P.O. Box 194 Waiʻanae, HI 96792

support@thewedc.com

Hoʻokele Digital

Registration is open until November 15!

Hoʻokele Digital strives to perpetuate Hawaiian culture for future generations by enhancing the entrepreneurial and technical capacity of our communityʻs indigenous cultural practitioners. 

Register Now!

Cohort 1 begins on November 23
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Hoʻokele Digital empowers indigenous cultural practitioners to build sustainable businesses by transforming their cultural expertise into marketable digital content. Participants gain hands-on experience in business setup, branding, storytelling, and digital marketing. Through targeted training and personalized support, the program helps professionals create, produce, and share meaningful content that reaches new audiences, both online and in-person. Designed to combine cultural integrity with modern business practices, Hoʻokele Digital opens pathways for participants to thrive in today’s marketplace while honoring and preserving their cultural knowledge.

The program starts November 23, 2024!

 

Ho’okele Digital is for you if you’re: 

  • Indigenous Entrepreneurs and Cultural Practitioner: Specifically, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs interested in developing businesses rooted in cultural practices, values, or knowledge.
  • Emerging and Early-Stage Business Owners: Individuals who are in the early stages of their business journey or who are developing a business idea with a cultural focus, needing foundational business skills, legal setup, and digital content creation support.
  • Cultural Educators and Creators: Practitioners who aim to share cultural knowledge, stories, or practices with broader audiences and are interested in learning about video storytelling, digital marketing, and audience engagement.
  • Traditional and Non-Traditional Cultural Businesses: Those who work in traditional cultural areas (like hula, agriculture, or Hawaiian language) or non-traditional businesses that integrate cultural knowledge in innovative ways, such as e-learning, tourism, or e-commerce.
  • Creative Entrepreneurs: Individuals interested in enhancing their skills in branding, video production, storytelling, and digital distribution to expand their reach and engage audiences across different platforms.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be indigenous: Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
  • Must live or work in:
    • 96792 (Nanakuli, Waiʻanae, Makaha)
    • 96707 or 96709 (Kapolei)
    • 96706 (Ewa Beach)
  • Commit to participating in the full program:
    • 2 in-person workshops
    • 1 in-person showcase
    • 1-4 technical assistance meetings
    • 1 filming day

Key Benefits

  • Business Skills: Gain foundational knowledge in business setup, exploring business models, and e-commerce basics.
  • Digital Marketing: Learn tools and strategies for engaging online audiences. 
  • Storytelling: Develop authentic storytelling techniques to share your cultural knowledge in a meaningful way, with guidance on creating a strong brand story.
  • 1:1 Support: Receive personalized assistance for business setup, content planning, and refining your storytelling approach.
  • Video Content Creation: Creation of one digital content piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I havenʻt registered my business yet. Can I still join the cohort?
    • Yes! As long as you have an idea for a business, you can join the cohort. We provide technical assistance to get your business started!

 

  • What is the cost of the cohort?
    • The cohort is FREE, we just ask for your full participation.

 

  • What is indigenous?
    • Indigenous peoples are typically recognized as the original inhabitants of a region. They often maintain a close connection to their land, traditions, and community structures, reflecting their deep-rooted heritage and knowledge systems that have been passed down over generations. In Hawaii, indigenous people would be Native Hawaiianʻs.
    • For the purposes of this program, we define ‘Indigenous entrepreneurs’ as individuals from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. These groups possess rich ancestral ties, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge that have been passed down through generations and are integral to their identity and values. By supporting entrepreneurs from these communities, we acknowledge and respect the distinct Indigenous heritage each brings, whether through their relationship with land, community, or cultural preservation, and aim to empower them in creating businesses that reflect and uphold these cultural foundations. 

 

  • What is a cultural practitioner?
    • For the purpose of this program, we defined a cultural practitioner in business as someone who applies their cultural knowledge, values, and practices within a business context to either preserve traditional ways or adapt them for modern, innovative uses. These practitioners actively contribute to the continuity and evolution of their culture, whether through established or contemporary business models.
    • Traditional Cultural Practitioners in Business: Traditional cultural practitioners in business maintain long-standing practices and often follow methods passed down through generations. Their businesses are deeply rooted in the values and techniques unique to their culture, focusing on the preservation and sharing of authentic knowledge. For example:
      • A kapa maker who creates traditional bark cloth for ceremonial use
      • A Kumu Hula who teaches hula, preserving dance and chant in the way it has been traditionally practiced.
      • A Loʻi Kalo farmer who grows taro using ancient Hawaiian agricultural techniques.
    • These practitioners maintain a cultural legacy, often working with specific materials, tools, and rituals that are integral to their identity and are recognized by their community.
    • Non-Traditional Cultural Practitioners in Business: Non-traditional cultural practitioners blend traditional knowledge with modern innovations, often expanding into new mediums, markets, or business models that make cultural knowledge accessible to a wider, sometimes global audience. They adapt their cultural expertise to meet contemporary needs while preserving cultural values. Examples include:
      • A digital content creator who teaches Hawaiian language or hula through online courses or social media, making Hawaiian culture accessible worldwide.
      • A restaurant or chef who uses local, native ingredients and Hawaiian culinary techniques in modern dishes, bridging traditional and contemporary cuisine.
      • An app developer who creates mobile tools for learning Hawaiian language or exploring cultural stories.
    • These non-traditional practitioners bring cultural knowledge into modern settings, helping it thrive in today’s marketplace without losing its integrity.
    • Both types of practitioners play vital roles in sustaining and adapting cultural traditions, making them relevant and engaging in today’s world. Their work ensures that cultural heritage can be preserved, adapted, and appreciated across generations and geographies.

 

  • Where are the workshops held?
    • The workshops are held in-person at a location to be determined in Waiʻanae. 

 

  • Where are the technical assistance appointments held?
    • Technical Assistance appointments can be scheduled virtually or in-person at our office located in Waiʻanae. 

 

  • When does the registration for Hoʻokele Digital Cohort 1 close?
      • The registration for Hoʻokele Digital Cohort 1 will close on November 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm. 

 

  • When is the next cohort?
    • The next cohort will be sometime in April, May or June of 2025.

Complete the Registration

Registration closes on November 15!
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