As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC), it’s important to reflect on the journey that brought us to this pivotal moment.
Like many organizations, NHCC faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. The organization, which has always operated with a working board, was on the brink of closing its doors. Yet, the 2021-2022 board displayed remarkable courage and vision by investing in our future despite limited financial resources.
In alignment with the wisdom of organizational experts, who assert that every organization is “perfectly aligned to get the results it gets,” the NHCC board made a bold decision. They decided to hire an executive director to steer the organization through those turbulent times. The immediate focus was on creating programs to support Native Hawaiian businesspeople and owners in achieving their potential.
The ʻŌʻō Awards and Beyond
NHCC is famous for the ʻŌʻō Awards, an annual event that honors up to three Native Hawaiian leaders who have dedicated their careers to uplifting the lāhui. This year marks the 47th ʻŌʻō Awards, a testament to the enduring spirit of our community.
Recognizing the need to deliver more comprehensive support, NHCC launched a pilot program called Hoʻomana in the summer of 2023. This initiative aimed to increase the odds of long-term success and sustainability for Native Hawaiian businesses. Thanks to the federal and state grants secured in March, NHCC expanded this pilot into Project Hoʻomana.
Project Hoʻomana: Empowering Native Hawaiian Businesses
The goal for Project Hoʻomana is to provide relevant programs, coaching and training for at least 150 Native Hawaiian businesspeople and owners over a 12-month period, culminating with the Hoʻomana Cohort in the third quarter of 2025.
Starting in September, NHCC will host at least one event per month, including seminars, guest speakers, and networking opportunities. These events are designed to equip our members with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing and challenging economic times.
Strengthening Relationships and Expanding Alliances
Our mission is “to mālama Native Hawaiians in business and commerce through leadership, relationships, and connections to economic resources and opportunities.” Over the past two years, NHCC has strengthened past relationships and expanded alliances with organizations that share our vision. These partnerships enable us to deliver high-quality content, training, and support to our members and the broader community.
Perfectly Aligned for the Future
Thanks to the patience and courage of our board, NHCC is now perfectly aligned to fulfill our mission. By making the critical investment, we have positioned ourselves to significantly increase our programs and services moving forward.
Our organization is better equipped to meet the needs of our members and the community, ensuring that NHCC remains a vital and “trusted” force in supporting Native Hawaiian commerce during these rapidly evolving times. In fact, NHCC is developing additional exciting initiatives that will be announced shortly.
We look forward to continuing this journey of transformation and growth, guided by core Hawaiian values. Mahalo to everyone who has supported us along the way. Together, we will continue to uplift and empower Native Hawaiians in business for generations to come.
To learn more and join, please go to www.nativehawaiianchamberofcommerce.org.
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