Unlocking Capital: How Women Entrepreneurs Fund and Grow Their Businesses
For many entrepreneurs, the biggest barrier to growth is access to capital. This session takes a practical look at how business owners in Hawai‘i can position their companies to secure funding. The session will cover traditional bank loans, local lending programs, grants and alternative financing options available to businesses across the Islands. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of different types of capital that will allow for funding conversations, what documentation is required and how to determine which type of capital best supports each stage of growth.
Speakers:
- Amy Flores, Central Pacific Bank
Marketing with Meaning: The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling That Connects: Communicating Your Purpose and Impact
In Hawaiʻi, people don’t simply respond to marketing—they respond to stories. The tradition of talking story has long been how people across our Islands share values, build trust and connect with one another. For entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders alike, the ability to clearly communicate the story behind your work can strengthen relationships, attract supporters and deepen connections with the people you serve. In this session, leaders from both sectors will share how they use storytelling to build trust with customers, donors and partners. Learn how to define your story, communicate it with authenticity and use it effectively across marketing, fundraising efforts and partnerships to grow support and visibility for your work.
Speakers:
- Erin Uehara, Choco le‘a
- Mary Fastenau, Anthology/Finn Partners
Passion to Profit: Turning Your Idea into a Business
Many businesses in Hawai‘i begin with a passion. But turning that idea into a real business takes planning and understanding how you can generate steady income. In this session, local wahine entrepreneurs share how they moved from idea to action—finding their first customers, setting prices and building a foundation for a sustainable business. Designed for women who are just starting out or thinking about launching a venture, this conversation offers practical insight on how to turn what you love into a business that can grow and thrive across our Islands.
Speakers:
- Kris Goto, Independent Artist
Owning Your Kuleana: Defining the Path and Purpose of Your Business
This session brings together women entrepreneurs from across the Islands to share how they have navigated the different stages of building a business in Hawai‘i — from taking the first step to shaping a long-term vision. Through their experiences, attendees will gain perspective on how to think about growth, define their destination and move forward with greater intention as they build businesses that serve both their goals and their communities.
Speakers:
- Kuʻulani Keohokalole, People Strategies Hawaiʻi
Nonprofit Track: Building Financial Strength for Your Mission
For many nonprofits, long-term impact depends on more than grants alone. This session looks at how nonprofit leaders are strengthening their organizations by diversifying revenue—through earned income opportunities, social enterprise models and thoughtful corporate partnerships. Panelists will also discuss the importance of building authentic relationships with major donors and advocating for funding that supports the true cost of delivering on a mission. Join nonprofit leaders who are navigating the realities of today’s funding environment and working to move beyond the “nonprofit starvation cycle” toward more sustainable financial models.
Hiring and Retaining Employees
Across Hawaiʻi, businesses and non-profits face a unique hiring challenge: a limited talent pool, rising cost of living and increasing competition for skilled employees. In this session, leaders will discuss how they are attracting local talent, investing in training when experience is scarce and building workplace cultures that encourage long-term commitment. Hear practical approaches to compensation, professional growth and creating a sense of purpose that helps employees stay rooted and grow with your organization.
Beyond the To-Do List: How To Overcome Stress, Guilt and Overload to Find True Success
This is the discussed mental load breakout session that was highly sought after.
For many women entrepreneurs, leadership doesn’t end when the workday does. Running a business while managing the responsibilities of family life requires time management and emotional bandwidth. This session explores the realities of leading in both arenas. Entrepreneurs will share how they structure their businesses, set boundaries around their time, build support systems and make strategic choices that allow both their companies and their families to thrive. Rather than focusing on “doing it all,” the conversation will center on practical leadership approaches to balancing entrepreneurship and family life while continuing to grow a business.
Speakers:
