Since opening in April 2024, Leeward Community College’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) has served more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, farmers and students through hands-on workshops, webinars and programs.
The center is proving to be a transformative force in Hawaiʻi’s local food landscape. More than 70 local small businesses have completed the WVAPDC’s popular ʻĀina to Mākeke program—a 12-week food business incubator presented by Leeward’s Office of Workforce Development. Many are expanding into major retail chains.
“The growth of our ʻĀina to Mākeke alumni has been incredible to witness,” said Manager Chris Bailey. “These entrepreneurs are now scaling production right here at the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center and turning their ideas into thriving businesses. We’re proud to support them with the resources they need to bring Hawaiʻi-made products to a global audience.”
Focus on education
One example of how WVAPDC supports local entrepreneurs is Okonokai, which is preparing to launch in Oʻahu Foodland locations. Founder Jina Wye creates delectable crackers using limu from the Kona Coast. Wye went from completing the ʻĀina to Mākeke course to using the WVAPDC for production and product development support.
“Here, our focus is on education. Priming mindsets and investing in our students with entrepreneurial vision, skills and providing resources our entrepreneurs lack, like equipment and subject matter experts to get their products noticed and on shelves,” said Leeward CC Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza. “We consulted with leaders of similar facilities in various states and countries around the world to learn about what they could have done differently and built ours bigger and better—right here in Central Oʻahu.”
WVAPDC provides access to commercial-grade equipment—such as a $1-million high-pressure processing machine—and a wide range of business development services. The new second-floor Entrepreneur Hub, open twice monthly, adds a collaborative space for consulting, co-working and events. The center also recently launched its monthly Wahiawā Market Day to spotlight Hawaiʻi-made goods.
Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz said, “With a state-of-the-art facility, we are giving small businesses from the community a chance to grow, using products from the community, and hiring people from the community. Regional economic resilience—building systems that support local farmers and entrepreneurs—that’s the vision.”
