Ulupono Fund launches grant program for Hawaii food entrepreneurs

News admin June 9, 2026 0 Comments

Ulupono Fund launches grant program for Hawaii food entrepreneurs

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new grant program is helping Hawaii food entrepreneurs bring more locally made products to store shelves.

The Ulupono Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation has awarded $25,000 to support businesses using Hawaii’s first commercial-scale high pressure processing system at Leeward Community College’s Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center.

Officials said the funding will help offset the cost of required food safety validation testing, a process that can cost small businesses thousands of dollars before products can be sold commercially.

The grant program will provide up to $3,000 per company and is expected to assist about a dozen Hawaii-based food makers.

The center celebrated the funding during a ceremony June 5, highlighting local salsa company Da Tomato Guy as the first business to complete the HPP validation process using grant support.

“I’m grateful to the Ulupono Initiative for the support, which helps small businesses like mine grow beyond local markets and start reaching more customers,” said Da Tomato Guy owner Danny Rudometkin. “It’s exciting to think about our salsa being available in stores so more people across Hawaii can enjoy it.”

Supporters say the program will help local companies expand into larger retail markets while strengthening Hawaii’s food system.

“Hawaii’s long-term sustainability depends on strong local food systems and the entrepreneurs who drive them,” said Keith DeMello, Senior Vice President of Communications and External Affairs at Ulupono Initiative.

State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz said expanding access to food processing technology can help locally grown products reach broader markets while supporting economic growth.

Food businesses interested in using HPP at the WVAPDC can learn more at www.leeward.hawaii.edu/wvapdc.