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The Sauna Ohana Funding Program

We provide low-interest loans and grants to build a traditional sauna business from the ground up. Selection is based on values alignment, not valuation.

What we fund

We provide low-interest loans and grants to support the construction and early operations of traditional sauna businesses. 

How Much We Fund

It's entirely dependent on the performance of the Sauna Ohana retail site. Until our store gets bigger, recipients should plan to pursue additional funding sources.

Requirements

Your sauna must be built around traditional sauna.  The design must reflect genuine understanding of heat, steam, and ventilation. Your business must be centered on human connection and community, not wellness branding.

Beyond that, the creative vision is yours. How your sauna looks, what surrounds it, how your community gathers around it — that's your interpretation to make. 

Who we are looking for:

  • Someone with a meaningful prior career — in any field — starting their first business
  • A solo or micro-business operator — no franchise models, no investor-backed entities
  • Committed to original vision — not replicating an existing concept or brand
  • Able to demonstrate genuine knowledge of and respect for traditional sauna culture

The next round of applications is expected to open in late 2027.