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.

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.

Ho‘omohala a ulu

2024 Theme

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.

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

Mahi‘ai Match-up news

October 28, 2024

Empowering local entrepreneurs: Kamehameha Schools awards newest Mahiʻai Match-Up winners

Empowering local entrepreneurs: Kamehameha Schools awards newest Mahiʻai Match-Up winners

Hā Tonics, The Local General Store, Polipoli Farms, and Manu Brewing Co. won an award, mentorship and resources to expand their impact and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food resilience.

October 17, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: Blending tradition and innovation with Nui Kealoha

Meet the Mahiʻai: Blending tradition and innovation with Nui Kealoha

Founded by Kealoha Domingo, this ʻōiwi-led catering and events company perpetuates traditional beliefs while supporting local producers.

October 16, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: From local makers to market leaders with Hawaiian Kine Trading

Meet the Mahiʻai: From local makers to market leaders with Hawaiian Kine Trading

Started by Sean and Dallas Kau‘i Stewart, Hawaiian Kine Trading supports local food producers to scale their businesses and strengthen Hawai‘i’s food systems.

October 15, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: The Local General Store bridges Hawaiʻi’s farmers and community

Meet the Mahiʻai: The Local General Store bridges Hawaiʻi’s farmers and community

Jason and Harley Chow founded The Local General Store to bridge the gap between local farmers and consumers by offering sustainably sourced meats and baked goods.

October 14, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: Hā Tonics’ mission to heal the lāhui

Meet the Mahiʻai: Hā Tonics’ mission to heal the lāhui

The Hawaiian superfood company utilizes ʻike Hawaiʻi to craft nutritional and delicious food powders from locally sourced ingredients.

October 11, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: Kohala Food Hub wants fresh local food for all

Meet the Mahiʻai: Kohala Food Hub wants fresh local food for all

Led by Maya Parish, the hub is transforming local food access on Hawai‘i Island by supporting 103 producers and significantly increasing the distribution of fresh, locally grown produce.

October 10, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: Manu Brewing combines health and heritage in māmaki tea

Meet the Mahiʻai: Manu Brewing combines health and heritage in māmaki tea

Founded by Kent Kurashima KSK’10, the specialty beverage company makes sparkling māmaki tea from locally sourced ingredients.

October 9, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: ‘Ulu Mana supports sustainable ag with local snacks

Meet the Mahiʻai: ‘Ulu Mana supports sustainable ag with local snacks

The Honolulu-based company supports local farms by producing sustainable and nutritious snacks from locally grown breadfruit and cassava.

October 8, 2024

Meet the Mahiʻai: Polipoli Farms is bringing back the ʻono for traditional crops

Meet the Mahiʻai: Polipoli Farms is bringing back the ʻono for traditional crops

This Maui farm honors traditional crops and cultivation, aiming to expand ʻāina stewardship and local food accessibility.