We By Rising Tide, A New Program For Women Entrepreneurs, Is Now Accepting Applications

HONOLULU, HI | May 20, 2021 – A new accelerator program for Women Entrepreneurs, “WE by Rising Tide,” launched this week, and is now accepting online applications through June 18, 2021. The program is comprised of a 10-week series of workshops designed for Women Entrepreneurs to hone financial management, marketing, and leadership skills, and a host of benefits including advertising opportunities to promote their business and networking with business leaders and women executives. An inaugural cohort of 20 Women Entrepreneurs will be selected, with all program fees being covered by a grant from CPB Foundation.

Applicant requirements:

• Business must be 51% woman owned.

• Business must be in operation for a minimum of 3 years and currently open for

  business.

• Minimum yearly revenue generation of $250,000 (2019 or 2020).

• Maximum yearly revenue generation of $5,000,000 (2019 or 2020).

“Hawaii’s entrepreneurs and small business owners create jobs and contribute to a more resilient, thriving economy. Within this space, we see an important opportunity to impact even greater diversity, supporting and empowering Hawaii’s ambitious Women Entrepreneurs who are innovating and working hard to grow their businesses,” said Catherine Ngo, Chair of CPB Foundation.

The WE by Rising Tide program curriculum and participant benefits are funded by grants from CPB Foundation and aio Foundation and were developed in close partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL). Tapped specifically for their expertise as Hawaii’s only Women’s Business Center (WBC) as established by YWCA Oahu and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the framework for WE by Rising Tide aligns with their organization’s mission to start and grow small businesses, and to “level the playing field” for Women Entrepreneurs who still face unique obstacles in the business world.

In assessing the needs of Hawaii’s Women Entrepreneurs, CPB Foundation also consulted with established women business owners and executives. The experience and insights of brands including Ari South, Fighting Eel, Highway Inn, Manuheali’i Inc., Mikinola, Mori by Art + Flea, and Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery were incorporated into the program, along with consultation from Central Pacific Bank’s women directors, and business owners, Christine Camp, Crystal Rose, and Saedene Ota – all of whom will continue to play an active role in helping to mentor and build community around the WE by Rising Tide program, and the inaugural cohort of 20 Women Entrepreneurs selected.

For more information on WE by Rising Tide and to apply, visit www.RisingTideHawaii.com.