INCUBATOR@COMMON GROUND

A business development program to collaboratively revitalize a diversified and sustainable agricultural economy in Hawai'i.

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Led by instructor Dirk Soma, the Incubator seeks to cultivate the next generation of Hawaii-based food, beverage, and farm-based entrepreneurs to establish Hawaii as a food innovation hotspot. Incubator cohorts will have the opportunity to develop strategic growth goals and business plans. Cohort companies will be allotted $10,000 per company for approved expenditures to assist with achieving strategic growth plan goals.

Ideal Candidates

The pilot cohort for the Incubator@Common Ground focuses on candidates that represent and celebrate the traditions of agriculture and robust food systems on Kauai with appeal across major markets. Common Ground invites the following start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses on Kauai to apply:

Early stage, food and beverage companies with niche products that have reached the market and have a unique connection to Hawaii-grown ingredients, Hawaiian culture and global demand potential.

Timeline

The Incubator program runs through December 31st and is limited to 10 companies. Cohort participants will be notified by September 15th, the first class session is on Friday, September 18th (time TBD based on cohort availability).

Program Details

The program consists of weekly, 4-hour class sessions in addition to weekly one-on-one sessions with the Program Instructor. Sessions will be held via Zoom until further notice. Participant time commitment for the course is 6-7 hours/week (inclusive of class time). Cohort participants are expected to attend all classes and one-one-one sessions and complete the entire course.

Program Partners

Incubator@Common Ground is initially launched in part through funding provided by a CARES Act grant from the County of Kauai Kupaa Kaua'i program and in partnership with Kauai Government Employees Federal Credit Union.