ECONOMY

our GOAL

Advance economic growth through resilient industries and workforce development.

OUR STRATEGy

Engage community in the revision of the 2021-2025 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Cultivate relationships and leverage assets to build and implement creative and innovative policies, partnerships, and economic initiatives

Provide training and incubate a network of community-driven, government-supported Resilience Hubs

Develop resources for workforce training

Create opportunities for youth in partnership with business and academia

In July 2020, the Economy Stream launched its work to craft an economic development strategy that aligns with the community's vision of a vibrant economy and the core values of Vibrant Hawai'i.

Through online platforms, we educated and built awareness of the CEDS, established priorities for industry development, and set forth on a course to create a version of the CEDS – a strategy that we can act on and hold ourselves accountable to.

The Economy x Education Streams converged to host seven Zoom panel discussions and do a deep dive into industry challenges and opportunities. An Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan was developed consistent with EDA standards and to have cohesion across sectors. Working groups formed to craft Action Plans, building off of panel discussions and further engagement with industry.

After nearly a year of development, we are sharing our body work and preparing for collective action.

download a copy of the economic development strategy

First Name

Last Name

What Sector Do You Represent?

Company/Organization

Zip Code

BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Vibrant Hawaiʻi's 8-week course is designed to build local capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and have the people and systems infrastructure in place to receive monies geared towards helping community bounce forward. In addition to receiving weekly course materials, participants had the opportunity to meet with subject matter experts in a hosted, virtual coffee hour to gain further insight into the process and receive guidance in developing their business plan.

At A Glace:
Week 1: Why, Core Values, Vision & Mission
Week 2: Business Model & Company Description
Week 3: Market Analysis & Opportunity; ABCD
Week 4: Competitive Analysis; Finding Your Edge
Week 5: Structure, Operations & Team
Week 6: Costs & Leveraging Financial Capital
Week 7: Branding, Marketing & Hustle
Week 8: Short- & Long-Term Goals; Framework for Action

Stay connected for the next opportunity to participate!

Our Team

Ashley Kierkiewicz

Chair

Ashley Kierkiewicz is a policy maker who leverages her experience in communication, outreach, and grassroots organizing to make local government more accessible. She works to build economic resilience through bold vision, good policy, community empowerment, and coordinated, meaningful action.

Farrah-Marie Gomes

Co-Chair

Farrah-Marie Gomes is an education administrator with a passion for and experience in building community capacity through partnerships and collaborations.