“Perpetuating local culture through strong small businesses that outlive their founder to the fourth generation and beyond.”

The local crack seed store. The local shave ice store. They represent the quintessential Hawaii local business. These stores are a labor of love. They are an important part of our unique culture and our story. They make us smile when we need it most. They are familiar and nostalgic. One taste takes us back to our first visit that was passed down from one generation to the next. Saving these iconic businesses and the many others who they represent is why Ekklesia Capital was founded.

When a locally-owned business is bought by a national company or closes-up entirely the end result is less jobs and lower-paying jobs. Salaries and benefits are reduced as the new short-term minded investors pump-up profit margins to improve a business’ attractiveness to flip to the next buyer.  The new business owner’s community engagement is rarely sustained at the prior levels.  In some cases, as national firms standardize to achieve operational efficiency, their Hawaii stores, products, and services lose their cultural uniqueness; a part of the our local culture is lost with it. Similarly, when a local business owner closes-up because the next generation is unwilling or unable to take over the business, a part of our local culture also dies with that business. 

The next generation of locally-born and raised Hawaii residents will continue to face fewer sustainable living wage paying jobs unless we maintain a vibrant small business community.  Strong and healthy locally-owned and operated small businesses provide an important opportunity for those who seek higher income potential and autonomy or those who simply want to return home from higher paying jobs on the mainland.

The health of Hawaii’s local culture and well-paying jobs depends on vibrant and strong local businesses.  Helping turn this tide by making stronger local businesses with effective succession plans to retain local ownership and operations is our Why.