Small Business Development Center - O'ahu

$5.53 BILLION.

That’s the level of impact America’s SBDC is making—helping small businesses access capital, grow stronger, and scale smarter.

Behind every dollar is a business owner who took a risk… and had the right support to win.

If you’re building something, you don’t have to do it alone.

From recycled soda cans to a full-time retail shop in Kailua-Kona, Candelaria Onyeabor—founder of Soda2Art—has transformed everyday aluminum into handcrafted wearable art since 2015.

With support from the Hawaiʻi SBDC, she developed a retail strategy, launched her storefront in Kailua Village, and grew her passion into a full-time income. She is now expanding her product line and preparing to hire staff, all while staying true to her sustainability mission.

“Thank you SBDC for all the help over the years as well as supporting me to successfully make the leap to full-time retailer.” — Candelaria Onyeabor

We’re proud to support Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs as they innovate, create, and grow.
Learn more at hisbdc.org

Got an AI idea? Now’s your chance to turn it into reality. Hawaiʻi businesses are invited to pitch for $25,000 in services to bring their vision to life.

✅ Applications are open now — don’t wait.
👉 Apply here: https://www.hinowdaily.com/2025/09/18/pitch-your-ai-idea-local-businesses-invited-apply-25k-services/

Pitch your AI Idea: Local businesses invited to apply for $25K in services Local small businesses can apply by October 1 to pitch their AI concept. Winner gets up to $25K in services from PREDICTif Solutions + AWS.

🌴✨ Innovation meets opportunity in Hawaiʻi!

Join us for the AI Pitch Competition, where visionaries pitch their AI solutions for a chance to win $25,000 in AWS + PREDICTif services.

📅 Submission Deadline: Oct 1, 2025
📍 Live Pitch: Oct 15, 2–4:30 PM | HTDC Sandbox, Honolulu
🎟 Free to attend, registration required

➡ Apply to pitch: https://www.htdc.org/ai-pitch-application/

➡ Register to attend: https://clients.hisbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=8450001

Don’t miss this celebration of AI innovation in the islands!