Ao Kapijuknen Programme
An Incubator Programme for Entrepreneurs in Tourism
Launched in 2021, Ao Kapijuknen or "My Homeland" is a new incubator programme focused on enabling entrepreneurs to start or grow a business in tourism in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Ao Kapijuknen was designed to expand economic opportunity, self-sufficiency and diversification of livelihoods whilst supporting the development of the tourism industry.
The incubator provides support through four core activities: seed funding, training, marketing and sales support and mentorship. After a successful pilot and Round 2, the programme is now seeking funding to continue an expansive Round 3 and progress its support to entrepreneurs and the development of tourism businesses in the RMI.
The programme was established thanks to funding from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund and in partnership with OCIT Tourism Division.