HONOLULU (HI Now) - In an effort to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial passion and long-term financial scaling, Central Pacific Bank (CPB) and the YWCA Oahu’s Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership have announced the return of the WE by CPB Rising Tide program.
The initiative is a 10-week program specifically for women business owners in Hawaii, focusing on the essential mechanics of success: financial management and leadership. By providing these tools free of charge, the program aims to dismantle the barriers that often prevent women-owned businesses from reaching their full economic potential.
For many entrepreneurs, the transition from being a “craft expert” to a “business leader” is the most difficult hurdle. Sharene Urakami-Oyama, VP and Small Business Market Manager at Central Pacific Bank, notes that the program encourages a shift in mindset.
“We hear a lot that they’ve moved away from making decisions based on just a ‘gut feeling,’” says Urakami-Oyama. “They now have the tools and the confidence to lead using real financial clarity, which is a total game-changer for long-term growth.”
Beyond the spreadsheets, the program addresses the systemic issue of capital access. Urakami-Oyama emphasizes that when women have the proper funding and resources, they grow at rates comparable to their male counterparts, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
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While the first step of starting a business is an achievement in itself, the journey toward sustainability can be lonely. Brittany Montilliano, Director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, believes that a robust support system is the antidote to the “isolation” many founders face.
“Starting a business is the first step, but sustaining it is where the real challenge lies,” Montilliano explains. “Having a mentor or a network to lean on means you don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way. We ensure these women aren’t just starting businesses, but building legacies.”
How to Apply
The We by CPB Rising Tide program is currently looking for its next cohort of 20 trailblazing women. To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- At least 51% women-owned and a for-profit entity.
- In operation for at least three years.
- Annual revenue between $250,000 and $5 million.
The application window is open now through June 7, 2026. Interested business owners are encouraged to visit www.cpb.bank/women-entrepreneurs/ to apply and take the next step in their professional journey.
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As Urakami-Oyama concludes: “Believe in your talent, recognize the value of what you’ve built, and apply today!”
Ready to see how Central Pacific Bank can help you reach your financial goals? We got you – visit cpb.bank today!
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