Hawaii Island Business Plan Competition to Hold 2017 Launch Event

The 2017 Hawaii Island Business Plan Competition launch event will be held on Thursday, July 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in UCB127 at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

Now in its second year, the Hawaii Island Business Plan (HIplan) Competition is focused on fostering opportunity and generating excitement around innovation on the Big Island.

The HIplan competition, a joint venture supported by UH-Hilo and the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, offers a $25,000 prize for the best business plan. The winner can use the prize money to either start a business or grow an existing one.

“HIplan is all about encouraging what we call an ‘entrepreneurial ecosystem’ here, one that promotes an entrepreneurial spirit across all of Hawai‘i Island—Kona to Kapoho, Kohala to Ka‘u,” said Kelly Moran, co-chairman of the competition and a realtor, business owner and part-time teacher in the business college at the UH Hilo.

The July 20 launch will feature a panel discussion hosted by Derek Kurisu of KTA Super Stores.

Panelists include successful Hilo entrepreneurs:

• Jesse Fujimoto, Hawaii Simple Gourmet Co.
• George Hanohano, Rainbow Falls Connection
• Candace Fukuda-Hanle, Kandi’s Drive-in and Fukuda Washerette

No preregistration required; refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit HIplan.biz.