Kākou Collective one of many local businesses Awarded Grant to Elevate Native Hawaiian Businesses at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival
We are beyond excited to share that Kākou Collective has been awarded a grant through the Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) program, administered by the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT). This funding, awarded to INPEACE (Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture) to support Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, is a huge help in making our participation in the 2024 Made in Hawaiʻi Festival possible.
Made in Hawaiʻi is one of the biggest events of the year for us. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with our community, showcase our work, and share our passion for Hawaiian culture. But let’s be real—it’s also really expensive. The costs of production, booth fees, marketing, and everything in between add up fast. That’s why receiving this grant is such a big deal. Having financial support like this takes off some of the pressure, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—creating and sharing meaningful art.
For us, Made in Hawaiʻi is especially meaningful because we prioritize manufacturing here in Hawaiʻi, ensuring that from inspiration and design to the moment a product reaches our customers' hands, its roots remain deeply tied to Hawaiʻi. This commitment to local production helps sustain our economy, create jobs, and preserve the authenticity of our work.
For small businesses, seeking support from non-profits like INPEACE can be a game-changer. These organizations provide essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities that help businesses grow in ways that might not otherwise be possible. Even partial grants like this one can make a huge impact, easing the financial burden and making events like Made in Hawaiʻi more accessible. This kind of support allows us to continue doing what we love—bringing our designs to life and celebrating the stories of our lāhui through art.
We’re incredibly grateful to INPEACE and DBEDT for recognizing the importance of Native Hawaiian businesses and helping us take part in such a meaningful event. And, of course, a huge mahalo to our community—your support means everything to us. We can’t wait to see you at the 2024 Made in Hawaiʻi Festival!
