Welcome to the Young Innovators Hawaii Program—a transformative experience designed to inspire Kohala’s youth to dream big and develop the skills to turn their ideas into reality. This annual initiative provides students with hands-on opportunities to create, build, and pitch their own business ventures, guided by seasoned professionals and local business leaders.
How It Works​
​
-
Business Development: During the last quarter of the school year, students dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship. They conceptualize, plan, and refine their business ideas, working to create sustainable and impactful ventures.
-
Mentorship: Every step of the way, students are mentored by a diverse group of entrepreneurs and business leaders from various industries. These professionals provide insights, feedback, and encouragement, ensuring students receive real-world guidance and support.
-
Live Show Event: After months of preparation, the top five business ideas—selected by our panel of experts—will pitch their plans at the Live Show event. This is their chance to shine in front of mentors, peers, and the community.
-
Awards & Recognition: At the Live Show, the panel will evaluate each pitch, selecting the winning business based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. The winning team will receive:
-
Ongoing mentorship from industry experts
-
A cash prize to jumpstart their venture
-
Recognition as Kohala’s top young innovators
Second and third-place teams will also receive cash prizes and resources to further their projects.
-
Why Young Innovators is Important​
The Young Innovators Hawaii Program is about more than just creating businesses—it’s about empowering students to:
-
Dream Big: Gain the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.
-
Learn by Doing: Acquire hands-on experience in business development.
-
Connect with Leaders: Build relationships with professionals who can guide them toward success.
-
Shape the Future: Develop ideas that can make a positive impact on Kohala and beyond.
Please support the students of Kohala Middle School by making a donation or sponsoring the "Live Show" event. For more information, please email us at info@younginnovatorshawaii.com