Frequently Asked Questions
About The Program
What is the Aloha Connects Innovation (ACI) program?
Aloha Connects Innovation (ACI) is a new initiative led by the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii (EDAH) to nurture and grow knowledge-based work opportunities in Hawaii and fuel our emerging industries and innovation sectors. Originally envisioned by Omar Sultan of Sultan Ventures, the program is designed to help convert the loss of jobs due to COVID-19 into a potential new career opportunity for our residents.
Who is the ACI program intended to serve?
The ACI program is designed to serve:
Displaced workers or furloughed workers; or
Individuals who have experienced significant financial hardship due to COVID-19
How long will the ACI project last?
The ACI project will begin in September and end on December 15, 2020. The timeframe of this program is very tight, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. (More details to come. Please check back frequently.)
Download our Aloha Connects Innovation FAQ flyer
What are the Innovation sectors featured in the ACI program?
The Innovation sectors consists of non-tourism dependent emerging industries which includes, but is not limited to the following:
Clean Energy
Local Foods, Production and Manufacturing
Natural Resource Management
Waste Reduction Services
Smart, Sustainable communities
Technology, Cyber Security
STEM fields
Healthcare
Creative Industries
Aquaculture
Aerospace
Manufacturing
Agri-tech
Who is presenting the ACI program?
The Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, otherwise known as EDAH, is pleased to serve as the presenting organization of the program. Formed in 1998, EDAH is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to create shared sustainable prosperity and opportunity through responsible, diversified economic development across the Hawaiian Islands.
Who is funding the ACI program?
ACI is funded by Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. The funding originates through the CARES Act which made federal funding available to the Hawaii state government.
How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect the program?
To address COVID-19 on operations, the AIC will require that all Host Companies and Participants follow government recommendations and policies that relate to COVID-19. Guidelines include but are not limited to social distancing, mask wearing, and public gathering protocols. Altres will also assist with assessing safety protocols and precautions in the workplace.
Host Companies
What is a Host Company and how can my company become one?
A Host Company is where a Participant is placed and offers a safe and rewarding internship.
What is a Host Company required to do?
A Host Company will offer an enriching experience for the Participant, introducing them to a new industry or field and a new set of skills. Host Companies will provide day to day mentoring of Participants, working with ALTRES (the programʻs PEO) regarding the Participantʻs pay, benefits, or human resources needs, and ensure a safe working environment.
What are the Host Companyʻs reporting requirements
A Host Company will approve timesheets for each Participant, report on the number of Participants and hours worked, check in with EDAH on a regular basis, participate in monthly evaluation progress reports, and participate in an evaluation at the end of the program.
Is the Host Company required to pay the Participant in the Aloha Connects Innovation program?
No. ACI will cover the wages and benefits of the Participant from the duration of the ACI Program.
Is the Host Company guaranteed to receive a Participant?
A placement is not guaranteed through this program so EDAH suggests you apply to be a Host Company as soon as possible.
Will ACI assist the Host Company with preparing and nurturing the Participant?
Yes, each Host Company will be linked to a Facilitator, an organization whose role is assist the Host Company with posting their openings on HR Symphony’s Applicant Tracking System, helping them with developing an enriching Participant experience, and providing them with support for the duration of the program.
Will the Host Company be compensated for accepting a Participant for the Aloha Connects Innovation program?
Yes, the Host Company may be reimbursed for mentoring and training each Participant each month for committing to the experience for the Participant. The Host Company will sign a contract with EDAH and provide proper tax documentation to be eligible for the reimbursement.
How many Participants are Host CompanIes allowed to accept through the ACI program?
EDAH suggests no more than two Participants per Host Company because of the mentoring that we anticipate during the internship. Exceptions will be at the discretion of EDAH. Participants, especially those with little to no experience in your will need your support and encouragement to succeed.
Participants
How do displaced workers apply for the ACI program?
Interested residents can apply to be a Participant in ACI on the ALTRES website by clicking here. Applicants will be selected by Host Companies contingent upon the Participantʻs successful completion of the pre-employment process.
What kind of job opportunities Participants be offered?
Through ACI, Participants can expect to work in emerging sectors. They will explore Innovation work as a career to pursue. Clerical and administrative work, this work should not be the primary function of the job.
Will Participants have access to training for desired or required skills?
All Participants may enroll in a Higher Skills Academy and Microsoft training date during the preemployment process. Participants will also have access to other training opportunities, budget permitting, as well as a host of on the job training provided by their Host Company.
Does a resident need to have a background or past experience in innovation to apply?
No. You just need to have an interest in learning new skills and trying new jobs. To help us find the best match for you, include your volunteer activities, talents, or hobbies that may make you an exceptional applicant for an Innovation sector job.
How will Participants benefit from the ACI program?
Participants will:
Learn about yourself and develop your reflection skills through the Higher Skills Academy and Microsoft training program
Receive on-the-job training and experiences
Interact and learn from innovation industry leaders, their colleagues and networks, and other Participants
Be paid on this journey including benefits
Help shift Hawaiiʻs economy to more resilient sectors
Where can I go to find out more information about the ACI program?
For more information, go to https://www.edahawaii.org or email info@edahawaii.org.
Subject to change without notice.
