Kaua‘i businesses, community will ‘Catch A Wave’ at free Shark Tank-style event

The Kaua‘i community is invited to attend the grand finale on Saturday of Catch A Wave, the Garden Isle’s answer to the popular ABC reality TV series “Shark Tank.”

Entrepreneurs on “Shark Tank” pitch business ideas to a panel of potential investors. Catch A Wave, which was first held in 2018, offers similar opportunities to up-and-comers on Kaua‘i.

On Saturday evening, eight finalists selected from 38 applicants will present their small businesses in front of a panel of five judges and a community audience at the Kaua’i Philippine Cultural Center in Līhu‘e.

The event is free and will feature food trucks, “The Aloha Connection” with kumu hula Puna Kalama Dawson and business showcase booths.

Greg Horn said he and fellow organizers have assessed participants’ financial structures, revenues and profits, and their ability to grow. But unlike “Shark Tank,” Catch A Wave does not prioritize participants’ ability to make billions.

Instead, Catch A Wave is looking for local businesses offering innovative solutions to local issues.

“What are they doing to really serve the community?” Horn said. “Does this business have the potential to create lots of local, high paying jobs?”

The eight finalists are Kaua‘i Fresh Fish, Leongs Market and Grill, Lace It Up Kaua‘i, Compost Kaua‘i, Collab Café, Kalalea Juice Hale, Tasting Kaua‘i and Golden Lotus Studio.

Prizes on the line Saturday include $10,000, business coaching and consultation packages. At least one individual, who has asked to go unnamed, already plans to invest in at least one of the finalists’ businesses.

Catch A Wave was previously held in 2018 and 2019. Saturday marks the event’s return following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

It is sponsored by organizations, which include: the Rotary clubs of Kaua‘i, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Kaua‘i Now.

Catch A Wave’s main event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Kaua’i Philippine Cultural Center in Līhu‘e. Kumu hula Puna Kalama Dawson with Kaiāulu will host “The Aloha Connection” at 3:30 p.m.

To reserve a seat and receive more information, including full prize details, visit catchawavekauai.com.