Apply for the Cottage Industry Scholarship in Hawaii

"This scholarship program offers a unique opportunity for 15 selected entrepreneurs to participate in Leeward Community College's 12-week ʻĀina to Mākeke course. The course covers essential skills such as: Licensing and regulations, Commercial kitchen operations, Branding and packaging, Sales and distribution. These are critical components for scaling a food business and ensuring compliance with industry standards."

"Denise Yamaguchi, CEO of HACA, emphasizes the importance of this scholarship in strengthening Hawai'i's food ecosystem by ensuring that as food businesses grow, local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen grow alongside them. By using locally sourced ingredients, entrepreneurs contribute to a sustainable food system while creating demand for local production."

"Beyond the classroom, participants gain access to the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC), a state-of-the-art facility designed to help food entrepreneurs increase their production capacity and improve efficiency. Graduates often transition into this center, allowing them to further refine their products."

The Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, now in its eighth cohort, provides Hawai'i food entrepreneurs with comprehensive training through Leeward Community College's 12-week ʻĀina to Mākeke course. Fifteen selected participants receive $1,000 scholarships toward the $1,500 tuition and learn critical business skills including licensing, commercial kitchen operations, branding, packaging, sales, and distribution. Cohort 8 runs from June 15 to September 2, 2026, with twice-weekly classes. Graduates gain access to the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, a state-of-the-art facility for increasing production capacity. The program strengthens Hawai'i's food ecosystem by ensuring local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen benefit as food businesses grow through use of locally sourced ingredients.

Read at Food & Beverage Magazine