“Each of the courses is designed to empower local Maui businesses with the know-how to market their products and services online,” said instructor Danielle Miller.

KAHULUI – The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) and EdVenture at the University of Hawaii Maui College offer professional certifications and workforce training designed to support Maui Nui’s economic growth and meet the needs of local employers and the workforce.

“As a recent graduate of the nationally recognized Building Operations Certification program offered through SLIM at Maui College, I learned how to be efficient in operating a building in the areas of HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), lighting and implementing operational improvements,” said Joice Castillo, a National Environmental Enforcement Council-certified Building Operator and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate in the Engineering Department at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.

“Continuing education is valuable in keeping local businesses and employers competitive by being more effective in their operations in regards to decision-making in the procurement of goods, waste disposal and energy management,” Castillo said.

New courses developed for small businesses offer specialized training in Quickbooks, accounting, retail sales, social media and marketing.

“As a small business enthusiast and marketing specialist, I’m thrilled to be offering a series of social marketing classes through EdVenture,” said instructor Danielle Miller.

“These courses enable us to increase the value of our team, and with tuition assistance programs like the Employment and Training Fund, it makes it a no-brainer,” said Koa Chang of Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm.

“For entrepreneurs in the early stages of building their business, there’s a Marketing Foundations class offered on October 14th and 15th. This two-day course helps new businesses establish marketing guidelines and refine their marketing message,” Miller said.

Courses in agritourism, sustainable agriculture, how to grow and maintain fruit trees, “ABCDs of Pruning,” pig farming, food innovation and sustainable development focus on entrepreneurial and workplace skills that will help Maui Nui’s residents enhance their career development and support a sustainable future for Maui.

“Our employees learn new skills and develop leadership and professionalism that helps with the growth of our whole organization,” said Koa Chang, CEO and president of Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.

Tuition assistance is available for most sole proprietors, businesses, employees and unemployed workers; to apply, visit EdventureMaui.com.

Look for the latest EdVenture catalog in the mail and receive a 10 percent early bird discount by registering online at www.EdventureMaui.com. For more information, contact Nicolette van der Lee at nhv@hawaii.edu or 984-3231.