Business accelerator Mana Up selects 2 Big Island companies for 8th cohort

Two Big Island businesses are among 11 selected by Mana Up, an accelerator for Hawai‘i-based consumer brands, for its latest annual six-month program.

Mana Up saw 149 local companies apply for its eighth cohort, interviewed 56, and accepted 11 into this year’s program.

The companies will participate in a six-month accelerator that includes weekly workshops,
curated mentor introductions, access to sales channels and customized goal setting.

“With another year of record-breaking applications, we’re even more convinced of the continuing need and opportunity to support this industry with resources, capital and growth channels,” said Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up. “We’ve got an impressive group this year, who will join the Mana Up alumni that generate $61 million in annual revenue in aggregate and are growing on average 33% annually.”

Accepted Big Island businesses include Liquid Life Hawai‘i, which creates super-food products such as cold-pressed juices and nutraceuticals using locally sourced ingredients with three health cafes on the Island of Hawai‘i. It’s founded by Ola and Puna Tripp from Hilo.

Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals, Inc creates a line of healing flower essences, body care products and spa treatments using locally grown ingredients and inspired by the healing energy of Hawai‘i Island’s rain forests. It’s founded by Melia Goodenow from Kea‘au.