2023 Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair Class Schedule
The Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair provides actionable information for small businesses recovering from economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert speakers will present step-by-step methods and concrete examples for attendees.
Please see the schedule below and be sure to register ahead of time using this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-small-business-fair-tickets-686281525517Class Schedule
8:30 – 9:30 AM
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| ED 101 | Filing General Excise Taxes: All You Need To Know Gordon Zane, State Dept. of Taxation The workshop will aim to demystify the General Excise Tax by focusing on what people looking to start their own business should know about the tax, as well as areas of the tax people who are already operating their own businesses may not be clear on and would like to understand better. The workshop will cover the basics from obtaining a license to knowing who must file, what to file, when to file, how to file, and tips to keep in mind to avoid any pitfalls along the way. |
| ED 103 | Introduction to Federal Income Tax Lisa Wells, My Personal CPAs and Financial Planner LLC Basic information on federal income taxes for small business owners. |
| ED 104 | Maintaining HR Compliance Danielle De Lima, Superior Staffing & Services Maintaining HR compliance is crucial for small businesses to ensure they comply with employment laws and regulations. Failing to do so can result in legal issues, penalties, and damage to your company’s reputation. In this 1-hour session, we will go over key areas to help small businesses maintain compliance with HR and legal regulations as well as best practices that govern the employment relationship. This training aims to ensure business owners, managers, and HR personnel within an organization understand their rights, responsibilities, and obligations to maintain a compliant and ethical workplace. |
| ED 112 | Indigenous Knowledge as a Basic for Understanding Modern Finance Nainoa Logan, Wai’anae Economic Development Council (WEDC) Instead of trying to indigenize western finance, the tools needed to gain a good grasp of finance are found in the study of traditional economic systems. Through legends, analogies, and cultural proverbs we can empower native peoples to reclaim their understanding of traditional and modern resource management. |
| ED 113 | Can Small Business Certifications Grow Your Business? Mary Dale, U.S. Small Business Administration Find out about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned, HubZone, Veteran-Owned and 8(a) certifications and are they right for your small business. |
9:45 – 10:45 AM
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| ED 101 | Access to Capital Panel Ken Kuroda, Hawaii National Bank, Matt Orias, American Savings Bank, Storm Bridgewater, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Find out from local lenders what you need to get the right financing for your small business and how to prepare before meeting with a lender. |
| ED 102 | How to Develop your Creative Business Ricky Manayan, Creative Lab Hawaiʻi Founder and Creative Industries Division, DBEDT Founded in 2012 by the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) – Creative Industries Division, Creative Lab Hawaiʻi (CLH) is a workforce development program committed to strengthening and growing Hawaiʻi’s creative economy. CLH connects Hawaiʻi’s youth, emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs with industry-specific expertise in music, new media, film, performing arts, fashion, game development, animation, and more for immersive training and mentorship to bolster their business acumen and increase the global export of Hawaiʻi’s creative content. Learn more about exciting upcoming CLH opportunities with this workshop. |
| ED 103 | Introduction to Federal Income Tax Lisa Wells, My Personal CPAs and Financial Planner LLC Basic information on federal income taxes for small business owners. |
| ED 104 | Basic Social Media Marketing Melissa Chang, Buzzmaster, Adstreamz, Inc. This workshop is an ideal start for business owners and people new to marketing who need to learn the basics of social media marketing. Participants will get an overview of the current trends, how to organically engage with customers, do’s & don’t’s, some best practices, and time-saving tips. This workshop also looks at social media influencers and how to tell if they will really influence your business. |
| ED 112 | Leading with Native Values and Cultural Intelligence Poʻokela Mossman, Wai’anae Economic Development Council (WEDC) Explore the core principles of Native values and learn how to integrate them into your leadership practices. Develop your cultural intelligence (CQ) through interactive exercises and real-life case studies, and gain practical strategies to overcome challenges and leverage your cultural background as a strength. Led by a Healthy Leadership Coach and Native Hawaiian, this transformative session will empower you to lead authentically, foster meaningful connections, and navigate diverse cultural landscapes with confidence. |
| ED 113 | Business Registration: Selecting a Legal Entity to Fit Your Business and Protect Your Personal Assets Gregory Kim & Catherine Taschner, Business Law Corps. When you start a new business, you need to form a legal entity before you start operations. Why? Because you do not want to lose your house and other assets if something goes wrong in the business. What could go wrong? Many things. It could be a loan this is unpaid, a lease that is breached, an disfruntled employee or contractor who brings a claim, or a third party who is injured, to name a few. And, you need to choose wisely. This session will provide an overview of the choices you have when starting up a new business and forming a legal entity, and provide useuful information on how you register your new business. |
| ED 114 | Protecting Your Business Brand and Products: Patterns and Trademarks Martin Hsia, Cades Schutte LLP Learn about the different types of intellectual property, why you need to protect it, and how to do just that for your business. |
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| ED 101 | The Business Plan Lori Hiramatsu and Andra Tejero-Gaspar – VBOC of the Pacific This workshop highlights the importance of a business plan, all the elements of a good business plan, including revenue growth, marketing, management, budgeting; how to write an effective business plan, and how to avoid pitfalls. |
| ED 102 | Doing Business as An Independent Contractor Noela Napoleon, Patsy T. Mink Center Women’s Business Center This workshop is ideal for those who want to set up a business as a “self-employed” Independent Contractor. The workshop covers the difference between employee vs. independent contractors; how to set up a new business as an independent contractor; State and federal tax filing requirements for independent contrators. |
| ED 103 | Quickbooks Basics and Tips Lisa Wells, My Personal CPAs and Financial Planner LCC If you feel you dont understand what you are supposed to do monthly, quarterly, and annually” If you are interested in moving your business from paper files to electronic files to start forecasting rather than dealing with just “results”, or if you want to know how to start or get more out of Quickbooks, you should take this session. |
| ED 104 | Basic Social Media Marketing Melissa Chang, Buzzmaster, Adstreamz, Inc. This workshop is an ideal start for business owners and people new to marketing who need to learn the basics of social media marketing. Participants will get an overview of the current trends, how to organically engage with customers, do’s & don’t’s, some best practices, and time-saving tips. This workshop also looks at social media influencers and how to tell if they will really influence your business. |
| ED 112 | What Does Your Credit say About You and Your Small Business? Jeanne Yukitomo, Business Development Specialist, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union This workshop discusses the importance of getting your personal credit in order before you consider obtaining business credit. What lenders look for? What does the credit report say about you? What does the credit score number mean? How to improve or challenge what this credit report says. |
| ED 113 | Accessing Microlending Shavon Lave, Pakini Loan Fund Azure Skellington, Pacific Gateway KIVA Program, Ian Pumaras, Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement Looking for financing but don’t need millions? Small loans for small business this panel will address how to access micro loans for equipment, working capital and more. |
12:15 – 1:15 PM
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| ED 101 | CONTINUED – The Business Plan Lori Hiramatsu and Andra Tejero-Gaspar – VBOC of the Pacific |
| ED 102 | Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, Christopher Bailey, Leeward Community College Learn about a new Center in Wahiawa that will provide facilities, equipment, expertise, and other resources for farmers, small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and students to create value-added food products for the market. |
| ED 103 | Connecting the Revenue Dot through Marketing Terra Malia Foti, Terra Foti Consulting This workshop provides a roadmap on how to leverage marketing to meet your business revenue and business goals. |
| ED 104 | Building a Square Website for Beginners Erin Kanno Uehara, Choco Leʻa This session will provide an overview of how to set up a new website on Square, product pages, merchandising, inventory control, email marketing and analytics. |
| ED 112 | Understanding and How to Analyze Financial Statements, Profits, and Cash Flow Dennis Wong, Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center This session presents what you need to know about understanding financial statements; how to use the information to determine the financial health of your business and improve cash flow and profitability. |
| ED 113 | Is Exporting for Your Business? Mary Dale, U.S. Small Business Administration This session presents to you how to expand your business internationally to reach larger markets. What export programs are available for small business to get there products or services into the overseas market and succeed. |
Speakers
Our speakers are all subject matter experts with several years of experience. They are all dedicated to supporting small business growth in Hawaiʻi.
Be sure to register ahead of time here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-small-business-fair-tickets-686281525517Name
Bio
Christopher Bailey, Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center
Chris Bailey, is the Manager for the Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center. Over the last ten years, Chris Bailey has been an active business developer, entrepreneur and research chef in product development, marketplace access and business foundations. Chris has spent a significant portion of his career in Portland, Oregon where he has served as the Project Director for Community Co-Pack, a community-rooted contract-manufacturing production facility, which serves the Pacific Northwest’s black, indigenous and people of color community. In addition to Community-Co Pack, Chris was a Senior Business Advisor for the Portland Mercado, a small business incubator and market hall, where he has supported the accelerated growth of food businesses from startup to traded sector by providing one-on-one advising, product development and technical assistance. Chris has been actively engaged as a volunteer within the Portland community where he serves as a board member for the James Beard Public Market and Built Oregon to name a few. Chris received his degree from Lewis and Clark College and is an alumnus of Punahou School.
Storm Bridgewater, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union
Storm Bridgewater is a Commercial Lending Officer at HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union. He helps current and prospective business members with their business financing needs. Storm’s career experience has focused on commercial credit underwriting, portfolio management and commercial lending. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and attended high school at Punahou School. Outside of work, Storm enjoys spending time with his family, and he is an aspiring indoor rock climber.
Melissa Chang, Adstreamz, Inc
Melissa has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing and public relations, including work with Starr Seigle Communications, as the Marketing Director for Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, and as the Marketing Director of Aloha Tower Marketplace. She is currently a freelance writer and social media marketing consultant. Clients include Pearlridge Center, Farmlovers Markets, Alexander & Baldwin (several of their malls throughout the state), MangoMango, Tanaka Ramen, Goma Tei and more.
Mary Dale, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Mary is a Business Development Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration Hawaiʻi-Pacific. Mary supports various programs organized by the SBA, and works with Hawaiʻi banks to faciltate SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Danielle De Lima, Superior Staffing & Services
Danielle is the founder and CEO of Superior Staffing & Services (SSS), a staffing and HR services provider based out of Kapolei, Hawaii with a mission to bring talent and HR solutions to companies and improving the communities we live and work in. As a seasoned HR Professional with over 15 years of experience, Danielle brings a wealth of diverse and progressive experience with a focus on Staffing, Recruitment, Compliance, Employee Relations, Benefits, and other general HR functions. Danielle is wildly passionate in serving and helping others, including her family, friends, church, and community. This foundational passion serves as a driving force for Superior Staffing & Services in helping organizations solve business challenges from securing the right talent, managing employees, leadership development, and all things HR.
Terra Malia Foti, Terra Foti Consulting
Terra Malia Foti is the founder of a local membership based community catering to professionally driven women and a Realtor by trade focusing on O’ahu and Maui islands since 2015. With over 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the hospitality industry and 10 years of navigating the entrepreneurial digital landscape, she coaches creatives, leaders and CEO’s on how to automate their sales / operations and monetize their business model while maximizing R.O.I.
Lori Hiramatsu, Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Lori has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry serving in various capacities including district manager overseeing several branches, a business and consumer banking team, and operations. She served 6+ years as a Senior Business Advisor with the Hawaii SBDC and assisted Hawaii businesses in various stages of their business life-cycle including start-ups, expansions, exports, manufacturing, agriculture, selling/buying businesses, and assisting them with access to capital for their business needs. Besides her business banking and lending background, she is knowledgeable of the various SBA financing programs, and is experienced in the financing of commercial PV and PPA systems. She holds a BBA from the University of Hawaii- Manoa, a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington (honors thesis), certified U.S. Export advisor, certified HiSBDC business advisor and active volunteer in the community.
Martin Hsia, Cades Schutte
Martin is a registered patent attorney, one of the few patent attorneys in Hawai‘i. He practices patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, right of publicity, computer, licensing, Internet, and entertainment law at Cades Schutte. Martin is Chair of the Intellectual Property Group and Co-Chair of the Internet, eCommerce & Information Technology Group.
Gregory Kim, Business Law Corps
Gregory Kim has over 30 years of experience as a corporate and securities attorney representing emerging growth companies and public companies in private and public offerings, mergers & acquisitions, SEC filings and reports, venture capital, joint ventures, business formations, and licensing and other technology transactions. Greg is the founder of Vantage Counsel LLC, which he launched in 2004 and restated in 2019. Vantage Counsel is one of the first virtual law firms in the United States. Greg is committed to serving the community. Greg is a co-founder of Business Law Corps, a nonprofit corporation that provides a platform to connect talented entrepreneurs with experienced corporate attorneys who are willing to provided pro bono services. Greg is recognized as a leading corporate attorney by Best Lawyers of America, Chambers USA and SuperLawyers.
Ken Kuroda, Hawaii National Bank
Kenneth is a Vice President and Relationship Officer in the Corporate Banking Department at Hawaii National Bank. He has worked with clients since 2016 and currently specializes in commercial and business lending. Raised in a family of small-business owners, Kenneth values building strong relationships with local businesses. He graduated from Castle High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He is also a member of several community and professional organizations, including RMA-Hawaii and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
Shavone Lave, Pakini Loan Fund (PLF)
The Pakini Loan Fund (PLF), is classified as an emerging Native American Community Development Financial Institution (NA-CDFI) by the US Department of Treasury CDFI Fund. Pakini Loan Fund provide loans for small businesses throughout the State of Hawaii. Their services are available to anyone, Their priority is to serve Native Hawaiians living and working in the Wai`anae Moku, the Wai`anae Coast, the area Kahe to Ka`ena. Shavone has a Master’s degree in Psychology and a background in counseling and education. Prior to joining WEDC, Shavone owned and operated The Sugar Hut, a bakery located in Ma’ili, Hawai’i.
Nainoa Logan, Wai’anae Economic Development Council (WEDC)
Nainoa Logan has a background in Business Finance but his pasion stems from supporting the community through Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial education. Nainoa founded the 501c3 Non-Profit organization, Hiamana, through which he offered classes on finance and business to organizations and families. Nainoa is also owner of multiple LLC’s. Currently, Nainoa oversee grant-writing and progrmas for The Wai’anae Economic Development Council and delivers both the Financial Lo’i and Maolipreneur programs.
Rick Manayan, Branch Chief, Creative Industries Division, State of Hawaii Dept. of Business Economic Development & Tourism
Rick Manayan is an accomplished real estate professional with international and domestic experience in acquisitions & dispositions, property management, asset management, project management and strategic planning with a track record of improving return on invested capital. He has also held principal and executive management positions in the broadcast, publishing and telecommunications industries.
Rick has taken key leadership positions in State and City Government: serving as Asset Manager for the Housing & Finance Development Corporation of Hawaii while over-seeing nearly $1 Billion of Affordable, Senior and teacher housing and commercial properties, and he served as the City’s Asset Manager for the new $10 Billion Honolulu Light Rail Project.
Mr. Manayan received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1981 and his post-graduate studies in Marketing and Business Administration at Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Mr. Manayan has held posts on the boards of several non-profit, for profit and government corporations including the Nuuanu YMCA, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Public Television, Hawaii Community Development Authority, Hawaii Housing Finance Development Corporation, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Aloha Tower Development Corporation, Hawaii Board of Agriculture, United Filipino Council of Hawaii, Hosoi Garden Mortuary, Hosoi Life Plan, and many others. He currently is a member of the Friends of Hickam, is a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and serves as Chair of the Honolulu Food & Wine Festival, which today is Honolulu’s largest.
Po’okela Mossman, Wai’anae Economic Development Council (WEDC)
Po’okela Mossman was born and raised in Hawai’i. He served 8 years as a Combat Medic with the US Army from 1997-2005. With an unswerving belief in the significance of effective leadership, Po’okela empowers leaders to enhance communication, foster collaboration, and establish trust within their teams. He champions the qualities of self-awareness, servitude, and continuous growth as essential to impactful leadership. His expertise spans across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits, where he fortifies leaders, rendering them not only successful but also resilient. Currently serving as the Program Manager and Business Coach for the Maolipreneur program at WEDC (Waianae Economic Development Council) he fuels entrepreneurial spirits, while also presiding over the Hawai’i Entrepreneurs Toastmasters and overseeing Division 14 as Area Director, both testaments to his commitment to nurturing leadership excellence. Po’okela an accomplished Leadership Speaker, Executive Coach, and visionary founder of Chief Development, boasting over 15 years of leadership experience.
Noela Napoleon, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL)
Noela Napoleon is the Lead Business Counselor and Instructor with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL). MCBL is an SBA Women’s Business Center Resource Partner who provides help to local businesses at all phases of development. Noela’s specialized knowledge and training in Independent Contractor relationships was built as a former Contracts Specialist managing sub-contracts under the National Parks Service, Dept. of the Interior; as well as her 27 years of experience as a private business owner/employer in Hawai′i.
Matt Orias, American Savings Bank
Matt joins us from American Savings Bank where he serves as the First VP and Team Leader, Business Banking. As a business relationship team leader with nearly 15 years of experience, he is committed to making dreams possible for his business customers and offers extensive expertise in the purchasing of small to mid-size apartment buildings and other commercial properties.
Ian Pumaras, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Ian Pumaras is the Chief Financial Officer at Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Headquartered in Kapolei, CNHA is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Treasury department and a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling agency. We provide access to capital, financial education and individualized financial counseling services with a focus on low and moderate-income families. CNHA serves as a National Intermediary, providing grants and loans targeting underserved communities in Hawaiʻi.
Azure Skellington, Pacific Gateway KIVA Program
Azure Skellington is the Social Enterprise Director at Pacific Gateway Center, responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of innovative loan structures for small business owners, including farmers, artists, and chefs, who face barriers to accessing traditional bank loans. With a Master’s degree in Human Resources and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Azure specializes in providing consultation to indigenous women, farmers, culinary businesses, and low-income business owners in our island community, by supporting their success through fostering sustainability and resiliency. Azure is deeply committed to Pacific Gateway Center’s mission of creating positive social impact through innovative lending solutions.
Catherine Taschner, Business Law Corps
Cat Taschner is the Deputy Director of the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Land Management. Previously, Cat was a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, where she concentrated her practice on complex real estate transactions with an emphasis on acquisitions, dispositions, development, land use and entitlements, and corporate and securities law. Catherine is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Business Law Corps, a non-profit organization that provides pro bono legal services to Hawaii’s small business owners and entrepreneurs. She has been recognized by the Hawaii State Legislature, the Hawaii State Bar Association, the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, and the United States Small Business Administration for her volunteer work with the Business Law Corps.
Andra Tejero-Gaspar, Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Andra has served at the Hawai’i SBDC, Oahu Center for over 13 years. Prior to her time in economic development, she has dedicated 18 years as an educator in the Education Department at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. She brings a cultural perspective and over 30 years of customer service to the program. She graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. As a member of a military family, Andra has lived in Fort Lewis, Washington, Stuttgart, Germany, Montpellier, France but home is here in Hawai’i.
Erin Kanno Uehara, Choco le`a
Erin is the owner and CCO (chocolate connections officer) for Choco le`a, and author, blogger, motivational speaker, active volunteer in her community and church, and is affectionately known as “your chocolate friend.”
Lisa Wells, My Personal CPA & Financial Planners LLC
I am a graduate of Pearl City High School and Bachelor’s Degree achiever from our very own University of Hawaii. I hold professional credentials as an IRS Enrolled Agent, specializing business development, accounting, tax education. I am the president of the Hawaii Society of Enrolled Agents, a group of professionals dedicated to spreading knowledge throughout the tax community. I am on the board of Friends of CASA, a nonprofit dedicated financially supporting the Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused or neglected children. I am a married mother of 3, and grandmother . My passion is to give back to the community by helping entrepreneurs learn and grow their businesses. I am blessed to be a part of My Personal CPA & Financial Planners LLC, as it is the organization that has allowed me to pursue my dreams and goals.
Dennis Wong, Hawai’i Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Dennis Wong is a Senior Business Advisor for Hawaii Small Business Development Center. Dennis has 45 years of financial experience (including many years at the senior managerial level). Graduate of the Advanced Commercial Lending Graduate School in Oklahoma and Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle. He has assisted businesses in many different industries including manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, service, hospitality, agriculture, and restaurants. Also, he is a Board of Director for Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and has been a long time advisory council member of the SBA, worked extensively with the USDA, and HEDCO 504 loan program.
Jeanne Yukitomo, HawaiiUSA FCU
Jeannie Yukitomo attended Leeward Community College & graduated from University of Hawaii Manoa. She has been with the United Airlines credit union since 1991, With her role as Branch Manager of United Airlines Employees Credit Union. In 2006 she was promoted and moved to HawaiiUSA FCU as the largest local credit union in the Hawaiian Islands as her role as the Main Branch Manger II . Jeannie was promoted to Senior Business Development Officer to engage with our Hawaii Business owners. She was very proud to work during covid in tandem with the City & County of Honolulu Small Business Grants division to provide & fund grants to deserving business members. As well as offer business grants to SBA owners on Kauai & Hawaii Island Holomua Grants. Currently Jeannie serves on the following boards; Department Of Justice-FDC , HawaiiUSA FCU Foundation , Hawaii Air Cargo Association , Kroc Center Advisory Board & Myron B Thompson Academy.
Gordon Zane, State Department of Taxation
Gordon has a JD-MBA, and has had extensive experience in financial analysis, contract administration, and financing. He has worked for the State Department of Taxation for over 10 years, and currently supervises the Department’s civil investigation unit dedicated to insuring tax compliance in all areas of Hawaii’s economy.
Registration
Be sure to register ahead of time at the following location:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-small-business-fair-tickets-686281525517