2025 UH Venture Competition Information Session & Mixer – January 28th

Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center 1810 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI, United States
Celebrate the 25th UH Venture Competition, sponsored by American Savings Bank! Learn about the 2025 event and network to build your team!
In celebration of the 25th anniversary, the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship invites all University of Hawai‘i students to an information session for the 2025 UH Venture Competition, sponsored by American Savings Bank. Learn about the competition, network with students to form a team, and get ready for an exciting year ahead! 👍🏻 Open to undergrad & grad students across all 10 UH campuses 👍🏻 $25,000 grand prize + additional prizes 👍🏻 Free bootcamps to develop your business idea In this information session: You'll gain insight into the competition's structure, submission requirements, and priceless benefits of participating. This special session includes a chance to share your ideas and connect with others from across campus! About UH Venture Competition: Launching in 2000, the UH Venture Competition (formerly the UH Business Plan Competition) has grown to become one of the most exciting, feature events of the University of Hawai‘i entrepreneurial ecosystem. The UHVC is an intense, semester-long, experiential program that provides hands-on education, mentorship and resources to University of Hawai’i students and faculty who seek to learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur and start a business venture. The competition encourages collaboration across disciplines, and engages a wide array of competitors from various fields including Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Art, Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Tropical Agriculture and Business. Through the UHVC, aspiring entrepreneurs practice the art of testing the feasibility of a business idea, developing a business plan, and pitching it to investors. A series of bootcamps, networking events, and coaching sessions are held in conjunction with the competition to enhance the competitors’ experience and to help move their ventures forward. The UHVC is a collaborative project that engages stakeholders in the local business community who believe in entrepreneurial education, as well as University and government officials who assert that innovation and commercialization are vital components of Hawaii’s economic health. More than 50 judges, mentors, and instructors volunteer their time and expertise each year.
Free

Entrepreneurship Live with Joni Redick-Yundt & Rose Wong

Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center 1810 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI, United States
Join us for an inspiring talk with FAMES Hawaii CEO, Joni Redick-Yundt, and CEO and Founder of Kolohe, Rose Wong!

About the Event

Join us for a transformative conversation with Rose Wong, CEO of Kolohe Jewelry, and Joni Redick-Yundt, CEO & Founder of FAMES Hawaii, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, financial professional, and international best-selling author. These two powerful women will share their personal entrepreneurial journeys—filled with challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned—while emphasizing the pivotal role mentorship and collaboration played in their success. As part of their commitment to empowering the next generation, Rose and Joni will also introduce their new internship and mentorship program, Ignite the Power Within You. This initiative is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs unlock their potential, providing them with the tools, guidance, and community they need to thrive.

Speaker Bios

Joni B. Redick-Yundt is an extraordinary trailblazer, illuminating the path for others as a visionary, business and community leader, entrepreneur, mentor, inspirational, speaker, and cancer survivor. With unwavering resilience and determination, she embodies the transformative power of human spirit. As a beacon of hope, Joni is an ordinary person, achieving extraordinary success, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions. Her fourth book, slated for release on Spotify and as an audiobook, solidify her position as an International Best Selling Author, empowering readers worldwide.

Additionally, Joni designed her own one of a kind luxury handbags, meticulously crafted in Italy, made its stunning debut during Paris Fashion Week. showcasing her impeccable style and sophistication. Her exquisite designed fine jewelry collection handcrafted by Kolohe/Rose Wong Fine Jewelry, supporting a Noble cause, with a portion of the proceeds donated to FAMES Hawaii scholarship program, uplifting the next generation of leaders. Recently celebrated her FAMES Hawaii’s 20th Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Gala, awarded $20,000.00 to deserving students. As the founder and CEO of FAMES Hawaii, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2004, Joni has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. With nearly 3 decades of experience as a financial professional, Joni has established herself as a trusted expert in her field, guiding others toward financial freedom. She received numerous awards includes Million Dollar Round Table, Rookie of the Year, Leaders Club, Presidential Platinum Award for Oustanding Achievement in Field Management just to name a few.

As the owner and executive Director of Miss Paradise Hawaii, Miss Oahu and Miss Waikiki scholarship Pageant, Joni has created a platform for empowering young women, fostering confidence, self-esteem and personal growth. Her accomplishments have been recognized locally nationally and internationally through various awards and features, including FORBES magazine in 2023, inducted Hall of Fame & recognized as Top Fearless Leaders by International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) 2023, featured on the iconic billboard in Times Square New York City. Furthermore, Joni was awarded Empowered Women of the Year in 2022 in Las Vegas, featured on the famous billboard of Planet Hollywood. She has also been listed in Who’s Who in America 2021 & 2022 & recognized as Top Influential Business & Community Leader in 2021 by IAOTP in NYC. Other notable award include the US SBA Business Champion of the year in 2014, Pacific Business News Volunteer Woman of the Year 2008…and the list goes on.

A testament to her tireless efforts and dedication. Joni’s philosophy, Positive Attitude + Positive Action = Positive Result, serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one person can have. As a proud wife to Tom C Yundt an International Sr Aviation Engineer, mother and grandmother, Joni continues to inspire those around her with her remarkable achievements and generous spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all she touches.


Rose Wong is the founder of Kolohe, Hawaii’s original Custom Jewelry Bar experience. She founded her business in 2014 at 16 years old and at 21 years old, became the youngest store owner in Waikiki opening her first store at the ‘Alohilani Resort.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded with a second location at Waikiki Beach Walk. Kolohe now has 15 employees and an office in Downtown Honolulu.

After receiving a high demand for wedding rings and fine jewelry, Rose is about to open her third location, a Rose Wong Fine Jewelry Showroom.

Rose has received various awards for her entrepreneurial success and has been featured in prestigious magazines such as, Hawaii Business Magazine, Pacific Business News, and Ka Wai Ola Magazine.

Raised in a family of 12, Rose graduated from Kaiser High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she served as president of Hawaii Student Entrepreneurs. Before founding Kolohe, she worked in several positions from retail to education, where she realized that she wanted to work for herself. As Rose puts it, “I always had an internal fire to open up my own doors, despite my hardships.”

Rose has been invited as a motivational speaker to many groups and organizations and enjoys volunteering her time to inspire others.

As a local, small business, Kolohe strives to give back to the community through various community initiatives. Recently, they’ve raised funds for the Institue for Human Services, Kanewai Springs and Maui relief organizations.

Free

Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp 1

Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center 1810 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI, United States
Kickstart your business idea! Learn market research, idea validation, product-market fit, and revenue strategies in this bootcamp.
The Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) is pleased to offer free Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamps in conjunction with the 2025 UH Venture Competition (UHVC), generously sponsored by American Savings Bank. These rigorous, half-day workshops provide instruction in the lean startup methodology to help students develop their business model. PACE encourages all aspiring entrepreneurs, including those starting at the idea phase, to attend. Bootcamps are open to all UH students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the community. Bootcamps are also open to those participating in or not participating in the UHVC. Bootcamp 1 will be led by 2022 UHVC grand prize-winning team coach and UHM lecturer, Jeff Hui! This session will discuss how to identify customer segments, validate your ideas, provide a hands-on exercise in conducting customer interviews, and much more! While UHVC competitors are not required to attend Bootcamps, we highly recommend attending these sessions to prepare for each stage of the UHVC. Bootcamps will be offered in-person on the Mānoa campus and remotely over Zoom. About UH Venture Competition: Launching in 2000, the UH Venture Competition (formerly the UH Business Plan Competition) has grown to become one of the most exciting, feature events of the University of Hawai‘i entrepreneurial ecosystem. The UHVC is an intense, semester-long, experiential program that provides hands-on education, mentorship and resources to University of Hawai’i students and faculty who seek to learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur and start a business venture.
Free

PACE x FDM Entrepreneurship Live with Kris Goto

Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center 1810 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI, United States
Join PACE and FDM to hear from Kris Goto how she blends global influences, Japanese heritage, and island vibes in her art.
From Japan to Hawaiʻi, Kris blends global influences, Japanese heritage, and island vibes into her intricate art. Her murals and exhibitions span Oʻahu and beyond, bringing connection and creativity to every piece. Don’t miss the chance to experience her world of art—and attend the event for a chance to win exciting giveaways!
Free

Level Up Workshop: Create a Stronger Pitch

Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center 1810 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI, United States
Learn how to craft a distinct value proposition, define target audiences, and devise go-to-market strategies for your early startup.

About the Speaker

Jennifer Apy brings over three decades of marketing expertise to the table, leveraging her extensive experience to guide entrepreneurs in their ventures. With a background in both B2B and B2C sectors, Jennifer has consistently driven ROI and shareholder value for companies ranging from Fortune 500 giants to fledgling startups. Her knack for cultivating key customer insights and market trends has propelled new businesses to achieve steady 10/20/30% YOY growth to 200% annual growth.

Jennifer’s journey includes co-founding and exiting her own enterprise SaaS company, Milestonia, from 2019 to 2021, before transitioning to her current role as a fractional CMO at Chief Outsiders. In this capacity, she collaborates closely with CEOs and leadership teams, imparting her wisdom to mentor cross-functional, global teams towards achieving top and bottom-line success. She has a MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and BA degrees in Cognitive Science and Computer Science from Brown University.

Currently, Jennifer also extends her impact through strategic investments in startups via Waterman Ventures, further solidifying her position as a seasoned mentor and guide in the entrepreneurial sphere.

Her Career Highlights include:

Grew Adobe’s global consumer software business to over $100 million. Participated in the global launch of Adobe Creative Cloud

Reversed declining sales trends and achieved steady YOY growth and profitability for B2B and B2C Saas software companies under $5 million, leading to successful exits, acquisitions and investments.

Led demand-gen and consumer product launches for online and K-12 education, book publishing and toys.

Jumpstart awareness and lead generation and accelerate customer adoption by articulating a competitively differentiated value proposition, and clearly defining a compelling why-to-buy. Define a core audience and channel strategy to target that will increase the impact of your go-to-market plans. Through case studies, this workshop will help you create the "flywheel" that will lead to market success for your early startup.


Jen Apy bio: Over a decade of experience guiding and advising entrepreneurs on their ventures, often mentoring their marketing and sales teams to success. Co-founded/exited her own enterprise saas company, Milestonia, from 2019-2021. Currently invested in a broad portfolio of startups through Waterman Ventures.

Jen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenapy/

Free