Kaua‘i participates in Global Entrepreneurship Week

LIHU‘E — Global Entrepreneurship Week kicks off on Monday with a host of events throughout the week, including a series of free online events and workshops.

All four major Hawaiian Islands are participating in virtual events, and Kaua‘i will host two, including a Sustainable Tourism panel at 9 a.m. on Monday with Nikki Cristobal of Kamawaelualani Corp., Po‘ipu Shuttle’s Doug Beane and Joel Guy of The Hanalei Initiative.

The second event, a discussion called “The Future of Young Entrepreneurs of Hawai‘i” will be at 5 p.m. the same day, and will feature aerosol artist Caleb Aero, Bamboo Pro Kevin Brown and Joanna Villareal La Morena of Spices & More. Dirk Soma, professor of business at Kaua‘i Community College, will moderate.

Other islands will contribute to the event on their designated days.

This is the first year Kaua‘i has participated in this state-wide event, according to Robbie Melton, Kaua‘i director of the Small Business Development Center.

“These events are significant because it raises the awareness of how important entrepreneurs are to Hawaii’s economy,” Melton said in an email. “It also elevates Hawaii‘ as a place to do business as our activities will be known across the globe.”

Kaua‘i events were envisioned by leaders of business organizations including the Small Business Development Center, Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce, KCC, the county’s Office of Economic Development and Lady Entrepreneurs and Innovators.

“The State of Hawai‘i celebrates our passionate and committed entrepreneurs,” Gov. David Ige said in a release last week. “Their ingenuity and initiative are creating a more vibrant economy and helping to drive our communities toward a more sustainable future.

Entrepreneurs and their startups are the driver of economic vitality, according to a state release. These ventures, particularly in rural and underserved communities, have accounted for 68.3% of all private payroll jobs in 2020.

Registration can be found at https://www.gewalohastate.org/events.html.