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Celebrating the Summer 2026 ʻĀinapreneur Hōʻike
Starting a business takes courage. Building one that reflects who you are, where you come from, and what you believe in? That takes something more.
It takes purpose. Persistence. A willingness to learn, stumble, grow, and keep moving forward. And sometimes, it takes the courage to stand in front of a room full of people and say, “This is what I'm building, and this is why it matters.”
That was the spirit of Changemakers Hawaiʻi'‘s ʻĀinapreneur Hōʻike, a celebration of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the power of community.
After eight weeks of learning, exploring, and strengthening their businesses, five ʻĀinapreneur haumāna stepped into the spotlight to share their entrepreneurial journeys. Some were nervous. All had worked hard to reach this moment. And each brought something uniquely their own.
What unfolded was more than a series of business presentations. It was a reminder that behind every small business is a person with a story, a purpose, and the courage to create something meaningful.
Five ʻĀinapreneurs. Five Stories Worth Celebrating.
The Summer 2026 Hōʻike celebrated five entrepreneurs whose businesses reflect different passions, talents, and visions for the future:
Catherina Kauilani Amantiad – UA Enterprises, LLC
Liliha Frederick – Hui Hoʻomālamalama
Maluhia Freitas – Baked With Maluhia
Chazlynn Takaki – H&A Kuleana Hauling LLC
Kaʻāina Smith – Kaʻāina Made for You
Each haumāna shared what they have been building, the lessons they learned, and their hopes for the future.
For some, the eight-week program brought a deeper understanding of business finances and taxes. For others, it helped clarify their identity as business owners and the purpose driving their work. Across their different experiences, one lesson became clear: knowing how to run a business matters, but knowing why you're building it matters just as much.
The Hōʻike gave them an opportunity to put those lessons into practice, tell their stories, and take another step toward their goals.
And let's not overlook something important.
It takes guts to put your dreams out into the world.
Watching these entrepreneurs work through their nervousness and confidently share what they are building was one of the evening's most meaningful moments.
Chazlynn captured the spirit of kuleana behind her business with a simple but powerful message:
"Leaving places better than we found it."
It's a reminder that entrepreneurship can be about much more than making a living. It can also be about making a difference.
Building Businesses That Stand for Something
Hawaiʻi Island ʻāinapreneurs face challenges that are not always visible to the people supporting their businesses.
According to U.S. Census data highlighted during the Hōʻike, 56% of Hawaiʻi County businesses have fewer than five employees, while 20,503 businesses operate without paid employees. Median household income in Hawaiʻi County is $78,639, compared with $100,389 statewide.
Think about what those numbers mean.
Many local entrepreneurs are doing nearly everything themselves, often while navigating high operating costs and serving communities where household incomes are stretched.
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong on Hawaiʻi Island. But determination alone shouldn't have to carry the weight of building a business.
That's part of why Changemakers Hawaiʻi created ʻĀinapreneur.
As an emerging Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Changemakers is working to create a community-centered ecosystem that connects Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs with business education, access to capital, mentorship, and long-term support.
The ʻĀinapreneur program is grounded in four interconnected pillars:
Place. Understanding the ʻāina and communities where a business is rooted.
People. Recognizing the relationships, customers, employees, and community members who make a business possible.
Passion and Purpose. Staying connected to the values and vision that give a business meaning.
Profit. Building the financial knowledge and sustainability needed for a business to thrive.
Together, these pillars encourage entrepreneurs to think beyond transactions and toward the lasting value their businesses can create.
Because a thriving local economy isn't measured by dollars alone. It's also reflected in stronger relationships, meaningful opportunities, cultural integrity, and communities that benefit from the success of their own people.
Good Advice. Genuine Encouragement. Real Connections.
No ʻāinapreneur has all the answers. And they shouldn't have to.
The Hōʻike brought together experienced business owners and community supporters who offered our graduates something invaluable: the benefit of their own entrepreneurial experience.
Our heartfelt mahalo goes to panelists Olani Lilly, Malani Alameda of Homesteady (HeHiAu), and Haunani Miyasato of Kaulana Mahina for generously sharing their time, manaʻo, and encouragement.
Their advice centered on three important reminders: develop a clear elevator pitch, stay consistent, and remain persistent.
Simple advice? Perhaps. But anyone who has ever started a business knows just how important those lessons can be.
The evening was also made special by the ʻohana, friends, and community members who came to support our haumāna, along with the generosity of Haunani Miyasato and Nikki Sarella of Cupcakes, Boom! & BOOMwahine, who donated their time and talent to create beautiful lei honoring the graduates.
Those lei were a meaningful part of the celebration, recognizing the accomplishments of each haumāna and the care shared by others in their community.
To everyone who helped make this Hōʻike memorable, mahalo nui loa.
The Hōʻike is a Milestone, Not the Finish Line
The presentations may be over, but the real work of entrepreneurship continues.
There will be new challenges, unexpected opportunities, difficult decisions, and plenty of lessons still ahead for these graduates.
But now they move forward with new knowledge, stronger connections, and a clearer understanding of the businesses they want to build.
And that's something worth celebrating.
The Hōʻike also reflected a bigger vision taking shape at Changemakers Hawaiʻi: an ʻāinapreneurial economy where businesses are grounded in aloha ʻāina, guided by cultural integrity, and committed to strengthening the communities they serve.
It's a vision where entrepreneurs have access to tools and resources, where business relationships become sources of encouragement, and where economic opportunity can grow alongside care for people and place.
Because when local ‘āinapreneurs grow stronger, our communities have an opportunity to grow stronger with them.
Your Business Dream Deserves a Community Behind It
Maybe you've had a business idea tucked away for years.
Maybe you've already started something but find yourself wondering how to price your products, manage your finances, find funding, or reach the next level.
Or maybe you're working hard, figuring things out as you go, and wishing you had someone to talk story with who understands the journey.
You Don’t Have to Build Alone.
Changemakers Hawaiʻi is welcoming entrepreneurs to its next eight-week ʻĀinapreneur cohort, beginning January 19, 2027.
Through a supportive learning environment grounded in Place, People, Passion, and Profit, participants will explore practical business strategies, finances, pricing, capital readiness, resilience, and growth planning.
Whether you're nurturing a new idea or strengthening an existing business, ʻĀinapreneur offers an opportunity to gain knowledge, build meaningful relationships, and move forward with greater confidence.
Our first Hōʻike showed us what can happen when entrepreneurs are given space to learn, share, and be supported.
Now it's your turn.
The next ʻĀinapreneur cohort begins January 19, 2027.
Your ideas have value. Your purpose matters. And your community is stronger when you have the opportunity to succeed.
Dream boldly. Build with purpose. Grow together.
Because business owners don't have to build alone.
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