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Students from Maui Prep learn business tips from local ‘Sharks’

MBB brings entrepreneurship program to schools

By KEHAULANI CERIZO 3 min read

NAPILI -- A group of "Sharks" descended on Maui Preparatory Academy on Thursday.

However, these local businesspeople were much sweeter than the snarky Sharks of ABC's hit reality pitch show, "Shark Tank." Their aim was to help high-schoolers learn about entrepreneurship in a supportive environment.

"I thought it was a good opportunity to build connections with judges and explore what it's like to be an entrepreneur," said 10th-grader Peyton Gillespie. "I watched 'Shark Tank' a lot as a child. This brought it to life."

Many well-spoken high school students crafted creative, advanced pitches for socially responsible business ideas, some of which may be leaked here.

A "Kitchen Buddy" would teach the benefit of recycling by composting food waste. "The Hydro Sip," which already had its own logo and product illustrations, would put vitamin beads in a straw. From healthy snack options for schools to solar-powered laptops and backpacks, the pitches were believable -- and possibly bankable.

"I thought they did an incredible job," said judge Kai Pelayo. "I was just going, 'Where do I send my money?' "

Organized by volunteer-based nonprofit Maui Business Brainstormers (MBB), the all-day workshop "Entrepreneurship Program at Schools" was led by Lori Fisher and featured the collaboration of local business representatives, school alumni and teachers.

"I liked being around all these people who created successful businesses," said 11th-grader Ava Merrill. "I was really inspired that I could do it, too."

Students learned on Thursday about entrepreneurial tools, such as crafting an elevator pitch, the importance of innovation and teamwork, brainstorming a business challenge, generating community engagement and selling an idea. Jim Bozich of Home Run Auto Group, Ravosh Samari of Maui Escape Room and Lorrie Nielson of Unveiled Hawaii provided instruction. Maui Prep Athletic Director Keenan Reader and Maui Prep alumnus Nathan O'Hanlon of Ono Moa Candies were also keys to bringing the workshop to life.

The day culminated with 60 high school students in seven groups making their own business pitches to three "Shark" judges: Nicole Fisher of Skywriting by Nico, Paula Hegele of Maui Wine Ltd. and Pelayo of Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce. Two prizes were awarded: One was student choice and the other a judges' decision.

As part of 2019 National Entrepreneur Week from Feb. 16 to 23, the "Entrepreneurship Program at Schools" workshop marked the second annual partnership with a Maui County school. Last year, the MBB event was held at Kamehameha Schools Maui.

MBB started in 2012 to provide educational events and opportunities for individual, micro and small businesses at "no cost and with no sales pitches." The school event, sponsored by EntreEd, Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, is part of other MBB activities to mark National Entrepreneur Week.

Fisher said her aim is that "Entrepreneurship Program at Schools" will continue each year.

"I think it's a necessity for all schools to get this kind of experience," Gillespie said.

For information about MBB, visit www.mauibusinessbrainstormers.org.

* Kehaulani Cerizo can be reached at kcerizo@mauinews.com.

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