The Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE): About Us
The Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Business (PACE) is the home for an integrated set of leading-edge entrepreneurship programs at the University of Hawaii. Based in the Shidler College of Business, PACE is dedicated to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among all members of the University and local community.
Our programs are organized into three areas:
- An innovative graduate and undergraduate curriculum reflecting an Asian Pacific theme
- Research projects that facilitate entrepreneurial practice and the advancement of our understanding of entrepreneurship in the Pacific Rim, and
- An active agenda of community outreach and involvement with Pacific Asian entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures
Our Programs
UH Business Plan Competition
The UH Business Plan Competition is an intense and unique learning opportunity for UH students who aspire to pursue an idea for a business. Winners walk away with a wealth of business savvy and substantial cash prizes.
Breakthrough Innovation Challenge
UH's first Challenge of its kind will provide UH students and faculty the opportunity to bring attention and recognition to their innovations, network with community leaders and others within the University who may be helpful in the further development of the innovation, and win cash prizes.
Kipapa i ke Ala Lecture Series
The Kipapa i ke Ala Lecture Series was created to help us understand how our State may benefit from the fast-paced changes in the worldwide marketplace. Each lecture features the best and brightest experts from the world of international business to share their knowledge with students, faculty, alumni and members of the greater Hawaii community.
Family Business Center of Hawaii
The Family Business Center of Hawaii is a partnership between Hawaii's family business community and the Shidler College of Business. The Center provides opportunities for families to address many of the challenges they face today so that they may survive and thrive through the 21st century.
High School Marketing Plan and Business Plan Competitions
The High School Marketing Plan and Business Plan Competitions are coordinated in partnership with the State Department of Education. This activity allows Hawaii's high school students to develop marketing plans and business plans, which enable them to showcase their achievement of the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards and Career Pathway standards.
Professional-in-Residence Program
The Professional-in-Residence Program connects UH students and faculty with business experts. Volunteers from the local community with varying areas of expertise are available in the Entrepreneurship Center to offer their knowledge and advice.
Virtual Professional-in-Residence Program
The Virtual Professional-in-Residence Program connects UH students and faculty with business experts by email and phone. These business professionals volunteer one to two hours of their time and expertise each month to advise on a wide array of industry topics.
Imagine, Discover, Realize Grant Program
The Imagine, Discover, Realize Grant Program allows students the opportunity to explore the process of business creation through commercialization.
Shidler Hatchery
The Shidler Hatchery provides office space and services for student entrepreneurs who are developing their businesses.
The Hoku Scientific Microloan Program
The Hoku Scientific Microloan Fund is a loan program for UH students who want to start a business or develop a proof-of-concept. Loans of up to $5,000 are available at a nominal interest rate for a term of one year. Up to $20,000 per semester will be awarded.
Entrepreneurs' Forum
The Entrepreneurs' Forum focuses on a specific issue that is relevant to entrepreneurs. Panel members, who include local business executives and owners, will speak openly and candidly about their experiences and perspectives related to the proposed topic of discussion.