Business Monday: New small business network offers support for aspiring entrepreneurs on the Big Island

In 2021, it had been years since Bryson Hiro baked cookies with his mom, but when he stepped into the kitchen to help her with cookies for a family event, memories came flooding back from his childhood.

At the time, his career as a life insurance agent was comfortable, but Hiro knew he was missing passion. That’s when a business idea began to sprout that would bring back his creativity while honoring his favorite pastime with his mom.

In 2022, at age 36, he founded the company Hiro’s Cookies in Hilo.

While the business was simple on the surface, it became more complicated as he committed to baking every cookie from scratch using only all-natural ingredients, even extracting coloring for the cookies from real fruits, vegetables and herbs. To grow, he needed help.

In 2023, Hiro found an opportunity to join a pilot program called the ʻĀinapreneur Small Business Development Program from ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, a community economic development organization.

The program was a 12-week hybrid training for small businesses, starting with a two-day, in-person intensive cohort followed by weekly online coursework. Christian McAdams, the director of finance for ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, worked directly with Hiro as he cultivated his business idea and developed his business practices.

Upon completing the program, he was awarded a $10,000 microloan — becoming the first recipient from ChangeMakers’ emerging Native Community Development Financial Institution.

“Without the loan, I would have never been able to purchase the new equipment needed to improve production efficiency and reduce the strain on myself and my small team,” Hiro said.

With improved production, Hiro expanded his reach, and his cookies are now sold at various locations across Hawaiʻi Island. He is currently saving to open his own certified kitchen that can be shared with other locally owned small businesses.

This year, as local businesses face pressure from rising costs and a lack of resources, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi has grown its ʻĀinapreneur Small Business Development Program, into a full network to grow a community of aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders, creatives and changemakers.

“At a time when prosperity and even stability may seem out of reach, there are opportunities for education, support and success for aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs who don’t know where to start or how to proceed,” said Jenny Boyette, communications director for ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi. “The ʻĀinapreneur Small Business Network will connect aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding opportunities, resources, visibility and collaboration.”

Hiro said it took him a long time to start his business due to his previous careers.

“But I’m so proud I actually took the leap four years ago,” he said. “I don’t think I realized how complicated it would be to make all the cookies from scratch, so at the time, I didn’t know how I was going to find the time and space to grow my business.”

The new network empowers entrepreneurs rooted in aloha ʻāina (love of the land) and cultural integrity. Through tools, training and deep guidance, the goal is to help build thriving, sustainable ventures that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s future.

ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi will be offering learning opportunities in the network with an 8-week business development course that will guide the participants in creating a one-page growth plan and business pitch. Participants also gain real revenue growth and learn how to prepare a business for potential funding.

As a Native Community Development Financial Institution, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi also offers clear funding opportunities, financial literacy and technical assistance tailored for Native Hawaiian and local entrepreneurs to build economic resilience while honoring collective abundance.

The no interest loans through the Native Community Development Financial Institution help circulate support through capital and service.

According to Boyette, the ʻĀinapreneur Small Business Network will be most helpful to individuals with a vision but who have reached a crossroads and are unsure of where to start. The network will be open to:

• Small business owners: Individuals running a business and seeking support, resources, partnerships, or visibility.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs: Individuals exploring an idea but unsure where to start.
• Creatives and makers: Artists, food entrepreneurs, crafters, growers, culture bearers, and creative business owners.
• Workforce and career seekers: Individuals exploring entrepreneurship, freelance work, consulting, or business ownership pathways.
• Community organizations: Nonprofits, ecosystem builders, technical assistance providers, and support organizations.
• Partners and collaborators: Funders, mentors, business leaders, institutions, and resource providers.

“We’re building the ʻĀinapreneur Network with the community, not for the community,” Boyette said. “The people who join in the next few months will be founding members of the network and will ultimately help shape its future.”

ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi has implemented a new initiative within the ʻĀinapreneurs Network focusing on integrating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi into small businesses to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s culture and economy.

The ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi program supports participating businesses by creating custom signage and in-store learning tools, providing staff training, and offering opportunities to measure customer engagement and impact.

ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi will host a virtual soft launch over Zoom at 5 p.m. on June 25.

Those interested in attending the soft launch can expect a preview of the network’s ultimate vision, connect with others in attendance, and hear about partner opportunities and future gatherings.

To learn more about the ʻĀinapreneurs Network, visit the ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi website. Register for the virtual kickoff gathering on Zoom.