CPB WE by Rising Tide empowers women entrepreneurs in Hawaii - applications now open

WE by Rising Tide cohort three participants met before beginning the program. Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

HONOLULU, HI (April 15, 2024) – Central Pacific Bank (CPB) is thrilled to announce applications are open for the WE by Rising Tide program, a free initiative empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive. This highly successful 10-week program, led by CPB and the aio Foundation and in partnership with Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, equips women with the tools and confidence to propel their businesses forward.

“We've been deeply inspired by the women in our past cohorts,” shared Susan Utsugi, CPB Group Senior Vice President Business Banking and a WE by Rising Tide founding member. “We're eager to welcome a new group of talented women and provide them the knowledge and resources for greater success.”

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, including:

• Financial Management:Gain expertise in managing finances for established businesses.
• Marketing and Branding Strategies:Develop a personalized growth plan with individual consultations.
• Networking:Build valuable connections with successful women entrepreneurs and executives.
• Support for Neighbor Islands:Travel assistance is available for participants from neighboring islands.

 “The mentors who came in were all really successful business owners who were all women, and they were just so inspirational, and so open to talking with us and giving their time. That was really impactful and it made me want to be able to do the same thing if I could get that successful,” said Katie Bennett, Family Mediation Hawaii. “At the end of the day, relationships in Hawaii are so important and the relationships that we were able to build in our cohort were life changing.”

“The WE by Rising Tide program is so worth it,” said Alice Kim, Hanalei and Elizabeth Mott. “I think it's so important for female entrepreneurs to connect, especially on island, and I think it's a really great program and everyone should take advantage of it if they have the chance.”

“I would say to someone considering joining the program that they should sign up right now,” said Jalene Kanani Bell, NOHO HOME.

Are you a woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level?

• Eligibility:Business must be at least 51% women-owned, for-profit, operational for a minimum of 3 years, and have annual revenue between $250,000 and $5 million (as of 2023).
• Application Period:Apply between April 15 through May 31, 2024.
• Program Dates:Weekly sessions begin in August 2024, culminating in graduation in October 2024.

 Don't miss this opportunity! Apply today and join the WE by Rising Tide community.

 To apply and for more information please click here.

Graduation ceremony for the 2023 WE by Rising Tide participants. Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

# # #

About Central Pacific Bank

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.64 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2023. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 58 ATMs in the State of Hawaii. Central Pacific Financial Corp. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "CPF." For additional information, please visit: cpb.bank