HIAP Business Plan
Development and initiation of a viable business plan to ensure the sustainability of HIAP's support for Hawai'i Island agriculture.

HIAP Business Plan
Rationale and Vision
The HIAP Business Plan outlines how the Hawaiʻi Island Agriculture Partnership intends to evolve into a self-sustaining organization that consistently supports local agriculture. Currently, many HIAP activities rely on ad-hoc grants and volunteer labor. In the near future, the Business Plan envisions transitioning toward a more diversified funding base, offering targeted services and programs that generate predictable revenue streams while continuing to foster innovation, collaborative projects, and resource-sharing among agricultural stakeholders.
Key Future Strategies and Services
Expanded Services for Members: Over the next year, HIAP intends to bundle specialized research, project facilitation, and training programs into cost-effective packages. These services will be offered to producer groups, smaller cooperatives, or even larger processors looking for robust, locally tailored solutions.
Paid Subscription Model: HIAP plans to roll out paid subscription tiers, allowing members access to advanced data analytics, curated market intelligence, or priority registration for new pilot initiatives. This will let core functions—like the Data and Analysis Committee—continue operating without relying purely on unpredictable grants.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: The plan also proposes forging sponsorship deals or project-based partnerships with prominent private entities, philanthropic foundations, and local businesses. In doing so, HIAP hopes to attract stable investments that underwrite key activities such as workforce development workshops, small farm loan facilitation, or new food hub expansions.
Grant Development and Philanthropy: While aiming to reduce heavy reliance on one-off grants, HIAP will still collaborate with government agencies (e.g., USDA, state programs) and philanthropic donors to fund large-scale innovations. This approach focuses on multi-year grants that align with the broad, long-term objectives of HIAP.
Governance and Reporting
Managed by HIAP’s leadership and advised by the Board of Directors, the plan includes establishing transparent financial reporting processes. Milestones will be monitored quarterly, with updates provided to all members to maintain trust and highlight progress. Over the next few years, HIAP intends to refine these processes so that major decisions—like launching new subscription services or accepting large sponsorships—are made collaboratively and reflect the actual needs of Hawaiʻi Island farmers.
Expected Impact
By following this Business Plan, HIAP aims to reach a point where the organization can reliably fund staff, expand committees, and conduct wide-reaching efforts that benefit the entire agri-food sector. Ultimately, a stronger operational foundation will let HIAP multiply its impact, accelerate new ideas, and deepen support for local producers.