You are the women entrepreneurs who shape the future, and we see you. Invest in yourself and grow your business! WE by Rising Tide is a women entrepreneurs program sponsored by Central Pacific Bank and aio Foundation, in partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and Rising Tide Hawaii
Pictured: 2024 Cohort
Previous Cohorts: 2023; 2022
“My experience with WE by Rising Tide has been invaluable. As we continue to grow as a company, the resources provided were relevant and well-timed for our journey. It helped to move my strategy conversations to the next level with confidence. Most importantly, the network of other female entrepreneurs really provided support that continues to grow and provide a safe space for sharing and collaboration.”
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the WE by Rising Tide program. The financial education, discussions, and business insights have helped me to step back from my role as a Physical Therapist running my business and take an objective look at key metrics and my goals. Coming out of this program I have a greater understanding of the financial health of my business as well as the various financial options available to help with business investment and growth.
I especially value the networking and friendships I have developed as a result of this program. Meeting other women who have experienced similar challenges in starting and managing businesses as well as social and family life has been a source of inspiration and support.”
"The mentors who came in were all really successful business owners who were all women, and they were just so inspirational, and so open to talking with us and giving their time. That was really impactful and it made me want to be able to do the same thing if I could get that successful. At the end of the day, relationships in Hawaii are so important and the relationships that we were able to build in our cohort were life changing."
“The experience helped to improve my confidence and acumen as a female business owner. While the 10-week program itself was amazing, CPB also hosts alumni events that are a big benefit. The greatest outcome is an ecosystem of resources, bankers, and education, all to support local female entrepreneurs.”
"The WE by Rising Tide program is so worth it. There's something for everybody. I think it's so important for female entrepreneurs to connect, especially on island, and I think it's a really great program and everyone should take advantage of it if they have the chance.”
The WE by Rising Tide program really helped to expand my network as far as engaging with women who are like minded. It helped me to realize that I am not alone, that there's other women in the same spot position as I am that are businesswomen and mothers or single mothers. So I found it very empowering to meet other women just like me.
March 24: Application opens
May 31: Application closes
May 19: Online Applicant interviews begin
August 20: Opening session
Week 1 | August 20: | Opening session†† |
Week 2 | August 27: | Financial Management Overview of Closely Held Businesses |
Week 3 | September 3: | Financial Management Understanding Your Business Financial Statements |
Week 4 | September 10: | Financial Management Financial Plan & Cash Budget |
Week 5 | September 17: | Financial Management Strategies for Growth & Funding Sources |
Week 6 | September 24: | Journeys to Success Panel (CPB Board - past and present) |
Week 7 | October 1: | Resources for Growth†† Speed Mentoring |
Week 8 |
October 10: | Marketing Part 1†† |
October 11: | Marketing Part 2†† | |
Week 9 | October 15: | Cohort Choice |
Week 10 | October 22: | Graduation Ceremony†† |
†† Neighbor Island cohort members attend in-person
Δ The scheduled dates and times may be subject to change without prior notice. In person attendance is required for Oahu participants. Travel will be provided for four of the 11 sessions (Opening, both Marketing workshops and Graduation) for neighbor island participants. All other sessions will be remote.