 Hi, my name is Marion Tosaki. We're on Community Matters today. I'm filling in for J. Fidel, who's lucky enough to be on vacation in Europe. And we're delighted, delighted today to have Darcy Sharfenstein of the Hawaii Foundation of Entrepreneurs. Did I get that right? Entrepreneurs Foundation of Hawaii. Entrepreneurs Foundation of Hawaii. And I'm dying to know about this. I'm dying to know how old it is, and how you, did you found it or what, tell me everything about it. Okay, yeah. So it was actually founded 11 years ago, and I've been on board for about a year now. So it was founded actually by John Dean of Central Pacific Bank. Yeah, and some of the folks in the startup world. And it was really founded with the mission to help entrepreneurs and startup businesses create their own foundations for philanthropy. Oh, that's terrific. Yeah. And so they had a previous president, an executive director, who had been, you know, manning the shift and really doing a great job in this community, helping companies not only get started but grow to the point of either liquidity or some sort of exit, at which point then companies would donate 1% of their equity to start up their own foundation. Oh, that's terrific. Yeah. It's a really neat model. It was happening all over the world, in Israel, in Silicon Valley, in Austin, Texas. So many other entrepreneurs' foundations. So it was modeled really after a proven model. Model, right? So what kind of foundations have people started as a consequence of, you know? Yeah. So, you know, it's interesting. So since I've come on board, we're really focused on starting any type of service that you can actually do. So whatever the companies are passionate about, whatever it is that they're interested in, and my focus has been on community organizing and community issues. And so what are the problems that we're trying to solve, not only as the start community but as a community at large and making those connections with our companies so that they can find their passion, essentially, not only through their business but through the model of giving back to the community. That's terrific because a lot of startups actually are involved with the community. My husband is an IT guy and he's doing, he's participating in the hackathon, which is a statewide contest. Anyway, he's doing a voting app. And there are people who are doing homelessness apps. And so there's a lot of interest in community matters in startups. I don't know if it's because the people that are younger and they're closer to, you know, their community have less burdens, maybe not families. But all of the apps, there was a little fair. And all of the apps were pretty much public interest oriented apps. So there's a lot of public interest orientation in the startup community. Absolutely. I think that's the point that we're trying to make is that we're all in this together. We're all trying to solve the same problems. And so whether that be through technology information, through an app you're creating or through a business that you're starting and a product you're developing, it really aligns very well with the same things that many nonprofits are actually solving through people power, right? And so if we can match them and align their interests in solving these really tough problems that the state has, you've named some of them already, that all ships will eventually rise. So in other words, the entrepreneurs bring the funding and the public interest firms bring the manpower and the know-how. Is that how it works? It's like a marriage of sorts? Exactly. There's a lot of mentoring that goes on. We have pitch events where companies come in, pitch their ideas, and we have investors who are essentially our judges, similar to Shark Tank that you might know on TV. And they give them really honest feedback and constructive criticism in order to be able to have their companies take off or take them to the next level. You know, I told you I'm a business lawyer and I'm always delighted there's such a protein growing young business community here. I'm always fascinated with things that people will think of too, that think is of interest to people. So are there some names we'd be familiar with that have come through entrepreneurs of Hawaii? Yeah, so Hoku Scientific would be probably the biggest one. And so that was actually our big success story, you know, because they were seen through to a successful exit. And so that is really the model, right, the model that, as it were. Now in our startup community, we're seeing a lot of young energy, as you say, a lot of companies that are going through accelerators. You might know of some of our partners, Blue Startups, Energy Accelerator, Accelerate UH. Yeah, so the companies are really able to grow with the support of the ecosystem, with support of the accelerators. So we want to be able to get more companies to that successful exit. You heard Darcy, she wants to get you to a successful exit. So you should give her a call if you need help. So how do people apply for your, like, is there an application process or can they just call up or what, how do they get involved? Well, it's really that commitment. So they have to make the commitment of the 1% of equity in order to set up their own community service and philanthropy slash foundation. But what if, even if it's really tiny or, I mean... Absolutely. Oh, okay, great. Yeah, so we, you know, we have companies that have donated hardwoods because, you know, koa trees because they are, you know, a hardwood company. And so it's really whatever you can do, but it has to be aligned with, again, the mission of philanthropy and giving back and investing in the community that supports them. Well, that sounds just like something that's perfect for, it's a perfect match for think tech because, I mean, this is really just trying to broaden the community. It's the community at large. And we, you know, we discuss a whole host of issues that are, you know, they're just of interest to people and people can come in and come down and participate if they want. So it's like, it's, yeah, yeah. So it sounds like a great synergy you have going with the companies. Yeah, it is. And, you know, we welcome any and all startup companies, you know, a lot of ours have been focused in the infotech area, but, you know, I just met someone today who's starting up a wellness company. Oh, really? Yeah. And, you know, we're completely open to that conversation. You know, again, we, the more that we can solidify our startup community, it's actually called Startup Paradise here in Hawaii. And so it's a community of... Really? Yes. That's terrific. Startup Paradise. You mean, just for entrepreneurs, a called startup, startups are called startup paradise. Exactly. It's terrific. And we're an ecosystem of different organizations, different support groups. Ours is focused obviously on philanthropy and community service, but there are other companies and organizations out there that will support different startups in their various stages of growth, whether it be just an idea or ready to launch. So, you know, there's a lot of resources out there. I will say, though, that more support is needed. Of course. Always to do good. Yes. So we definitely want to keep advocating, you know, at the state legislature and ensuring that our elected leaders really know what's going on in the startup community and have a vested interest in helping our economy grow. Well, I should hope so. I mean, like I said, I've been... Well, I'm from New York and I've been here about a year and a half now. And I was just so delighted to meet all these young business people. I've met a lot through Think Tech, through my husband. It really is an island of a tremendous energy and creativity. And to facilitate that is, you know, terrific. And the government... Well, I hear that there's a new chief information officer in the government who's really like pro startups and... Absolutely. Yeah. And D-Vet has been great. They've been wonderful supporters as well. And so making sure that we continue to have those champions in leadership and to really give our startups a shot, you know, here in Hawaii. It's really important to not only attract talent, but keep our talent here. Right. Yes. Well, you know, my husband, he's from here, and he was part of the like brain drain out of Hawaii 20 years ago. He went to New York because it just wasn't the opportunities and computers that he sought, you know. And that's why it's so important to, you know, develop these like kind of cutting edge, you know, industries so that people want, you know, feel like it can be done here, you know. They don't have to go to San Francisco or New York, you know. Exactly. That's the goal. You know, we want to definitely... We have so much, you know, talent. My son is in high school right now, and they're creating amazing things, you know, at his school, and all over the state, really. And so we can continue to shine a light on our talent. You know, it's fine if they go away to college, but we definitely want them to come back and continue contributing to our economy here. So it's our job to ensure that the system and structures are in place so that they can come back or, you know, stay. Right. Well, you know, there's no reason, I mean, there's no reason it shouldn't be. I mean, like you said, there's the talent and there's the desire. And now you have government support. So that's, you know, that's like a big, a big part of it, right? So, you know, I couldn't believe when you told me that you have a son in high school. I was stunned. So what kinds of projects are they doing there, Punahou, that is so interesting that... Well, he's just started his computer science class. And he's already within, you know, the first couple weeks of school created a basketball game. Oh, yeah. An online basketball game. Yeah. And it measures, you know, everything, the angles and, you know, what the speed is and all of that. And his teacher was just sharing with us that because he's doing his doctorate program in the UK, the BBC has commissioned a specific tool that is only used in the UK because it's government funded. But because he's doing his doctoral program, he actually can pilot it here in Hawaii. Oh, excellent. Yeah. So they have access to all these resources. And I mean, I think he's going to learn Java and, you know, all kinds of things. That's terrific. Because you know what? At that age, it's like a sponge. I mean, it's just, it comes naturally to you. And, you know, Punahou is such a great school. I mean, so the intellectuals that come out of there are always kind of astonishing, I think. Yeah. Yeah. So I think we're going to take a quick break. Okay. And then we'll come back and we'll talk about how a mother and a wife, Mary? No, not mother. Just a single mother is doing it alone here in Hawaii. Aloha. This is Reg Baker with Business in Hawaii. We're a show that broadcasts every Thursday at 2 o'clock. We would love to hear from you and you can reach us in several different ways. We have a hotline that you can call in at 415-871-2474 or you can email us at thinktecawai.com or you can tweet us at thinktechhi. Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you on our next show. Aloha. Aloha. My name is Danelia D-A-N-E-L-I-A. And I'm the other half of the duo, John Newman. Welcome. We are co-hosts of a show called Keys to Success which is live on the ThinkTech Live Network series weekly on Thursdays at 11 a.m. We're looking forward to seeing you then. Aloha. Aloha, everyone. I hope you've been watching Think Tech Hawaii, but I'm here to invite you to watch me on Viva Hawaii every Monday at 3 p.m. I'm waiting for you. Mahalo. Hi, I'm Erin Saki, and I'm delighted to have Darcy Scharfenstein here of the Entrepreneurs' Foundation of Hawaii. And we were talking about how the Entrepreneurs' Foundation of Hawaii helps startups, helps companies, and the companies have to commit to 1% of their equity to do public work or some kind of public service, right? That's a terrific idea, such a terrific idea. So I was asking Darcy how she gets the word out, and you said you have events. Yes, so we have events. We actually have our annual event coming up here in November, on November 3rd, at Wildlife Country Club. And it's really just a very relaxed, you know, get to know new people, hang out with people you might not have seen in a while, and it happens once a year. But it is open to the public. That's great. And people want to find out more about it. Do you have a website? Yeah, it's EFHawaii.org. EFHawaii.org. Coming to the event of the Wildlife Country Club, you won't be disappointed. It's beautiful there. So who's going? Do you have speakers, or is it just a beat and greet? Yeah, it's really relaxed. We don't put any format on it. I say a few words. Our board chair says a few words, and it's really just enjoy. Enjoy each other. We have wonderful sponsors and donors. We have a silent auction. People can bid on items. Oh, that's terrific. No, I want to come. I'm open on November 3rd. I'll look on your website. Please join us. Maybe I'll see our, we have some mutual friends who are members of the Wildlife Country Club, so maybe I'll see them when I go. It sounds like, you know, great fun. Yes, purely social. A lot of fun. We do have another event that we're going to be launching for the first time ever, and it'll be our annual signature event. It'll be in early 2017, probably February. And so we'll post that information on our website as well. But I'm really excited about this event because it's what we're calling an opportunity for companies to come and workshop with us. So say, yeah, say they want to work on branding. You know, they need to secure their URL, and they need a better company name, and we'll workshop them through that. So every company and every entrepreneur that comes to our event will actually walk away with a deliverable. So, yeah, very exciting. Oh, that's terrific. That's very encouraging. Financing, fundraising, marketing, branding, legal, any type of issue that you have, you can bring it to our event. We'll have expert facilitators and where do you find the expert facilitators? Are they just part of the do-getting community? Yeah, they are. They're all local. Tremendous benefactors here in Hawaii. Absolutely, yeah. The board of directors of our organization represents all of the accelerators that I mentioned before, Blue Startups Energy Accelerator and Accelerate UH. We also have Startup Capital Ventures, which John Dean was a part of as well. And, yeah, and then we have UH representative and local community representative, Biz Jim Foundation, Lemonade Alley. So we have a very strong board. What's Lemonade Alley? Oh, Lemonade Alley is very cool. So it's basically a competition for kids. So they create a Lemonade Stand, they actually sell Lemonade and all of their profits go to progress. So it's profit for progress. So every single dollar that is made is donated to a charity of their choice. Terrific. That's a great, what's the age group? So it's from K through 12. Oh, wow. So they have like an elementary, a middle school, and a high school category. And I got to be a part of that this year. We sponsored and we actually awarded the biggest giving heart award. Oh, really? Yeah. And these two girls, Mikaela and Piper, they had their Lemonade Stand and they decided to donate all of their proceeds to Ho'olunapua, which is a refuge for trafficked girls. Right, I've heard of it before. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wow, that's terrific. So it was really a social impact award. It was a chance for us to kind of shine a light on people who intentionally chose their charity with real meaning and heart and wanted to make a difference, really, in their own community. But isn't that the way it's like the only way to be really successful? It's to be passionate about something, whether it's your career or whether it's your public service. I mean, you have to really be interested in the community you want to help. I mean, if you're not, it feels like such a burden, but if you are, it's delightful. It feels great. Absolutely. We partner also. There's another organization.org, HVCA, and we partner with them and also gave a social impact award there for adults. It was for computational thinkers. They're a storefront over in Kohala. They teach kids to code and they give back so much of their time to the community in free lessons and organizing movie nights and all kinds of... What's it called? Computational development? No, computational thinkers. Computational thinkers. And is it only for kids or do they have adult classes too? I think they do have adult classes too. At the time, they were expanding. But part of our model is that you have to pay it forward. So we gave them the award and they were able to pay it forward to Honolulu Mini Maker Faire. Oh, yeah. Honolulu Mini Maker Faire. Well, so did J. Everybody. It was really fun. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. Well, pay it forward. It's like this most simple concept, but it's so effective. I mean, it's just so easy to do. Anybody can do it. You can do it bigger. You can do it small. It just should be part of your life, you know, the way you think about things in a holistic way. Absolutely. Because everything you do sort of influences other things. Absolutely. Yeah. And if we can start at the young ages and even stages, right, of the business, if you start at the business and you give them the foundation for that mindset and that thinking of, I'm a part of this community, so I need to contribute, it just grows from there. It definitely does. I wish I had an opportunity as a kid. I mean, it's a terrific... When you see kids helping, it's a terrific opportunity for them. They grow. They give to the community. I've been involved in a lot of programs like that that have interfaced kids and communities in need, whether they're seniors or the homeless or whatever, and I've organized kids. And it's terrific. It's a terrifically rewarding thing to do. It really is. And they're so much fun. You can't just... There's their energy and their ideas and enthusiasm. So you must have a terrific... You sound like you have a terrifically rewarding job. I do. I'm very blessed. You're lucky. Yeah. It's an interesting place to be in the startup scene right now. We have a lot of work to do still in terms of growing and supporting our companies, but the folks who have been working at this for so many years have really given it a very solid foundation. Excellent. That's good. That's great. Okay. I'm going to say the name once more so you should go to the website and look. It's Entrepreneur's Foundation of Hawaii and say the website again. EFHawaii.org. EFHawaii.org. Go and have a look around and check out the events. Come go to YLI Country Club. Lend a little bit of support and... Yeah. We look forward to your next event too. Do you plan these or do you have a marketing department? Or what's your function there? What do you spend your days doing? Yeah. You're looking at it. I do have the support of an admin who also helps us with the events and the daily functions of the organization. But the more that we can attract more companies to us, the more that we can actually do for the community. You should be so proud of this. It's such a delight to have you on the show today. Thank you so much for coming. I'm very entrepreneurial. I've had a couple of businesses myself and so it's kind of... It's like a slick little secret interest of mine. You can pick up little ideas. So it's great to know that this resource is out there to help you and then in turn help the community. So that's terrific. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you so much. It's okay. It's okay. So is there anything you would like our viewers to know? Any last... Do you have any final words or anything? Just come and look and see and support, right? Yeah. Yeah. They can join. You can join on our website, efhawaii.org. But you know, we do encourage people to just come to our events as well. Right. Yeah. We have lifetime membership. We have annual membership. We have corporate membership. So we have all kinds of membership models and ways to interact with us. So it's a really great organization and our team is... Our board is wonderful and our community is really fun too. So support them. Go to their website and support them. I'm going to join. I'm going to go to Waila because I just think I'm dying to see the people that are in the start of community in Hawaii. I'd love to meet as many as possible. Because also as a lawyer, it's great because I can help lots of people. Everybody needs business advice, especially at the early stages. Absolutely. I'm going to hold you to that. Oh yeah, totally. You should call me up any time. So once again, we have Darcy Scharfenstein. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you. You've been watching Life in the Law. You're not watching Life in the Law, you're watching Community Matters. I did Life in the Law earlier. I'm Marianne Sasaki, Community Matters Wednesday at 3, typically with J-Fight L. See you soon.