If you’re building a Hawaiʻi-based product brand and wondering what the next real step looks like, this is it.
Mana Up is a Hawaiʻi-based accelerator designed to help local product brands grow in a practical, sustainable way. The program brings together hands-on education, experienced mentors, and access to capital and connections that are often difficult to reach alone. At its core, Mana Up supports founders who want to scale without losing sight of Hawaiʻi values, culture, and community.
Applications are now open for Mana Up’s Cohort 11, welcoming the next ten Hawaiʻi-based product companies into the program. Mana Up is looking for founders who are ready to build on early traction and grow their businesses with intention, guidance, and support.
Mana Up meets you where you are, then pushes you forward
Mana Up isn’t about theory. It’s about execution.
Over the course of the program, founders get hands-on support across the areas that actually matter: operations, finance, branding, marketing, distribution, and leadership. You’re not just listening to talks. You’re applying what you learn directly to your business, week by week.
You’ll work with mentors who understand Hawaiʻi, consumer brands, and what it takes to grow sustainably in competitive markets. Many have built and scaled companies themselves. They’ll tell you what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus your limited time.
You’re not doing it alone
One of the most valuable parts of Mana Up is the cohort itself.
You’ll grow alongside other founders who are facing similar challenges, asking the same hard questions, and building with purpose. That peer network doesn’t end on demo day. It becomes a long-term support system, sounding board, and source of opportunities.
Founders often say this is where they finally felt understood as business owners in Hawaiʻi.
Meet our alumni
Mana Up’s alumni are a diverse group of founders who are building some of Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable and fastest-growing product brands. They span food and beverage, health and wellness, beauty, apparel, and lifestyle, with businesses at different stages of growth but a shared commitment to quality, culture, and community.
View the full list of Mana Up Alumni here.
Above Photo: Company founders who were part of Mana Up's Cohort 10 in 2025.
Real access. Real opportunities.
Mana Up opens doors that are difficult to access on your own.
From investor exposure and retail relationships to strategic partnerships and national visibility, the program is built to connect you with people who can help move your business forward. Not someday. Now.
Cohort companies have gone on to raise capital, land major accounts, and expand far beyond the islands, while staying rooted in Hawaiʻi values.
Is Cohort 11 right for you?
You should apply if:
You have a Hawaiʻi-based product brand with momentum
You’re ready to scale and open to feedback
You want structure, accountability, and expert guidance
You care about building a strong, values-driven company
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You do need to be committed to growth.
Take the step
Applying to Mana Up is more than submitting an application. It’s a signal that you’re ready to invest in your business and yourself as a founder.
Cohort 11 is your chance to sharpen your strategy, strengthen your foundation, and join a community that wants to see you win.
Applications are open now. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is it.
For more information, visit ManaUpHawaii.com.
