{"id":870846,"date":"2026-06-16T09:35:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T09:35:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/870846\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T09:35:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T09:35:25","slug":"business-monday-new-small-business-network-offers-support-for-aspiring-entrepreneurs-on-the-big-island-big-island-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/870846\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Monday: New small business network offers support for aspiring entrepreneurs on the Big Island : Big Island Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\"\"<\/a>Bryson Hiro sends shakas from his Hiro\u2019s Cookies booth at during a craft fair at Edith Kanaka\u02bbole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. (Courtesy of Bryson Hiro)<\/p>\n

In 2021, it had been years since Bryson Hiro baked cookies with his mom, but when he stepped into the kitchen to help her with cookies for a family event, memories came flooding back from his childhood.<\/p>\n

At the time, his career as a life insurance agent was comfortable, but Hiro knew he was missing passion. That\u2019s when a business idea began to sprout that would bring back his creativity while honoring his favorite pastime with his mom.<\/p>\n

In 2022, at age 36, he founded the company Hiro\u2019s Cookies in Hilo.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Almond Shortbread Cookie from Hiro\u2019s Cookies is seen from dough to package. (Courtesy of Bryson Hiro)<\/p>\n

While the business was simple on the surface, it became more complicated as he committed to baking every cookie from scratch using only all-natural ingredients, even extracting coloring for the cookies from real fruits, vegetables and herbs. To grow, he needed help.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Hiro found an opportunity to join a pilot program called the \u02bb\u0100inapreneur Small Business Development Program from ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi, a community economic development organization.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Christian McAdams, left, awards Bryson Hiro with a $10,000 loan after he completed the \u02bb\u0100inapreneur Rural Small Business Development Program with ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi in November 2023. (File photo: Kelsey Walling)<\/p>\n

The program was a 12-week hybrid training for small businesses, starting with a two-day, in-person intensive cohort followed by weekly online coursework. Christian McAdams, the director of finance for ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi, worked directly with Hiro as he cultivated his business idea and developed his business practices.<\/p>\n

Upon completing the program, he was awarded a $10,000 microloan \u2014 becoming the first recipient from ChangeMakers\u2019 emerging Native Community Development Financial Institution.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout the loan, I would have never been able to purchase the new equipment needed to improve production efficiency and reduce the strain on myself and my small team,\u201d Hiro said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Orange Dreamsicle Shortbread Cookie is held in front of Pono\u2019s Hawaiian Style Deli, which is the first locating in Waik\u014dloa to sell Hiro\u2019s Cookies. (Courtesy of Bryson Hiro)<\/p>\n

With improved production, Hiro expanded his reach, and his cookies are now sold at various locations across Hawai\u02bbi Island. He is currently saving to open his own certified kitchen that can be shared with other locally owned small businesses.<\/p>\n

This year, as local businesses face pressure from rising costs and a lack of resources, ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi has grown its \u02bb\u0100inapreneur Small Business Development Program, into a full network to grow a community of aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders, creatives and changemakers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt a time when prosperity and even stability may seem out of reach, there are opportunities for education, support and success for aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs who don\u2019t know where to start or how to proceed,\u201d said Jenny Boyette, communications director for ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi. \u201cThe \u02bb\u0100inapreneur Small Business Network<\/a> will connect aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding opportunities, resources, visibility and collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiro said it took him a long time to start his business due to his previous careers.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m so proud I actually took the leap four years ago,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t think I realized how complicated it would be to make all the cookies from scratch, so at the time, I didn\u2019t know how I was going to find the time and space to grow my business.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new network empowers entrepreneurs rooted in aloha \u02bb\u0101ina (love of the land) and cultural integrity. Through tools, training and deep guidance, the goal is to help build thriving, sustainable ventures that strengthen Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi will be offering learning opportunities in the network with an 8-week business development course that will guide the participants in creating a one-page growth plan and business pitch. Participants also gain real revenue growth and learn how to prepare a business for potential funding.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Christian McAdams, right, goes over a financial plan with Sofia Chung, who was participating in the \u02bb\u0100inapreneur Rural Small Business Development Program with Bryson Hiro, at ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi in Hilo. (Courtesy of ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi)<\/p>\n

As a Native Community Development Financial Institution, ChangeMakers Hawai\u02bbi also offers clear funding opportunities, financial literacy and technical assistance tailored for Native Hawaiian and local entrepreneurs to build economic resilience while honoring collective abundance.<\/p>\n

The no interest loans through the Native Community Development Financial Institution help circulate support through capital and service.<\/p>\n

According to Boyette, the \u02bb\u0100inapreneur Small Business Network will be most helpful to individuals with a vision but who have reached a crossroads and are unsure of where to start. The network will be open to:<\/p>\n