Women Entrepreneurs

The WE by Rising Tide program is an initiative sponsored by Central Pacific Bank and the aio Foundation in partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and CPB Rising Tide Hawaii. This program is specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs based in Hawaii by providing them with targeted resources and expert mentorship to grow and strengthen their businesses. It reflects the sponsors' broader commitment to fostering economic development and gender equity in the state. The program provides a comprehensive 10-week curriculum aimed at enhancing financial management and marketing skills for women-led businesses. It includes sessions on understanding financial statements, creating cash budgets, exploring growth strategies, and developing effective marketing and branding approaches. Additionally, participants will gain access to exclusive networking opportunities with experienced women entrepreneurs and executives, further enriching the educational experience. Eligible applicants must own businesses that are registered in Hawaii, be at least 51% women-owned, operate as for-profit entities, and have been in continuous operation for a minimum of three years. For the 2025 cycle, applicants must also report annual revenues between $250,000 and $5,000,000. Importantly, selected participants must commit to attending at least 10 out of the 11 program sessions, which are held every Wednesday evening at Central Pacific Bank’s headquarters in downtown Honolulu. The application window opens on March 24, 2025, and closes on May 31, 2025. Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will begin on May 19 and continue through June 13, 2025. Selected businesses will be notified by June 23 and must accept participation by June 27, 2025. The program officially begins on August 20 and concludes on October 22, 2025. There is no cost to participate, as all expenses are fully covered for the 20 women entrepreneurs selected for this cohort. The application process requires a complete online submission through the Rising Tide Hawaii website. The selection committee, consisting of small business experts and community stakeholders, will evaluate applicants based on eligibility and the quality of their responses. Interview responses will be scored using a weighted scorecard to determine final selection. Participants must be prepared to submit additional documentation, such as eligibility affidavits and W-9 forms, upon selection. For additional information or questions, applicants may refer to Central Pacific Bank’s official website, where full terms and privacy policies are available. The program strictly adheres to its outlined terms and retains the right to adjust schedules or criteria at its discretion.