New Program Will Help Female Entrepreneurs Rise

Central Pacific Bank Foundation launches WE by Rising Tide program.

Central Pacific Bank Foundation is launching an accelerator program for female entrepreneurs. The program, called WE by Rising Tide, is accepting online applications for its inaugural cohort of 20 female entrepreneurs through June 18. To apply, please visit  RisingTideHawaii.com. 

The 10-week program includes workshops designed for women to hone financial management, marketing and leadership skills, and participants will have opportunities to promote their businesses and to network with business leaders. Grants from the CPB Foundation and aio Foundation fund all curriculum and participant benefits. 

To be considered, an applicant’s business must: 

• Be at least 51% woman–owned. 

• Be in operation for at least three years and currently open for business. 
• Have yearly revenues ranging from $250,000 to $5 million (2019 or 2020). 

“Hawaii’s entrepreneurs and small–business owners create jobs and contribute to a more resilient, thriving economy. Within this space, we see an important opportunity to impact even greater diversity, supporting and empowering Hawaii’s ambitious women entrepreneurs who are innovating and working hard to grow their businesses,” says Catherine Ngo, CPB Foundation chair. 

The program’s curriculum was developed in close partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, Hawaii’s only women’s business center as established by the YWCA Oahu and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The program’s framework aligns with the Mink center’s mission to start and grow small businesses and to level the playing field for female entrepreneurs still facing unique business obstacles. 

The CPB Foundation also consulted with established female business owners and executives. The experiences and insights of women behind such brands as Ari South, Fighting Eel, Highway Inn, Manuhealii, Mikinola, Mori by Art + Flea, and Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery will enhance the program. So too will the life lessons shared by CPB’s female directors as well as business leaders Christine Camp, Crystal Rose and Saedene Ota — all of whom will continue to actively mentor the inaugural cohort and build community around the WE by Rising Tide program.