Mana Up, a local business accelerator, has announced its ninth cohort of entrepreneurs from Hawaii. Since its inception in 2017, Mana Up has helped 85 entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. The accelerator, founded by Meli James and Brittany Heyd, focuses on physical product-based businesses for retail sales.
Mana Up’s rigorous selection process led to the selection of 10 diverse product-based companies from a pool of 163 applicants for its ninth cohort. These companies will undergo a six-month business growth boot camp that includes workshops, mentoring, coaching, and practical advice on areas like distribution and e-commerce.
The diverse range of products and goals of the selected businesses reflect the unique nature of each member’s journey. For example, Kauai Hemp Co. is a vertically integrated hemp farm that produces CBD products and aims to triple sales while expanding to Japan. To Be Organics, based in Maui, creates skin-friendly bath and body products with founder Karli Rose Wilson’s passion for sustainability driving their vision. The Albizia Project started in 2017 by Christine and Joey Valenti is an innovative idea to make surfboards from invasive albizia trees with plans to expand both locally and internationally.
Overall, Mana Up continues to play a crucial role in supporting Hawaii’s entrepreneurs as they work towards achieving their business goals through tailored programs, resources and mentorship.
