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HOPE INSIDE Maui

Restoring Financial Resilience
2 Years of Impact

Empowering Individuals, families, and businesses

Rebuilding Stronger After the 2023 Maui Wildfires.

In August 2023, devastating wildfires swept through Maui—most tragically impacting Lahaina—destroying homes, businesses, and community spaces, and displacing thousands of residents. The economic and emotional toll was staggering, with families and small business owners suddenly facing the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up. In response, Operation HOPE launched HOPE Inside Maui to provide immediate and long-term financial recovery support.

“After traveling the world to over 70 countries, I chose to make my home in the paradise of Maui—never imagining that a disaster would strike here. Living through the 2023 wildfires was the most traumatic experience of my life which has now become my deepest connection to resilience.

Now, I have the honor of serving other communities, taking the hard-earned lessons and recovery best practices from Maui and sharing them with the rest of the world. It’s a privilege to walk alongside survivors as they rise with purpose, rebuild with heart, and show us all what real HOPE looks like.”

– Jill “JJ” Niemann, Director of Disaster Operations

Impact Highlights: In Two Years

Every disaster is different but the need for hope, structure, and financial clarity is always the same. And that’s where we come in.

MPOWER Mastermind Spotlight

Operation HOPE has graduated 42 Maui-based entrepreneurs from its Disaster Small Business Development Program. Every workshop, coaching session, and partnership has been aimed at not just restoring livelihoods, but building a stronger, more financially resilient Maui for the future.

Director JJ Niemann saw an opportunity to keep the momentum and created the MPOWER Mastermind, open to graduates of the Small Business program. This mastermind model has been so successful that it is being considered in several other Operation HOPE locations.

“Being part of our Mastermind Group has been truly invaluable. The monthly meetups are a sacred container of connection, learning, and inspiration that keep me motivated and moving forward. The ongoing support of this community, combined with the wisdom of our monthly special guests, has helped me grow not only in business but also personally.”

— Heather Regal Salmon, owner of Black Swan Temple

From our small business pitch winners 

Ferdinand McAvoy
Petaloom Floral Co
Ashley Colemain | CEO

“There is always room to improve and push past fears and expand your knowledge and confidence. This cohort gave me a boost to another business level unlocked. It's a good choice to invest in yourself and your business.”

Business Challenges

Prior business challenges included a need to develop marketing skills, increase customer acquisition, and receive help creating a business plan.

MPOWER Outcomes

MPOWER outcomes included gaining new clients, increasing revenue, and expanding services, while also building confidence and hope for the future. These results empowered participants to set attainable goals, overcome financial fears, and access new programs and tools to support small business success.

Kierra Harder
Dingleberry Creative Co
Kiera Harder | CEO

“I loved meeting women who have started their own business. I have more confidence in owning my own business and learning Chat GPT was mind blowing for me.”

Business Challenges

Prior business challenges included a lack of marketing knowledge, difficulty expanding customer acquisition, and the need to develop a business plan.

MPOWER Outcomes

MPOWER outcomes included increased revenue, stronger sales skills, financial forecasting and goal setting, and the development of clear business plans with mission and vision. These results led to measurable growth and greater confidence—helping participants turn side gigs into businesses, set attainable goals, overcome financial fears, and apply new programs, forms, and strategies for small business success.

Ferdinand McAvoy
KoKoVal Natural Fruit Spread
Claudia Bustamente | CEO

"It has forced me to spend time on finances and really analyze my cost and expenses. It has helped me to pitch my business to others. It has also helped me scale the business."

Business Challenges

Prior business challenges included understanding financial management, creating realistic goals, and accessing funding.

MPOWER Outcomes

MPOWER outcomes included creating a business mission and vision, applying goal setting and financial forecasting, and developing skills for business continuity planning. These efforts resulted in revenue growth and stronger retail presence, while participants gained deeper knowledge of their businesses and built valuable networks with fellow owners.

Ferdinand McAvoy
Kierra Harder
Ferdinand McAvoy
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Business Spotlight:

Jaime Rosier, owner of Dream Team for Pets

“I started off in Operation HOPE’s Small Business Development Program, in the first Maui cohort. In that program, thanks to the classes that we had and especially the coaching from Angela, I was able to start a new business brand, develop that, and get that off the ground. However, I realized I needed to focus more on the disaster relief part of what I love to do and build that into my business.

Now, in addition to dog training and behavior consulting, I do animal search and rescue, so I’m out there in the front line. I’ve been able to help in three disasters in the past year. This whole other part of me has developed. I’ve made so many connections, not just here but around the country, and I’m partnering with different nonprofits to be able to go into disaster zones and help, whether boots on the ground or remotely. This is my calling—the disaster relief part is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

partners & strategic alliances

  • Recovery: American Red Cross, FEMA, SBA, VOAD, Lahaina Strong, Maui Recovers, CNHA, Lahaina Gateway, Maui United Way, Salvation Army
  • Small Business: Maui Economic Development Board, Maui Economic Opportunity, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Office of Economic Development, Small Business Development Center, YWCA
  • Education & Development: University of Hawaii Maui College, Maui Food Innovation Center, Appalachian State, Entrepreneur Bootcamp Committee
  • MPOWER Program Partners: Maui Pono Foundation, Predictable Success Systems, Wonderland Maui, ADP, Maui Farmer Network, Business Network International, ACB Logistics


“Building more financially resilient communities requires an investment and deliberate engagement from the entire community. The strength of our ability to serve residents is undoubtedly linked to the strategic partnerships we have formed inside of communities at risk of hazardous impact from disasters.”
– Marlon Trone, Senior Director of Disaster Programs

NEED HELP AFTER A DISASTER?

If you’ve recently been impacted by a natural disaster and are trying to figure out what comes next, we’re here to help.

Call us at 1-888-388-HOPE (4673)
Register for Support

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