We are creating a vertically integrated food supply chain through financial investment as well as through mentoring small businesses, policy work, education, community building and creating various distribution channels.
CG Accelerator
We're cultivating the next generation of Hawaii-based food & beverage entrepreneurs.
Our Goals
01
Create financially viable opportunities locally for a sustainable Hawai'i
02
Revitalize a diversified economy in Hawai'i.
03
Scale Hawai'i food innovations to meet global demand in major markets.
Ideal Candidates
- Seed stage, food and beverage companies with niche products that have reached the market and have a unique connection to Hawai'i-grown ingredients and global demand potential.
- Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies that serve the local market and/or need resources to access national and global markets.
- Entrepreneurs in the areas of food and beverage packaging, food marketing technology and other products that support the food supply chain.
- Pre-launch companies with uniquely compelling ideas.
Benefits
Investment Capital
Imagine what an injection of up to $50,000 would do to help grow your business.
Mentorship
Common Ground partner and mentor network brings decades of successful company building experience, both on island and globally. Entrepreneurs will be matched with multiple mentors for weekly support and guidance.
Support Services
We can help you hone the business of company building including innovative product development methodology, processing and production, staffing, marketing, brand strategy, packaging, business development, and culinary insight--support worth up to $50,000.
Meet our team
Adam Watten, Co-Director
Kauai-based chef and entrepreneur, Adam has a decade of experience doing business in Hawai'i and navigating its unique professional climate. Adam is committed to fostering small businesses and advocating for local food systems.
Brian Halweil, Co-Director
New York-based food storyteller and trendspotter. Brian has been editor-in-chief of four Edible magazines in the New York metro area with a recent focus on technology and investments moving into the food chain. He now works with Almanac Insights and other venture funds focused on sustainable food and agriculture.
Community Support
Robbie Melton, Kauai Center Director at Hawaiʻi SBDC and former Director at Kaua'i County Office of Economic Development
“The County of Kaua'i Office of Economic Development is honored to support the Common Ground Accelerator program. We applaud Common Ground Kaua'i on its values-driven initiative to foster entrepreneurship and scale a healthy, stable and balanced economy for Kaua'i.”
Monica Belz, CEO of Kaua'i Government Employee Federal Credit Union
"The Common Ground Accelerator is an important step in the diversification of Kaua'i's economy. As a locally owned business, we are thrilled to partner with Common Ground Kauai on the launch of this innovative program."
Meet Cohort 1
Slow Island Food & Beverage Co.
A proudly Black-woman owned CPG company that currently offers wellness elixirs, drink mixes, and curry pastes all locally sourced. Founded by Master Preserver Gida Snyder.
Slowislandco.com
Tiny Isle
An ethically-centered, Hawai'i-made CPG company that offers a range of macadamia nut butters, decadent fudge and tropical chocolate truffles. The company is headed by Lisa Parker and Roland Barker, who share a decades-long passion for good, healthful foods using locally sourced ingredients.
Tinyislekauai.com
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
Brian Halweil, Co-Director, Accelerator@Common Ground
4900 Kuawa Rd, Kilauea Kaua'i HI 96754