Aug 10, 2016 | Education
Donors to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund empower students and teachers throughout Maui County. In 2006, MEDB established the fund to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It offers students access to teaching, tools and experiences that prepare them to adapt to the rapidly changing technology landscape. This past year, for example, robotics teams competed on Maui, Oahu and even the mainland. The fund also prepared students to go head-to-head with national digital media peers. “Thanks to generous businesses and other community stakeholders, we have touched thousands of students,” said Jeanne Skog, MEDB President and CEO. “Donors send a clear message to our students of the value of pursuing careers in STEM.”
The 2016 Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction, “Pathways to Our Future,” will be held on Saturday, August 20th at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea. The participating students will share the outcome of the community’s investments in STEM projects. The popular “Apples for Education” Silent and Live Auctions will offer many unique items on which guests can bid to help raise funds for the coming school year. MEDB will also announce the 2016 honoree of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award, recognizing the most original use of STEM tools and capabilities to serve and improve the community.
With the endorsement of Irene Hirano Inouye, MEDB established the award in 2013 to honor the late Senator’s vision for Maui as an innovation center for the latest scientific and technological advances. “This prestigious award celebrates the application of science and technology to solve challenges around us,” said Skog. “Our youth have incredible creativity and we look forward to hearing about their projects again this year.”
For more information and reservations for the Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction, plus applications for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award, contact MEDB at (808) 875-2300 or visit www.medb.org.
Proceeds from the upcoming Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction will go to support MEDB’s continuing efforts to advance STEM education in Maui County.
Aug 3, 2016 | Small Business
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) recently offered a free workshop, Hidden Gems: State Programs to Save Your Business Money. “This workshop focused on two important programs offered by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism,” stated Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects. “They are real ‘hidden gems’ since many small businesses that qualify are not aware they can save money through the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Partnership Program or improve their export business through the Hawaii State Trade and Export Program (HiSTEP).”
Wayne Thom, Community Economic Development Manager in the Business Support Branch of the State of Hawaii’s Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), shared information on the EZ program. EZ was established for the purpose of job creation and to stimulate certain kinds of business and industry that may be eligible to receive various state credits and benefits for up to seven years. “The EZ program lowers the cost of doing business in Hawaii,” said Thom. “It’s for both new businesses and those that are expanding, creating jobs and maybe looking to export. It costs nothing to join this program as long as you’re in an eligible industry and located in an enterprise zone, which applies to most of Maui County.”
Jamie Lum, Economic Development Specialist for DBEDT’s Business Development Support Division, presented information on the Hawaii State Trade and Export Promotion Assistance Program (HiSTEP-AP). Under this program, qualified companies could receive direct awards to participate in export marketing activities. Applicants may request a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $6,000 for various business activities such as trade shows, travel, collateral materials, compliance testing, shipping, and other expenses. “There is a lot to learn in exporting and this program can be a great benefit to participants,” said Lum.
“The Hidden Gems workshop offered insights on how to grow my software company with State incentives,” said Greg Murphy, managing partner of iMatics. MEDB continues to provide invaluable resources to help business owners in the community.”
We are grateful to MEDB for offering the Hidden Gems workshop as part of their Innovation Series. It helped business owners learn the fundamentals of success through State programs.
Wayne Thom, Community Economic Development Manager of the State of Hawaii’s DBEDT Business Support Branch
Jul 27, 2016 | Environment, Sustainability
Are you a farmer, rancher, or small business owner interested in saving money on your energy bills? Do you lack the money necessary to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements that will lower your business’s energy costs? If you answered “yes” to both questions, then this MEDB workshop is for you.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) can provide eligible applicants with guaranteed loans, grants, or a combination loan and grant for qualified projects. During this workshop you will learn about:
- REAP’s eligible loans and grants
- Who is eligible to apply
- Maximum loan and grant amounts
- Application requirements and deadlines
- Tips for completing your application
- One-on-one consultations available with USDA staff following the workshop.
Workshop Presenter:
John Antonio, State Energy Coordinator USDA Rural Development
The workshop is free, and light refreshments will be served. Part of the MEDB Innovation Series, Foundations for Business Success.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 1 pm – 4 pm
MEDB’s Malcolm Center
1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5
Kihei, HI 96753
Jul 20, 2016 | Small Business
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) presented an Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit Bootcamp for Lanai residents on June 25th and 26th. The intense two-day workshop was part of the MEDB Innovation Series, a grassroots effort to help small businesses establish strong systems, processes, tools, and best practices to build a solid foundation for success. The free event provided attendees with helpful tips and resources to assist in launching their startups or boosting their existing businesses.
The workshop opened with keynote speaker Lanai Tabura. A Lanai native, Tabura is a well known entrepreneur, radio DJ, comedian, and actor. “Treating others with aloha is the way to cultivate relationships with everyone you meet,” Tabura said. “Adaptability and innovation are also a critical trait for an entrepreneur to possess. We adapt by our readiness to take every opportunity that comes to us, and the ability to innovate on the fly points to resourcefulness and creativity.” Lanai’s brother, Chef Adam Tabura, spoke to the group about his entrepreneurial journey and his newest business ventures. In 2013, the two brothers, teamed with Shaun Felipe, took first place on the Food Television Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race”. Additionally, Adam hosted a pau hana Saturday afternoon featuring some of his winning food truck creations.
During the two-day workshop, participants learned the basics of business startup creation using the Lean Startup method with the Lean Startup Canvas (LSC) – think of it as a roadmap. Omar Sultan, Luke Tucker, and Meli James of Sultan Ventures led the workshop. Attendees worked in teams to create a fictional startup or use an idea they created using the LSC, presenting their business plans for feedback. On the second day, the teams pitched their ideas before the workshop team, giving them valuable feedback to ensure the lessons they learned about the Lean Startup method were reinforced. “We were taught how to use the Lean Canvas, an actionable and entrepreneur-focused business plan, which gave us insight into whether we have a solid and effective venture,” said workshop participant Clay Richardson. Lanai resident Jina Lopez added, “This workshop helped me to understand aspects of business I formerly didn’t know how to use, such as creating a business plan. It’s given me a different viewpoint on how to be a leader and implement ideas.”
This event was amazing! The whole weekend gave people inspiration and resources that you pay for in college. My brother Adam and I hope to be a part of many more MEDB Entrepreneur Toolkit Workshops.
Lanai Tabura – Entrepreneur, radio DJ, comedian, actor, and 2013 winner of The Great Food Truck Race (reality television show)
Jul 13, 2016 | Education, Small Business
MEDB offers a powerful workshop to help you save money. Discover TWO State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) programs that can benefit your business:
Enterprise Zones (EZ) Partnership Program
If your new or existing business is located in an Enterprise Zone (EZ), you may be eligible to receive various state tax credits and benefits for up to 7 years, including:
- 100% exemption from the General Excise Tax
- Up to 80% non-refundable state income tax credit
- Up to 80% tax credit for Unemployment Insurance premiums
Hawaii State Trade and Export Promotion Assistance Program (HiSTEP-AP)
Under HiSTEP-AP, your company could receive direct awards to participate in export marketing activities. Applicants may request a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $6,000 for various business activities including trade shows, travel, collateral materials, compliance testing, shipping, and other expenses.
Workhop Speakers
The workshop is free. Breakfast will be provided. Reservations are required, space is limited. It is part of the MEDB Innovation Series, Foundations for Business Success.
Thursday, July 14, 2016 • 9 am – 12 noon
MEDB’s Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5, Kihei
Donors to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund empower students and teachers throughout Maui County. In 2006, MEDB established the fund to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It offers students access to teaching, tools and experiences that prepare them to adapt to the rapidly changing technology landscape. This past year, for example, robotics teams competed on Maui, Oahu and even the mainland. The fund also prepared students to go head-to-head with national digital media peers. “Thanks to generous businesses and other community stakeholders, we have touched thousands of students,” said Jeanne Skog, MEDB President and CEO. “Donors send a clear message to our students of the value of pursuing careers in STEM.”
