NEWS RELEASE

MAYOR RICK BLANGIARDI

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION

CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April, 29, 2025

Applications Opening Soon for Idea2Biz, City's First Small Business Incubator Program

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) invites aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for its pilot Idea2Biz small business incubator program. The application period will open on Thursday, May 1st and close on Monday, June 2nd, 2025.

This innovative 13-week cohort-style program is designed to transform entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses through mentorship, education, and resources facilitated by experienced business professionals. The program specifically targets aspiring entrepreneurs from Oʻahu’s Waiʻanae Coast. The in-person professional development workshops will be held on Tuesdays at the Kalanihoʻokahā Community Learning Center in Nānākuli. To make Idea2Biz accessible to working participants, all workshops will take place in the evening. 

 “Small businesses are truly the heart of our community, creating new jobs while adding to Honolulu’s unique character,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This program is creating pathways to keep more local families on Oʻahu by supporting homegrown talent and providing the tools to build a successful business.”

"This program represents our commitment to fostering economic growth from the ground up," said Amy Asselbaye, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Revitalization. "By providing comprehensive support to individuals with business ideas or informal side hustles, we're creating pathways to sustainable entrepreneurship for those who have historically faced barriers to entry."

The Idea2Biz program will accept 20 participants, each of whom will receive:

• Specialized weekly training sessions covering entrepreneurship fundamentals, business model development, marketing, legal structure, and financial planning
• Personalized mentorship from small business experts
• Access to the OER's Oʻahu Business Connector network and resource partners
• Guidance on formal business registration, banking relationships, and market positioning
• Eligibility to receive at least $1,250 in early-stage funding upon the program's completion

 Who Should Apply:

•  Local entrepreneurs with promising business ideas who are seeking to develop them into a small business
• Informal entrepreneurs or hobbyists generating little to no formal revenue who have a desire to formalize their businesses
• Community members along the Waiʻanae Coast

"This program addresses a critical gap in our entrepreneurial ecosystem by focusing on the very earliest stages of business development," said Eliza Talbot, OER Commission Chair. "By equipping participants with both practical skills and confidence, we're laying the foundation for a new generation of local businesses that will contribute to a resilient economy."

The Idea2Biz program will culminate in a graduation ceremony where participants can showcase their newly formed businesses.

Application Information:

Applications open: May 1, 2025

Application deadline: June 2, 2025

Program length: June 17, 2025, through September 13, 2025

Apply online: oahubusinessconnector.org/idea2biz/

Idea2Biz partners include the Waiʻanae Economic Development Council, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, XLR8, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaiʻi USA Federal Credit Union, and Pakini Loan Fund. 

Follow this link for additional media assets. 

About the Office of Economic Revitalization: 

The City & County of Honolulu's (City) Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) was established to provide leadership, information, and resources for Oʻahu's economic revitalization. OER is urgently working to diversify Oʻahu's economy through job training and funding for targeted sectors, such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, clean energy, and creative industries. OER also works to ensure local families have access to reliable internet for work, training, and education, supporting economic growth and opportunity. By leveraging partnerships, federal dollars, and other opportunities, OER is building an economy where local businesses and families can prosper.

—PAU—

Stay connected with Mayor Rick Blangiardi on social media:

Facebook - Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Instagram - @MayorRickHNL