From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise (ChefZone Presents)

Q: When is the deadline for From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise (ChefZone Presents)?

The deadline is April 15, 2026.

HAWAII AG AND CULINARY ALLIANCE

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Funding Amount

Full scholarship to 12-week course

Deadline

April 15, 2026

7 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Program

Funder: Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) in partnership with Leeward Community College and Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center

Program Status: Active, accepting applications for Cohort 5 and beyond

Geographic Scope: Hawaii-based entrepreneurs only

Focus Areas:

Value-added food products utilizing local, Hawaii-grown, raised, or caught ingredients

Small batch producers and consumer packaged goods (CPG)

Food product entrepreneurs at all stages from concept to scaling

Eligibility:

Hawaii-based entrepreneurs with value-added food products

Must utilize Hawaii-grown, raised, or caught ingredients

Interest in scaling from cottage industry to commercial enterprise

What They Fund:

Full scholarship to Leeward CC's 12-week "Aina to Makeke" course

Curriculum includes: licensing & regulations, commercial kitchen operations, branding & marketing, packaging, sales & distribution

Access to Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (opened Spring 2023)

Mentorship from HACA's network of industry leaders and chefs

Promotional, networking, and sales opportunities through Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

Program Details:

Selects 15 entrepreneurs per cohort

12-week course runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 P.M.

Cohort 3 (March 2024): 35% of graduates began selling in retailers including 7-11, Foodland, ABC Stores, Down to Earth

Virtual information sessions held before application deadlines

Culminates with showcase opportunity at annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival with thousands of attendees

Networking and sales opportunities through HashiLife.com digital platform

Organization Background:
HACA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 with a mission to attract national and international attention for Hawaii's culinary talent and locally grown products. Has donated over $3.5 million to local organizations supporting food sustainability, culinary education, and agriculture.

Contact:
Kristen Lau-Grover, Director of Marketing & PR | [email protected] or 808-721-1849

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Review Requirements: Confirm you are a Hawaii-based entrepreneur with a value-added food product using local ingredients
2. Complete Application: Submit application form available at www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/cottageindustry
3. Submit by Deadline: April 15, 2026 (or current cohort deadline)
4. Attend Information Session (Optional): Virtual information sessions held approximately one week before deadline at 5:30 P.M.
5. Participate in Course: Selected entrepreneurs participate in 12-week "Aina to Makeke" bootcamp
6. Build Business Plan: Develop pitch and business plan with mentor support
7. Showcase at Festival: Present products at Hawaii Food & Wine Festival with marketing opportunities