Contributed by: Stephanie Shipton and George Yarbrough, Cohort VI

Hub Coworking Hawaiʻi and Teach For America Hawaiʻi launched SIIP in 2020. SIIP is a five-month, virtual and in-person cohort-based learning experience that builds stronger relationships between the participants, deep dives on technical skill sets, and connects the cohort to meaningful mentorship for success. Our mission is to develop the whole entrepreneur for a sustainable Hawaiʻi. We support local, early stage, social impact ventures—especially those founded by educators and focused on sustainability or education—to take their side hustle to the next level.  

We are currently recruiting for our second cohort. Cohort 2 participants will:

1. get the space and tools to take their side hustle to the next step;
2. be part of a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs;
3. dive into learning modules grounded in a sense of self and values-based leadership to build their venture;
4. receive ongoing mentorship while building community; and
5. have an opportunity to receive up to $8,000 in seed grant funding. 

The application is live at www.siiphawaii.com. Applicants will be interviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until August 20, 2021. 

Selected participants are expected to attend all of the learning sessions, currently scheduled for:

• September 10 - 12: Kick-off retreat (in-person) at Kahumana Retreat Center in Waiʻanae (food, flights, and accommodations will be provided by SIIP). 
• Weeks of September 14 & 21, October 12 & 26, and November 9 & 16: 90-minute virtual sessions. Day of the week and timing will be confirmed once we have the availability of all the final participants.
• December 10 & 11: End of program retreat and hoʻike  (in-person, location TBD, likely Honolulu with food, flights, and accommodations provided by SIIP).