MAHI‘AI MATCH-UP

Investing in Entrepreneurs Invested in Hawai‘i’s Food System

Kamehameha Schools and Ulupono Initiative is strengthening Hawai‘i’s food system through the Mahi‘ai Match-Up, a business plan competition that provides food-focused entrepreneurs from across the pae ‘āina with an opportunity to gain the necessary capital, mentorship, and skills to create thriving businesses building more economic resiliency and agricultural sustainable for our Hawai‘i.

Mahalo to our title sponsor:

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Mahi‘ai Match-Up aims to create a robust, centralized program that highlights and promotes business growth related to food systems, ignites innovative agricultural solutions, fosters community connections, and establishes educational pathways within our local food system.

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With 11 years of Mahi‘ai Match-Up completed, we’ve received more than 500 applications from Hawai‘i farmers and companies searching for the resources, capital, and ‘āina to grow and scale their business. This demand and ‘ono demonstrated by our farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators excites us for the future of food security and food sovereignty here in Hawai‘i.

We are committed to continuing the support of these alaka‘i and previous applicants in the agriculture and food industries as they forge new and exciting ways to contribute to the health and vitality of Hawai‘i’s food system.

What’s in it for you?

Cash prize for business development
1:1 business coaching and mentorship for three months
Tailored suite of resources that target your business scaling needs
Access to a network of local industry experts

AWARD CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

Two winners will be selected for each category and eligible to receive a cash prize from a total $40,000 prize pool. Judges will award and distribute a cash prize to each winner by need. All winners will also receive access to a three-month business mentorship program.

INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION

This entrepreneur and business is one that is looking for the resources to get their company ready for investment (i.e. due diligence, financial analysis, pitch development, etc.). This business will feed into the pipeline for the Food Systems Investment Fund.

GROWTH AND SCALING

This entrepreneur and business is one that is seeking strategic training, resources, and mentorship to address scaling challenges (i.e. manufacturing, accounting, marketing and branding, operations, HR and hiring, etc).

APPLICATION CRITERIA

Must be a previous applicant of the Kamehameha Schools Mahi‘ai Match-Up, Mahi‘ai Scale-Up, or MahiX programs.

Business model must demonstrate and contribute to the health and vitality of our regenerative food system here in Hawai‘i.

Must be a food systems business (farmer, aggregator, manufacturer, ag technician, restauranteur, product entrepreneur, etc.).

Must be headquartered in Hawai‘i.

APPLY HERE

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

July 15	Applications open
August 5	Applications close
August 11-31	Applicant interviews
September	Workshop Series
October 1	Pitch Day
October 24	‘Aha ‘Aina Pauahi Winners announced and awarded

Mahalo to our title sponsor:

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Theme name

2024 Theme

What’s in it for you?

AWARD CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

APPLICATION CRITERIA

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

Kawaiaha‘o Plaza

KS Hawai‘i

KS Kapālama

KS Maui