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Small Business Articles

Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season!

Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season!

As the gift-giving season begins, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) encourages the community to participate in Small Business Saturday (SBS), a nationwide initiative that aims to support small local businesses. Also called the “Shop Small” movement, it was...

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Let’s Go For A Walk!

Let’s Go For A Walk!

Maui resident and 2002 St. Anthony High School graduate Keith DeVey is the founder of Maui Walking Tours. The company, launched in early 2024, offers free guided walks through Kīhei and historic Wailuku town. The tours highlight each area’s origins and new...

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Hawaii off Grid

Hawaii off Grid

David Sellers, co-founder, president, and principal architect of Hawaiʻi Off Grid: Architecture & Engineering (HIOG), one of the state’s premier multidisciplinary green energy firms, recently gave a presentation as part of the resilient housing and energy panel at...

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Women-Owned Small Business Certification Benefits

Women-Owned Small Business Certification Benefits

Over many years, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the Small Business Association (SBA), and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) have collaborated to offer the Women in Business Seminar Series. The series’ purpose is to introduce local small...

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Maui food innovation center

Maui food innovation center

During a recent Maui TechOhana meeting organized by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui, participants learned about the inspiring work being done at the Maui Food Innovation Center (MFIC) located on the University of Hawaiʻi Maui...

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Adaptive Capacity For Your Business

Adaptive Capacity For Your Business

The 12th Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Women in Business Seminar Series webinar, Adaptive Capacity and What It Means for Your Business, was presented in partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC). Supported by the SBA Community Navigator...

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Planning For Your Business Succession

Planning For Your Business Succession

In partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC), and supported by the County of Maui and the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) presented a seminar in the Hawaii Women in Business Seminar Series, ‘Planning...

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Federal Resource Fair and FEMA Update

Federal Resource Fair and FEMA Update

On Saturday, August 19th, U. S. Representative Jill Tokuda from Hawaii’s 2nd District and her staff held a Federal Resource Fair for individuals, families, and businesses who have been impacted by the Maui wildfires. Hosted by Maui Economic Development Board...

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STEMworks™ Ag Business & Technology Internship Program

STEMworks™ Ag Business & Technology Internship Program

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) showcased their STEMworks™ Ag Business and Technology Internship Program at the 2023 Maui County Farm Bureau Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair. Through the program, students in grades 9-12 and college undergraduates have the...

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Hawaiian Electric & Hawaii Gas Talk Story

Hawaiian Electric & Hawaii Gas Talk Story

In a featured talk, “Sharing Our Visions, Opportunities and Challenges in the Energy Industry”, at the 2023 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), Shelee Kimura, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, and Alicia Moy, President and CEO of Hawaii Gas, discussed Hawaii’s...

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Akakū at a Glance

Akakū at a Glance

Daniel ‘Danny’ Weiss, Akakū’s new Maui Community Media Marketing Manager, is a team player with a passion for building community relationships. With an arts and sciences outlook, Weiss, a mulit-media storyteller and dedicated environmentalist, conservationist,...

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BrainTrust, Web3, and AI  

BrainTrust, Web3, and AI  

The latest Maui TechOhana meeting about AI (artificial intelligence) filled the venue with a discussion on one of the most currently talked-about subjects, a theme the community found worth exploring. Organized by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported...

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Boosting Small Businesses

Boosting Small Businesses

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) recently presented a triple session in their popular Women in Business Seminar Series. In partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) and supported by a SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program Grant and the...

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MATCHA X2 Entrepreneurs

MATCHA X2 Entrepreneurs

Maui Matcha, the sleek, minimalist-style Kaanapali café in Whalers Village, opened one year ago by entrepreneur, professional nutrition expert and UH Manoa graduate Michelle Nayebkhil. Upon receiving her license as a nutrition educator from the Physicians Committee...

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SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program

SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program

Strengthening communities, one business at a time, is the mission of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Community Navigator Pilot Program. In 2021, the SBA awarded a grant to Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) to build business capacity in underserved and...

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Rights and Rules for Small Businesses

Rights and Rules for Small Businesses

Most small businesses are not familiar with the Hawaii State Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) and their work towards a regulatory environment that encourages and supports the vitality of small business in Hawaii. As part of Maui Economic Development...

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USDA Program, Loans and Grants

USDA Program, Loans and Grants

The well-attended U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hybrid workshop, sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and USDA, brought together an inter-island team of specialists to advise Maui residents seeking to know more about energy efficiency programs,...

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Hawaii Women In Business Webinar

Hawaii Women In Business Webinar

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is once again partnering with the Women Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) to present the third webinar in the Women in Business Seminar Series. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the virtual March 16 presentation will...

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Maui TechOhana: An Entrepreneur’s Journey

Maui TechOhana: An Entrepreneur’s Journey

Maui resident Alex Fielding, Privateer Space CEO and Chairman, was the most recent guest speaker in Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Maui TechOhana virtual event series. Supported by the County of Maui and MEDB, the TechOhana events provide unique learning...

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The 2021 Hybrid AMOS Conference

The 2021 Hybrid AMOS Conference

Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the 22nd Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference, was hybrid this year, having both in-person and virtual components. The premier technical conference in the nation devoted to...

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Maui Business Connect

Maui Business Connect

Maui Coffee Roasters (MCR), a staple business on Maui since 1982, joined Maui Business Connect, one of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) newest programs for small businesses. The program focuses on growing local businesses in Maui County through training,...

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Seminar 2: Opportunities for Women in Business

Seminar 2: Opportunities for Women in Business

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the Small Business Association (SBA) and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) are collaborating to introduce local businesses to networking platforms that hold the potential for new opportunities. One platform is SBA’s...

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Women in Business Seminar Series

Women in Business Seminar Series

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) partnered with Oahu’s YWCA Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Women of Color Business Center to present a ‘Women in Business’ seminar series. In the introductory seminar,...

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The Cookie-preneur

The Cookie-preneur

Mitzi Toro, owner of The Maui Cookie Lady, recently opened an incredible upcountry boutique bakery in Makawao Town featuring her original, six-ounce cookie creations. After two years of looking for a store front, she received a call from Barbara Tam, who grew up on...

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Ho’oulu Maui Nui Business Directory

Ho’oulu Maui Nui Business Directory

Ho’oulu Maui Nui is an online resource directory that helps Maui County’s small businesses find local services and products during COVID-19. Ho’oulu means ‘to grow’ and the directory, launched as part of the 2020 Adaptability Fund, was created to help Maui County...

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We’re All Startups Again

We’re All Startups Again

Maui TechOhana meetings are back! Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui, the first virtual Zoom meeting provided an informal networking opportunity open to anyone interested in Maui County’s business and technology...

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2020 Hawaii Energy Conference: Imagining a Just Recovery

2020 Hawaii Energy Conference: Imagining a Just Recovery

The 2020 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), postponed in March due to Covid-19, aired in July with a live-stream virtual event. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the conference welcomed...

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Kihei Company Awarded Best Place to Work

Kihei Company Awarded Best Place to Work

Exciting projects, industry-best benefits and flexible working arrangements are a few of the reasons that Kihei-based Centauri was recently named a 2020 Hawai’i Best Place to Work by Hawaii Business Magazine. Centauri is a technology company providing high-end,...

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Hawaiian Electric Helping Hawaii Food Bank and United Way

Hawaiian Electric Helping Hawaii Food Bank and United Way

More than 33,000 pounds of food are being distributed by the Maui Food Bank to Moloka‘i residents in need through a $20,000 contribution from the Hawaiian Electric Industries Charitable Foundation (HEICF). HEI is the parent company of Hawaiian Electric, which supplies...

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Join Us for the 7th Hawaii Energy Conference

Join Us for the 7th Hawaii Energy Conference

The Hawai’i Energy Conference brings together regional and national experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation. The 2020 Conference will explore the timely issues of beneficial electrification and the design of an equitable energy transition....

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Maui Business on the ISS

Maui Business on the ISS

HNu Photonics LLC, an award-winning Maui science and technology company based in Kahului, brings another honor to Maui County for developing the Scorpio-V Mobile SpaceLab to study human biology on the International Space Station (ISS). “Maui Economic Development Board...

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Is Your Business Cyber Secure and Resilient?

Is Your Business Cyber Secure and Resilient?

CyberHawaii, in partnership with the Maui Economic Development Board, brought a Cyber Readiness Workshop to Maui for businesses and nonprofits. Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and people against digital attack. Pulling...

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Tips, Tricks and Tools for Small Businesses

Tips, Tricks and Tools for Small Businesses

On May 8-9, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with the support of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, will present their 3nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Attendees will learn key strategies...

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Successful Strategies for Small Business

Successful Strategies for Small Business

On May 8-9, 2019, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with the support of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, will present their 3nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The event, coinciding with National...

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Hawaii Small Business Conference Returns to Maui

Hawaii Small Business Conference Returns to Maui

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on May 8 & 9, 2019, presented by the Maui Economic Development Board with the support of County of Maui Office of Economic Development.  Business owners, managers,...

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Join Us for the Hawaii Energy Conference & Exhibition

Join Us for the Hawaii Energy Conference & Exhibition

Hawaii has experienced enormous growth in distributed energy resources, primarily photovoltaic systems. This year’s conference will take an in-depth look at the innovative policies and technologies that continue to allow rapid growth in PV, and will compare Hawaii...

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ICEBUDDY™ Saves Lives

ICEBUDDY™ Saves Lives

Pamela Norris, a Maui resident and entrepreneur, has participated in numerous High Tech Maui business development programs offered by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). Norris, winner of the Small Business Administration’s 2016 InnovateHer Challenge locally...

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Startup Weekend Maui Series Returns

Startup Weekend Maui Series Returns

In just one weekend, you will experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup. Surrounded by smart, passionate people and with the best tools and strategies at your disposal, you’ll take giant leaps in learning skills to create a business,...

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Plan, Build & Grow Your Business

Plan, Build & Grow Your Business

Small businesses will learn pathways to success at the 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) on May 2-3, 2018 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. The theme of this year’s event, “Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping A Pathway to Success”, provides...

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Pathways to Success for Small Businesses

Pathways to Success for Small Businesses

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on May 2 & 3, 2018, will provide business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees with an opportunity to expand their expertise in numerous industry-related subjects. Hosted...

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Energy + Business = Opportunity

Energy + Business = Opportunity

The 2018 Maui Energy Conference returned to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to celebrate its 5th Anniversary on March 14-15. The event, presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, explored...

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2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference

2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), in collaboration with Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, will present their 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului on May 2-3, 2018. The event, coinciding with...

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Plan, Build, Grow

Plan, Build, Grow

Don’t miss the second annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on May 2 & 3, 2018, presented by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Maui Economic Development Board. The theme of this year’s conference...

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Future Clinical Health Providers

Future Clinical Health Providers

King Kekaulike High School, a grantee of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund, received funding toward educational materials for their Clinical Health students. “This project, Child and Human Development, will primarily impact the...

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The Power of Service in Small Business

The Power of Service in Small Business

What keeps you up at night? Employee engagement? Service quality? The quality of your customer service can determine your success – or failure! Petra Marquart, President of Petra Marquart and Associates, will present a comprehensive approach to customer service at the...

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Discover Business Marketing and Risk Management Strategies

Discover Business Marketing and Risk Management Strategies

Are you confused about the dizzying array of marketing options for your business? Are you struggling with how to market your business on a tight budget? You are not alone. At the upcoming Hawaii Small Business Conference, Albert Samuelian, Managing Director, OMD West...

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Learn Successful Business Strategies

Learn Successful Business Strategies

On May 3–4, 2017, Maui Economic Development Board, in collaboration with Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, will present the first-ever Hawaii Small Business Conference. The theme, Design, Protect, Engage: Small Business Strategies for Success, aims to...

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Two MEDB Workshops Kick-Off “Startup Weekend Maui”

Two MEDB Workshops Kick-Off “Startup Weekend Maui”

In February, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) offered two power-packed workshops in preparation for its Pitch Bootcamp on May 16 and Startup Weekend Maui, May 19-21, 2017. Both workshops provided attendees with tips on how to launch successful ventures and...

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You’re invited to the Hawaii Small Business Conference

You’re invited to the Hawaii Small Business Conference

Maui Economic Development Board, in collaboration with County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, invites you to the first-ever Hawaii Small Business Conference. Small business owners, startups and entrepreneurs interested in taking their business to the...

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Register now for the Maui Energy Conference

Register now for the Maui Energy Conference

Experts from across the nation will explore new and innovative pathways to a vibrant and clean energy future. Topics will include: How can we make our energy systems more resilient and sustainable? What types of rate structures and incentives will be necessary? What...

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Two workshops for entrepreneurs

Two workshops for entrepreneurs

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) proudly presents TWO power-packed workshops for entrepreneurs. As part of MEDB’s Startup Weekend Maui Series, these must-attend sessions will help you jumpstart your new business or fine-tune your existing business. Pinching Your...

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10th Annual MNHCoC Business Fest

10th Annual MNHCoC Business Fest

“Navigating Our Future Through Business” was this year’s theme at the 10th Annual Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (MNHCoC) Business Fest. The MNHCoC created the Annual Business Fest in 2006 as a forum to highlight its mission “to promote and sustain Hawaiian...

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Pitch Bootcamp and Business Workshop on Lāna‘i

Pitch Bootcamp and Business Workshop on Lāna‘i

Two workshops coming up this month will be invaluable to anyone thinking of starting a business on Lāna‘i: An evening "pitch bootcamp" next week, and a weekend workshop October 21-23. Both are free and include meals. Details and registration info below. Maka Hou...

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Lanai Workshop for Small Businesses

Lanai Workshop for Small Businesses

Lanai residents interested in learning about how to run their businesses more profitably attended a free workshop and dinner, Pinching Your Pennies: Finance for Small Businesses at the Lanai Senior Center. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) as part of...

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Hidden Gems for Entrepreneurs

Hidden Gems for Entrepreneurs

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,”...

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MEDB Accelerates Entrepreneurs on Lanai

MEDB Accelerates Entrepreneurs on Lanai

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,...

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Hidden Gems: State Programs to Save Your Business Money

Hidden Gems: State Programs to Save Your Business Money

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...

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The basics of sound human resources management

The basics of sound human resources management

The recent Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) workshop, “Getting Started For Startups: The Basics of Sound Human Resources Management,” brought home once again the importance of building a strong foundation for business success. More than 20 entrepreneurs, small...

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Maker of things

Maker of things

Maui Makers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is based on the belief that by working together we can prove that Hawai’i’s future is really what we “make of it.” Organized in 2010 by Haiku resident, Jerry Isdale, this unique group provides the venue, knowledge, and atmosphere to...

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Pamela Norris wins the 2016 InnovateHER business challenge

Pamela Norris wins the 2016 InnovateHER business challenge

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) was the local host for the 2016 InnovateHER “Innovating for Business Challenge.” The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the nationwide InnovateHER Challenge in August 2015, with the goal of finding products and...

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Using US Census demographic data to build a business plan

Using US Census demographic data to build a business plan

A recent seminar presented by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB’s) Technical Assistance Workshop Series provided a hands-on look at apps available from the U.S. Census Bureau to give small businesses and startups the edge in exploring the demographics of...

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Venturing Out: Exploring the World of Venture Capital

Venturing Out: Exploring the World of Venture Capital

Do you need capital to grow your company and achieve success? Come learn from experts in the venture capital industry about how to attract needed venture capital to expand and grow your business. The focus of discussion will be on Silicon Valley-style venture funds....

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Minding Your Own Business workshop

Minding Your Own Business workshop

By popular demand, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) offered two days of the workshop “Minding Your Own Business: Entrepreneurial Psychology Basics and You.” The workshop, part of MEDB’s Technical Assistance Series, is a grassroots effort to help small businesses...

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Attendees boost their financial IQ

Attendees boost their financial IQ

When it comes to understanding one’s financials all types of businesses could use a boost. Such was the overwhelming sentiment by those who recently attended MEDB’s Technical Assistance Series workshop, “Boosting Your Financial IQ,” on Wednesday, July 15th. Held at...

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Boost your financial IQ!

Boost your financial IQ!

Receive invaluable advice from accounting experts on how to improve your business’s efficiency, promote good accounting practices, and ultimately save on your taxes. Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 9:30 am - 2 pm MEDB’s Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Ste. #5 Kihei,...

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Aspiring entrepreneurs explore business ideas in one weekend

Aspiring entrepreneurs explore business ideas in one weekend

Website consultant David Fry’s idea to create an online voting system for nonprofit leaders took home the top prize at the 2015 Startup Weekend Maui. Fry said he and his team from Board.Vote created the beginnings of a viable prototype in less than 54 hours by...

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Census workshop takes Maui County’s business pulse

A workshop on using census data on Maui and webcast on Molokai were a hit for participants, especially those who use numbers to understand what’s happening in the world of business. “The MEDB workshop was excellent and for those of us who use numbers on a regular...

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Green Building Helps Maui LEED the Way

Green Building Helps Maui LEED the Way

A passion for the outdoors inspired John Bendon to create a company that helps others achieve milestones in energy efficiency and environmental design. Bendon, a 1996 Seabury Hall graduate, serves as the founding principal of Green Building Hawaii. “Ultimately, the...

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Pest business learns to tackle pesky legal issues

Pest business learns to tackle pesky legal issues

Accu-Pest & Termite Control Services owner/operator Jerry Edlao has his hands full getting rid of pests for his customers, so he doesn’t have the time to tackle some of the pesky legal issues that affect his business. And that’s why the recent Legal Toolkit...

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“Legal Toolkit” helps to build small businesses

“Legal Toolkit” helps to build small businesses

In an effort to give small businesses a lift in 2015, Maui Economic Development Board has partnered with experienced corporate attorneys to present “Legal Toolkit.” The seminar is set for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, January 15, at MEDB’s Malcolm Center....

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Hearts and minds: New business has it wrapped up

With the holiday gift-giving season just around the corner, a Kula entrepreneur has found a way to take 100 percent recyclable and compostable newsprint from local presses, like The Maui News, add great patterns on wrapping paper and bring a smile to gift givers and...

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Molokai businessman driven by his passion for art

Molokai businessman driven by his passion for art

Graphic design artist Lyndon Dela Cruz was amongst the 12 Molokai vendors attending the first-ever Made in Maui County Festival held November 7-8 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. “This is awesome. I’m learning a lot,” Dela Cruz said during a break between...

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Business advice: Be mindful of intellectual property

Business advice: Be mindful of intellectual property

As a licensed patent attorney, Shannon Sheldon has come to realize that many businesses and individuals on Maui are unfamiliar with how to protect their valuable intellectual property. That’s why she and her law firm – McKeon Sheldon Mehling – collaborated with Maui...

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Ben Franklin Crafts: Finding a business niche

Ben Franklin Crafts: Finding a business niche

For more than 60 years, Ben Franklin Crafts has carved out its niche in Maui County’s business landscape with a simple guiding principle – top flight customer service. “Everything we do is somehow linked to satisfying our customers externally as well as internally,”...

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Facebook Small Business Boost

Facebook's Small Business Boost is coming to Maui! with special guest speaker, Senator Brian Schatz Through a special partnership with local business organizations, the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and Facebook invite you to join experts from Facebook's...

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Betsill Brothers instills honor to build business

Betsill Brothers instills honor to build business

At Betsill Brothers Construction Inc., business is more than building affordable homes and buildings. It's about building relationships, a value inspired by the family patriarch, Doyle Betsill Sr. “We provide excellent service to our customers and our dad, who was a...

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Energy Conference opens dialogue about future

What will future consumers want and expect from their utility? That is just one question Hawaii leaders and others across the country are expected to tackle at the upcoming conference: “Electric Utilities: The Future Is Not What It Used To Be.” The event scheduled for...

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Federal officials encourage innovative business

Federal officials encourage innovative business

Federal government representatives recently visited the islands to provide Maui entrepreneurs an opportunity to obtain funding for new technology and innovative projects. About 40 people attended the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Conference coordinated by...

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Future scientists bring synergy to AMOS Conference

Future scientists bring synergy to AMOS Conference

Physical scientist Stacie Williams thrives on learning the latest developments in her field at the annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance (AMOS) Technologies Conference presented by Maui Economic Development Board. She especially enjoys a conference...

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Goodfellow Bros builds pride in giving back

Goodfellow Bros builds pride in giving back

Whether it’s building communities or battling fires, Goodfellow Bros has maintained an ongoing commitment to social responsibility, according to President Chad Goodfellow. “Our mission is to be the contractor of choice by our clients, employees and the communities in...

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Budding businesses energized by clean goals

Budding businesses energized by clean goals

An internship in the Maui Smart Grid project energized three people to launch businesses aimed at helping Hawaii reach its clean energy goals. They are Patricia Boulet, Green Energy Consulting; Stamati Stamatiou, Mati Consulting; and Austin Van Heusen, Van Heusen...

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Big Risk Sparks Colorful Business

Big Risk Sparks Colorful Business

Before the late Bob Nakasone got his start in politics, winning seats on the Maui County Council and State House of Representatives, he took a risk. Nakasone and his wife, Ruth, used their new family home in 1973 as collateral for a loan to purchase the hardware...

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Life is Sweet for a Fourth-Generation Family Business

A family business with nearly 100 years of history lives on today in Cindy Tasaka-Ing and her sister, Gail Saito. The two are the owners and operators of Tasaka Guri-Guri, a homegrown snack shop founded by their greatgrandfather Jokichi Tasaka. He created the store’s...

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A Successful Small Business Serving the Community for 67 Years

Day in and day out, the family-owned and operated Tasty Crust restaurant aims at providing meals that give Maui families a reprieve in the kitchen. “You can get a meal here that you can cook at home,” Tasty Crust President Curtis Takaoka. “We’re just giving moms a...

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One Veteran’s Technology Business Serving the Community

As we recently celebrated Veterans Day and are mindful of the service given to our nation by members of our armed forces, disabled Iraq veteran and entrepreneur, Chelsea Ann K.E. Fernandez, is fulfilling a dream of serving the disabled community of Maui. The president...

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A Small Business Vaulting its Way to Success

Valley Isle Gymnastics is not just Maui's longest-lived gymnastics training center offering wholesome and healthy activities for young athletes of all skill levels in a fun and safe atmosphere. Once again this September, the gym hosted the Special Olympics Cartwheel...

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Maui’s AMOS Conference: Serving the Tech Sector

Maui’s AMOS Conference: Serving the Tech Sector

This year’s Advanced Maui Optical and Space Technologies (AMOS) Conference provided an unmatched opportunity for Maui Oceanit Program Manager Curt Leonard. “To remain relevant in any business environment it is important to maintain close ties with “old friends” from...

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For One Small Business, It’s All In The (Extended) Family

The New Year is a time of renewed optimism, and for all of us, including business, to look ahead. Small businesses are key players in economic sustainability, as the Focus Maui Nui process has verified. Bill and Maureen Marrs believe being in business means respecting...

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