By Christina O’Connor 

Seventeen Hawaii entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges during a Shark Tank-style event next week hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

The Impact SmallBiz showcase will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. March 27 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort’s Coral Ballroom. The participating businesses have all recently completed the Chamber’s Impact SmallBiz accelerator program, which launched last fall in an effort to support early-stage entrepreneurs, with the larger goal of helping to diversify the state’s economy.

“This showcase is a testament to the creativity and resilience of Hawaii’s entrepreneurs,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, in a statement. “It’s a chance to connect with emerging businesses, celebrate their success, and see firsthand how they’re shaping Hawaii’s future.”

“The Impact SmallBiz showcase is an exciting opportunity to see Hawaii’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs put their ideas to the test in a dynamic, fast-paced competition,” added Menor-McNamara. “In addition to celebrating their success, it’s about witnessing innovation in action, hearing their stories, and supporting the businesses that are shaping Hawaii’s future.”

Participating businesses include Baker and The Beast, Haleakala Supah Shots, Keiki Makers Market, Maui Sunset Adventures, Pacific Geospatial Services, and Top Level Notary LLC, among others.

The event will kick off with a networking hour, where attendees can talk with the accelerator program participants and learn more about their businesses.

Then, each entrepreneur will present their business in a pitch session. Businesses will vie for the chance to win the titles of Impact Business of the Year, Most Innovative Business, Most Growth Potential and People’s Choice.

Judges include Menor-McNamara and business leaders across industries including media, banking, government and technology. (Pacific Business News’ Market President and Publisher Lei Pedro is on the panel of judges, and Editor-in-Chief Janis Magin will emcee the event.)

For more information and to register to attend, click here.

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