Whether people are just getting started in business or looking to scale up, the recent Entrepreneur Bootcamp was designed to equip them with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to succeed. Presented by the UH Maui College Maui Food Innovation Center and the YWCA Maui Women’s Business Center in partnership with agencies, organizations, and sponsors from across Hawaiʻi, the all-day event included Maui residents of all ages and levels of business experience, including a 13-year-old entrepreneur. The event was free for participants, including breakfast, lunch, and a pau hana mixer. Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) sponsored the travel of Maui County’s islands in the spirit of collaboration.  

“It’s a valuable and important collaboration between the non-profits of Maui,” said Annette Lynch, Director of Communications for MEDB who attended the bootcamp and consulted with attendees. “It’s fantastic to come together in one place so that small business owners and entrepreneurs know that there are resources and support to help them thrive on Maui. They don’t have to do it alone.” 

“This year’s theme, Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu (Rising to the Summit), calls us to pursue excellence with determination and resilience,” said Angela Gannon, the event coordinator for the bootcamp. “It reminds us that the entrepreneurial path, like the climb to a mountain peak, requires vision, effort, and perseverance.”  

Stacey Moniz, Director of the Maui Women’s Business Center, YWCA, noted, “The goals of this bootcamp are simple yet powerful: to meet the real needs of our local entrepreneurs, to deliver training and mentorship that build lasting business success, and to expand access across Maui Nui.” 

Andra Tejero-Gaspar, business advisor from the Veterans Business Outreach Center, one of the bootcamp resource partners, shared, “We give assistance to those who are transitioning out of the military and to veterans who want to further their education, join the workforce, and become entrepreneurs. We do one-on-one consultations, provide resources, and connect veterans with business owners. All those in the military community are welcome.” 

Bootcamp participant Monika Jost added, “This is a fabulous event! I found so many connections, ideas, and people willing to help me grow my business. I gained insights on business formation, planning, funding, marketing, accounting, and ecommerce, plus priceless networking.”