Growing pono entrepreneurship from the ground up

Community Development Through Social Entrepreneurship

Our Social Enterprise Program (SEP) provides technical, social, and monetary support for entrepreneurial ventures creating jobs for vulnerable populations and revitalizing the community.

What is a Social Enterprise?

A social enterprise is a business venture that gives back to the community. Nonprofit Organizations or For-Profit Organizations that are social enterprises blend sound business practices with social impact to develop with aloha.

What does the program provide for me?

The Social Enterprise Program recognizes that an entrepreneurial venture faces unique challenges beyond the bottom line. That's why the program provides "wrap around" services to find solutions to obstacles you and your organization may face.

• Capital - Often resources like facilities, equipment, and funding are difficult for small businesses to acquire when starting out or looking to scale. PGC-SEP has direct access to these resources or can facilitate acquiring them. For example, a commercial kitchen is available for a food truck start-up or microloans are available for up to $15,000.

• Education & Training - Experts in the industry provide one-on-one coaching for whatever your organization needs. Whether it is drafting a business plan or understanding market research, special classes are tailored to your specific business needs in the areas of taxes, legal issues, marketing, and more.

• Wrap Around Services - Real life challenges to running a venture need real life solutions. The Social Enterprise Program provides access to childcare, transportation assistance, language access support, and more.

We have curated a strong network of local service providers that can address the diverse needs of our clients. For example, American Savings Bank offers a wide range of financial education resources free of charge to our local entrepreneurs.