Two locally owned small businesses got a boost last month thanks to loans from a nonprofit organization.
The loans were awarded by ChangeMakers Hawaii, an emerging native Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI.
Sofia Chung of Torres Farms and Bryson Hiro of Hiro’s Cookies each were awarded a $10,000 loan after being the first to complete ChangeMaker’s ‘Ainapreneur Rural Small Business Development Program.
The program is a 12-week hybrid training for small businesses that starts with a two-day, in-person intensive cohort followed by weekly online course work.
“When creating ChangeMakers, we wanted to make a CDFI, which is a federal program that gives nonprofits the ability to provide money to the local economy and entrepreneurs,” said Christian McAdams, director of finance. “One requirement is developing a training and support process, and Sofia and Bryson participated in our pilot program.”
McAdams worked directly with Chung and Hiro as they cultivated their business ideas through one-on-one coaching, built their business soft skills and developed business documents.
“We aren’t a regular bank, we are partners alongside these businesses, and they will continue to have access to education and support,” said Olani Lilly, founder of ChangeMakers Hawaii. “This is a first step where they can show that they can manage a loan, which will then give more opportunities as their businesses grow.”
Chung partnered with Camerino Torres, owner of Torres Farms, in 2017, and the duo has been working together to make the farm more productive. While they have been successful in selling taro leaves locally, Torres and Chung have plans to change the business after participating in the program.
“We started marketing the taro leaf locally and our market grew, and now, sometimes we don’t have enough to supply everyone,” Chung said. “We have a lot of land to work with, so we want to use this funding to open farming opportunities to locals and create a pick-and-carry. We can open farming opportunities to families and share the land to make it more productive.”
Torres Farms is planning to offer more educational opportunities to keiki to give them knowledge about farming and a sense of accomplishment when they get to eat the produce they grow.
“These businesses are great, but best of all, is that they give back through education and employment,” Lilly said. “Not only are they in the business of growing and using local foods, we know that whatever success they have, it will trickle out to the community.”
Hiro started Hiro’s Cookies in February 2022 and has continued to grow his business.
“It took me a long time to start this business due to my previous careers, but I’m so proud of actually doing this and seeing the success I have over the past two years,” Hiro said. “All of the cookies are made from scratch with all natural ingredients, which can be difficult when making shortbread cookies. It’s been amazing to see it grow, and this loan is a huge stepping stone.”
Hiro plans to use the loan to help purchase equipment that will help his employees and himself save time when making the cookies. It will also give him a push toward opening his own certified kitchen instead of renting.
“This is going to help us purchase things I never would have been able to without the help,” Hiro said. “I’m shocked, thankful and surprised with all the support I’ve gotten from the community and now from the program.”
The ChangeMakers is offering the second cohort for small businesses beginning Jan. 8. While the program is free, those interested must become a member of the Change Center Collective Workspace, located at 120 Keawe St. #202, for $10 a month.
The ChangeMakers operates out of the Change Center, which is a space where organizations, businesses and individuals can share resources like technology and meeting areas.
Those interested can still join the second ‘Ainapreneur cohort and learn more about ChangeMakers Hawaii and its other programs at changemakershawaii.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.