What is the Social Impact Incubator Program?
The Hub Coworking Hawai’i (the Hub) and Teach For America Hawai’i (TFA) are partnering on SIIP- a program that will develop the whole entrepreneur for a sustainable Hawai’i. The SIIP program is a 5 month cohort based experience. Participants will build strong relationships with each other and local innovators, dive deep on technical skill sets that have been developed and used by local successful businesses and other programs, access seed funding, and engage in meaningful one to one mentorship for a curated and individualized support. The session schedule is below.
Why apply?
- Dedicated time to focus on your idea, program, or venture.
- Learn technical skills and engage in fundamental startup tools to strengthen your idea, program, or venture.
- Be in community and connect with like minded social impact entrepreneurs.
- Access to one-on-one coaching with a local innovation leader for the months of February through May of 2021. The mentors will be chosen for the participants based on needs.
- Opportunity to receive up to $8,000 for funding.
How does this fit in with other incubators and accelerators?
This program fills two gaps in the current innovation ecosystem. First, providing start-up or venture development support for passionate, altruistic, and time sensitive social entrepreneurs who are beyond the design phase, but not quite ready for an incubator or accelerator. We have found that this is an under supported piece of the local innovation pipeline. Second, focusing on the “social-emotional” skills and mindsets, or as we call it, the human part of entrepreneurship. Our continued belief is that if we develop the whole entrepreneur, it will develop a stronger network of entrepreneurs and thus develop a stronger and more resilient local ecosystem.
Who can apply for the program?
We are seeking social impact ventures in the early stages of their startup cycle. We define social impact loosely as a purpose driven venture around solving social and environmental challenges. If you believe that you fall within this definition we suggest you apply HERE. Applicants must be based in Hawaiʻi and committed to keeping their venture based in Hawaiʻi for the foreseeable future.
We have special preference for ventures with Teach For America corps members or alumni on the founding team.
How can I help?
Mahalo for the financial support of the Hawai’i Leadership Forum. If you would like to learn more about supporting small businesses through sponsoring this program see our email below. Also, share the news with people who may be stuck in the early stages of their business or with your friends who don’t know where to start their business and have a wonderful idea!
We are also always looking for business mentors and coaches. If you want to learn more please reach out to george@hubcoworkinghi.com
What is the timeline and the important dates?
Applications are due January 18, 2021 for Cohort 1. Cohort 1 selection is January 22, 2021. Cohort 2 will start in June and specific dates are yet to be released.
Sessions are every other Tuesday from 4:00 – 5:30pm, February 2 – June 8.
Participants are expected to make the 90 minute virtual seminars that happen bi-weekly and set up their meeting with their mentors on the alternating bi-weekly schedule. There are 8 modules in the curriculum with two additional meet ups at the end of the program.
