Extensive support available for isle business innovators

In past columns I profiled several kamaaina who used startups as a way to come home from the mainland. I showed how even entrepreneurs without roots in Hawaii see compelling reasons to build their companies here.

Hawaii needs more of these types of trailblazing entrepreneurs to help drive economic growth and create high-wage jobs. Now is one of the best times to start an innovative business in Hawaii. Let’s run through the reasons.

First, there’s an incredibly supportive startup ecosystem of six accelerators and seven investment funds covering many industry segments. Entrepreneurial events geared directly at helping young companies develop and grow happen at least once a month, if not more frequently. This community has grown exponentially and in just five years has achieved national recognition.

Mainland and international investors are taking notice. Last month hundreds of investors and entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley, Asia and Hawaii convened in Waikiki for the third annual East Meets West conference. They experienced the beaches, the perfect weather, a taste of island living. They also got the message that quality of life can be real: You can work hard and play hard in Hawaii without losing your sanity or giving up your soul.

Local entrepreneur Tina Fitch, who launched Hobnob, a mobile app and invitation platform, attests to the benefits of being away from the scrum of Silicon Valley or New York.

“I think it’s an advantage for us to have a different perspective, a different worldview than the stereotypical tech companies out of the Bay Area,” Fitch said. “The diversity of our team, our perspectives and our backgrounds are so instrumental in why our service has really resonated across such a diverse user base across the country.”

Several well-known mainland venture capital firms appear to agree and have backed her company.

Hobnob and others in this first generation of Hawaii- born startups have set the stage for the next wave of Hawaii entrepreneurs to leverage their success. Companies starting up today have the opportunity to take advantage of four years’ worth of learning, contacts and connections these companies have garnered.

So how does an aspiring entrepreneur get involved? Say you have an idea but don’t know how to turn it into a business. Maybe you need co-founders or an initial team to help get off the ground. Start with Startup Grind Honolulu, a monthly meet-up event powered by Google for Entrepreneurs to teach and connect entrepreneurs. Each event — the next one is Feb. 23 — includes a networking portion and an inspiring speaker.

If you’re deadline-oriented and need external motivation to jump-start your idea more quickly, sign up for Startup Weekend in Honolulu or Maui, both happening later this spring. These events serve as springboards to accelerator programs by launching new companies in 72 hours.

Next you’ll probably need money to really develop your business and hit milestones. If your startup idea involves technology, food, agriculture, energy or film and media, Hawaii has award-winning accelerators in each of those areas aimed at helping young companies compress their development from years into months through intense coaching and expert mentorship. Applications are open for Blue Startups, GVS and XLR8UH; Energy Excelerator’s application period opens in April.

Need to bring on a software developer or want to learn to code yourself? Contact DevLeague, a Manoa- based coding academy that offers full- and part-time learning and has graduated people accepted into high-paying jobs with tech companies.

Still with me? We can talk investment funds later. Hawaii needs a new generation of business builders to grow the economy and create exciting career opportunities for our young people. There’s no better time to start locally and grow globally.

Sara Lin, formerly a journalist in New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu, is now the associate with the Hawaii Strategic Development Corp. Reach her at sara.n.lin@hawaii.gov.