Reimagining Main Street

Big Island Beauty Academy was founded by Monica Gramlich and her husband David. This dynamic team brings their extensive experience together creating an educational opportunity in the art and science of Cosmetology, Hairdressing, Esthetics and Nail Technology. The school offers services to the public allowing students to advance their skills. The combination of training and practical experience enhances graduates' ability to practice their craft and provide excellent services to their clientele.

The Hawaiʻi SBDC has been an incredible asset to helping me start/expand West Oʻahu Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine. From the beginning Dennis Wong has been a great advisor. Not only was he very knowledgeable in all the available resources, he is an incredibly kind, caring and a wonderful person to work with. We were able to talk through possible financial scenarios for starting the business and decided on the best course. Dennis was able to help me with some very important market research.

new capital invested in the Common Ground Accelerator/Incubator and related programs

Founder and Chocolate Maker

Owner of Ladybits and Leadership, LLC

EA Ecoversity is a higher education/career training program for native Hawaiian youth and young adults. "The Hawaiʻi SBDC has been supporting me for nearly two years in mentorship and professional development as myself and the team strategize innovative ways to grow EA Ecoversity into a sustainable 501c3. Since our initial meeting I have personally strengthened my skills in project management, fiscal development and even work-life balance! Checking in with Mark has been an invaluable resource and I look forward to continuing our partnership. The staff has doubled from 5 to 10 employees, increased annual revenue and has been able to secure a $1.5 million Native Hawaiian Education grant since our involvement with the Hawaiʻi SBDC.” -Administrator Krisha Zane

Green Papaya, a legacy restaurant serving Honolulu since 1996, had a very difficult time surviving during the pandemic. Restaurants were hit hard by the shifting restrictions and clientele concerns. Zach Oliver of the Hawaiʻi SBDC successfully guided the owners though the difficult to navigate SBA EIDL loan process. The loan allowed them to survive the pandemic economy. Green Papaya is once again serving its delicious food, and the Hawaiʻi SBDC will be there to help them address the next challenge.

Aloha Maiden had eight part-time employees before the pandemic, and like many businesses had to shut down for many weeks in 2020. "The mentorship and business skills I have received from Judi have enabled me to grow my business and to overcome challenges. Our meetings repeatedly inspire and spur me on. Most recently she encouraged me that to attract and retain the workers I need, to focus on making AMCS a great place to work; to delegate and empower my employees more; and to get out of their way to follow procedures I have already developed. This allows me to focus more on results, like productivity and financial indicators. This is a stretch for me, but I am learning! I really value this partnership with the Hawaiʻi SBDC."  -April Brobst, Owner

Regenerative Services Kauaʻi LLC is a native Hawaiian, veteran-owned company assisting older adults to safely age in place in the comfort of their own home. “The support received through the Hawaiʻi SBDC, especially in writing a business plan, will help Regenerative Services Kauaʻi strategize for success and eventually leverage resources to expand the business to meet the needs of our aging community.” -Damien Loo, proprietor

Hungry Coyote Founder: Genuine Gourmet Mexican Cuisine Infused with Local Island Flavors

Jessica Iida, OD, began her optometry career in 2016 at Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services to give back after graduating from Southern California College of Optometry with a Native Hawaiian Health scholarship. During the COVID shutdown she expanded her knowledge and experience of optometry clinic management. Thus Jessica was ready to purchase a practice when the opportunity came. She contacted the Hawaiʻi SBDC for advice on human resources and marketing, and received financing from a local lender. In the Hawaiian language, "makana" means "gift". "Big mahalo to Cynthia Yamasaki at the Hawaiʻi SBDC. Cynthia helped me talk through my hiring and payroll strategies and provided guidance for my next steps in business ownership!"