vote of confidence in the innovative ventures and resilient spirits of these ʻāinapreneurs. Torres Farm plans to enhance access to fresh produce through upgrading their farming equipment, while Bryson Hiro is set to elevate Hiro’s Cookies and expand their distribution network across Hawaiʻi Island.
For Bryson and Sofia, these microloans represent the culmination of their journey through ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi’s rigorous ʻĀinapreneur Rural Business Development program. Over the past months, they diligently delved into the program's curriculum, honing their skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and crafting robust business plans. Their dedication and determination in completing this program exemplify an extraordinary work ethic and a commitment to fostering sustainable businesses rooted in their community.
The ʻĀinapreneur Rural Business Development program, a 12-week intensive course, is designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi. Beyond imparting essential business skills, the program assists participants in developing foundational documents like business plans, offering them the tools needed to thrive in their ventures.
ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi stands not merely as an institution but as a catalyst for positive change, resilience, and the amplification of indigenous voices. Grounded in the principles of aloha, this organization is reshaping the landscape of opportunities for native populations, fostering socio-economic empowerment at its core.
“As an emerging Native CDFI, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi is pioneering financial inclusivity. Through the provision of capital, resources, and specialized financial services, we are not just bridging financial disparities; we’re rewriting the narrative of economic empowerment for indigenous communities.”
The success of Bryson Hiro and Sofia Chung serves as a testament to the transformative impact of programs like the ʻĀinapreneur Rural Business Development initiative and the vital role played by organizations like ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi in supporting and nurturing indigenous entrepreneurship. Their stories inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and reaffirm the belief in the power of community-driven initiatives.
ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi’s commitment to fostering sustainable indigenous businesses and rewriting the narrative of economic empowerment reflects the ethos of a community-driven approach towards creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
For more information about Changemakers Hawai'i and our ‘Āinapreneur Rural Business Development program, visit this page.
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