Hawaii’s entrepreneurs are finding a new cultural platform at this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, thanks to an $8,000 leg up from the Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has earmarked the grant for nine Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses who will vend at the event's marketplace. According to a statement obtained from DBEDT's website, the CBED aims to foster "economic opportunities that strengthen Hawaii’s small business community, particularly those that align with cultural preservation and sustainability."
DBEDT's Business Support Division Branch Chief Mark Ritchie stated, "By supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at the Merrie Monarch Festival, we are investing in the long-term success of local businesses while celebrating and perpetuating Hawaiian culture." The festival, which is not only a premier cultural gathering but also a beacon for economic activity, will see residents, visitors, and cultural practitioners converging at Sangha Hall in Hilo, Hawaii, from April 24-26. The adjacent Kakoo Hawaii Merrie Monarch Market presents an opportunity for the selected entrepreneurs to not just showcase but also broaden their business horizons.
With the support from the CBED Program, these small businesses will be able to cover costs such as vendor booth fees, travel expenses and marketing, said Lisa Pakele, program director of the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) Center for Entrepreneurship. In a directive from INPEACE, Pakele conveyed, "This funding allows us to provide critical support for Native Hawaiian small businesses – helping them grow their brands, expand their customer base and contribute to the local economy." A sense of gratitude was also expressed for the CBED Program's commitment to community-based economic development, as per the DBEDT report.
The cohort includes a variety of businesses, from fashion and lifestyle brands to food producers and cultural educators. Examples include Bujo Bae with island-inspired stationery, the Honolulu Baby Company offering children’s apparel, and the Kakou Collective featuring artwork by Native Hawaiian artist Kea Peters. Other businesses like Kaulana Mahina, Keha Hawaii, The Keiki Dept, Mahina Made, and Pawniolo Pets focus on cultural resources, Hawaiian fashion, family lifestyle, and pet products. Sweetheart Farm brings fresh farm goods. With the help of a grant, these businesses are ready to reach a wider audience at the festival.
The CBED Program is working hard to boost Hawaii's economic resilience by supporting small businesses and job creation. INPEACE is also helping Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs with financial education, mentoring, and practical support. For more details on these initiatives and the organizations involved, visit their websites through the provided links.
