ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ED)
Community Development Through Social Entrepreneurship
Our Social Enterprise Program (SEP) is an integrated economic development program that supports entrepreneurs across Hawaiʻi’s. Through three core programs PGC Farms, Culinary Business Incubator (CBI), and Hawaiʻi Language Bank (HLB) we provide practical support to help businesses launch, grow, and create jobs for underserved communities.
What is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business that combines financial sustainability with community impact. Both nonprofit and for-profit ventures can be social enterprises when they prioritize job creation, community benefit, and long-term economic opportunity.
What does the program provide for me?
We recognize that building a business comes with challenges beyond operations and revenue. SEP provides coordinated support across key areas to help entrepreneurs move forward with clarity and stability.
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Access to Space & Resources - We offer access to critical infrastructure such as commercial kitchen space through CBI and agricultural land through PGC Farms, helping reduce barriers to starting and growing a business.
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Business Support & Training - We provide one-on-one guidance and practical training based on each client’s needs, including business planning, operations, compliance, and market readiness.
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Language Access Support - Through Hawaiʻi Language Bank, we provide interpretation and translation services to support entrepreneurs—especially farmers and small business owners—in accessing training, navigating requirements, and connecting to opportunities.
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Wrap-Around Support - Building a business often involves challenges beyond the business itself. As part of Pacific Gateway Center, SEP can help connect clients to supportive services and trusted community resources that reduce barriers and strengthen long-term stability.
