Women Entrepreneurs

The WE by CPB Rising Tide program is a women entrepreneurs development initiative sponsored by Central Pacific Bank in partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and CPB Rising Tide Hawaii. The program is designed to support established women-owned businesses by providing advanced training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Rather than a traditional grant with direct cash awards, this initiative functions as a fully funded business development cohort, investing in participants through education, strategic guidance, and access to professional networks. The program specifically targets women entrepreneurs who are already generating significant revenue and are positioned for further growth. The primary purpose of the program is to strengthen the financial management, marketing, and strategic capabilities of women-owned businesses. Participants engage in structured sessions covering financial literacy, including understanding financial statements, budgeting, and growth strategies, as well as marketing and branding development. The program also includes mentorship opportunities, panel discussions with experienced business leaders, and peer collaboration. The overall goal is to equip participants with the tools and insights necessary to scale their businesses sustainably and competitively. The scope of support provided includes participation in an 11-session cohort program culminating in a graduation ceremony. Sessions are scheduled weekly and cover topics such as financial planning, funding strategies, marketing execution, and growth resources. Travel support is provided for participants traveling from neighboring islands, ensuring broader access within the program’s geographic scope. There are no program fees, as all costs for selected participants are covered by Central Pacific Bank. However, participants are expected to commit to attending at least 10 out of the 11 sessions to fully benefit from the program. Eligibility requirements are clearly defined and targeted toward established, revenue-generating businesses. Applicants must own at least 51 percent of a for-profit business that has been in operation for a minimum of three years. Additionally, the business must have generated annual revenue between 250,000 and 5,000,000 in the most recent year specified. These criteria ensure that participants are beyond the startup phase and are ready to benefit from advanced business development support. The application process includes a defined submission window and a subsequent interview phase. For the 2026 cohort, applications open on April 8 and close on June 7, with interviews beginning on May 18. Selected participants are notified prior to the program start, with the opening session scheduled for August 26. While specific application components are not detailed, the process includes submission of an application followed by interviews, indicating a competitive selection process based on business readiness and growth potential. Evaluation appears to be based on business performance, leadership potential, and alignment with program goals, although explicit scoring criteria are not provided. The inclusion of interviews suggests that qualitative factors such as vision, commitment, and readiness to engage in the program are important. The program timeline runs from late August through early November, with weekly sessions and a final graduation ceremony. There is no explicit statement of recurrence, but the presence of cohort numbering indicates that the program is offered on a recurring basis. Contact for inquiries is provided via an official program email, allowing applicants to seek clarification or additional information.