LIHUE — Small local business may get a helping hand growing in Kauai next year.
The Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay will be hosting the inaugural Catch a Wave Business Competition this spring.
Businesses that have revenue of less than $250,000 per year are eligible to apply for an opportunity for mentorship from business veterans.
“We are very excited for the ways in which this competition and everything around it will benefit the community,” said Greg Horn, organizer and vocational services chair for Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay.
Local small businesses will be selected to present in front of a panel of judges, as well as an audience of investors and Kauai locals. Competition winners will be chosen for business opportunities and awarded prizes.
“It’s open to any business that wants to expand the space they’re operating in or hire more employees, anything that will serve the community ultimately,” Horn said.
Owners will also have the opportunity to pitch their business to investors as well as request support.
“Even if the business is not selected as a finalist, we’re going to be meeting with them and sitting down with them hopefully helping them along with sales and marketing,” Horn said. “We’re looking to help these small business in anyway we can.”
This first-time event is seeking a centrally located venue to host the competition scheduled for sometime in March or April.
“Entrepreneurship is the tide that lifts all boats,” Horn said. “Where there are stronger small businesses, and more of them, it creates a more empowered community and a stable local economy. More local, well-paying jobs means our talented young people can stay here and make our community even stronger.”
Applications are being accepted now at https://goo.gl/forms/2Sqq6VudEbAeT2ii1
