Small Business

Proving Ground for Young Talent

Students compete to demonstrate their entrepreneurial chops Rose Wong’s first job was at 14 working as a cashier and sushi roller for Kozo Sushi. Three years and seven jobs later, tired of minimum wage, she launched Kolohe Ocean Gems while…

The Best of Startup Paradise 2018

Meet the 27 winners and finalists of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association awards. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and flourishing in Hawaii, aka Startup Paradise. A total of 27 companies and individuals were honored at the Hawaii Venture Capital Association’s annual…

IRS Opens Tax Filing Season

The IRS announced today that it is accepting tax returns, with April 17 as the filing deadline for individuals.  The IRS also explained tools and resources that will make the tax filing season a little easier for taxpayers. Here is…

We Swear: Fook Yuen Is a Compliment

Casey Kwok owns Fook Yuen restaurant but he didn’t choose the provocative name. The landlord did. Twenty-five years ago, Kwok was vying for a restaurant location in Honolulu’s McCully Shopping Center. When the center’s landlord asked if he would accept his…

SmallBiz Academy: Hilo

DATE AND TIME Friday, April 20, 2018 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. LOCATION The Grand Naniloa Hotel 93 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720 DESCRIPTION Mixing Old & New A distinguished panel of business leaders will be in Hilo to tackle…

DeafTax Serves Everyone

The financial services company uses technology, American Sign Language and lip reading to serve both hearing and nonhearing clients Joshua Beal was born deaf. “It was very isolating. I always felt different as a child growing up,” recalls the owner…

Make Next Year Better

Now is the time to start planning so next year is better than this one. Start by reflecting on the current year and identifying what worked well and what didn’t. Were the challenges hiring good staff or training them? Making…