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West Maui Business Center (WMBC)
Collaborate
Medium
TBD
Design
County
State
County & State
Private
Inspiration for future collaborative meeting space
“We need to ease the process of finding affordable rental spaces to help our local businesses operate, work and collaborate.”
Business Health Check, OED
Purpose
The West Maui Business Center (WMBC) will empower the local business community by providing personalized support, essential tools, and access to resources that are vital for recovery and long-term resilience. Currently focused on wildfire recovery, the WMBC has the potential to become a cornerstone for sustainable economic development, helping local businesses adapt to evolving challenges while fostering innovation and growth throughout West Maui.
Project Description
The WMBC is an initiative of the County’s Office of Economic Development (OED), serving as a hub for collaboration and business support. Through partnerships with County departments, organizations and nonprofits, the WMBC provides services and resources to help businesses thrive. While most services are free, some specialized support may incur fees.
Key Services:
- Business Coaching: Personalized advising to tackle unique business challenges
- Workshops and Training: Covering financial planning, marketing, e-commerce, and disaster preparedness
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections among businesses, vendors and community collaborators
- Resource Hub: Centralized access to grants, loans and market research
Access Options:
- Virtual or in-person appointments via Maui Nui Strong’s website
- Walk-in consultations, subject to availability
With modern infrastructure and enhanced services, it will become a vibrant hub for collaboration, innovation and growth. Proposed features include dedicated office space, a multi-functional training room to fit 15 to 40 attendees, private meeting rooms, co-working area, a resource library, an innovation incubator, pop-up showcase area, and consignment opportunities. The future WMBC will be a purpose-built facility designed to meet the evolving needs of West Maui’s business community.
Interdependencies and Roadblocks
The WMBC currently operates within the County’s Office of Recovery – West Maui at Lahaina Gateway. While the location offers accessibility, operational challenges hinder the full potential of its support services:
- Inflexible Scheduling: Limited shared spaces reduce the ability to host workshops or events at convenient times
- Space Constraints: Insufficient room for group training, networking, and community events
- Privacy Concerns: High traffic and minimal soundproofing hinder confidential consultations
- Distractions: Open layouts affect the professional environment needed for meaningful business discussions
Next Steps
- Feasibility Study: Identify an ideal location, estimate costs and outline infrastructure requirements
- Community Engagement: Gather feedback from local businesses on preferred features and services
- Funding Acquisition: Explore federal recovery funds, state grants and private contributions
- Design and Build Phase: Develop a versatile facility tailored to community needs
- Launch and Promote: Conduct an open house and media outreach for widespread awareness
Project Details
Cost Estimate:
TBD
Existing Funding Sources:
Project Lead:
- County Office of Economic Development
- State of Hawai‘i
Potential Funding Sources:
- TBD
Project Partners:
- County Department of Liquor Control
- American Job Center
- Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center
- Maui County Business Resource Center
- Maui County Workforce Development Board
- Maui Economic Development Board
- Maui Economic Opportunity
Alignment with West Maui Community Plan (WMCP)
- Goal 2.4 Economic opportunity through innovation and collaboration