Omar Sultan, co-founder of Sultan Ventures, Founding & Managing Partner of XLR8UH

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on May 2 & 3, 2018, will provide business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees with an opportunity to expand their expertise in numerous industry-related subjects. Hosted by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the conference program Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping a Pathway to Success is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in learning important strategies for business success.

“You’ll hear from successful national and local business leaders and owners, on customer service, business growth and scaling, social media management, innovative tax strategies and more while networking with the business community,” said Leslie Wilkins, President & CEO of MEDB.

Mayor Alan Arakawa added, “Small businesses dominate Hawaii’s economic landscape, making up over 90 percent of the business community and employing half of our state’s employees. By helping our local businesses navigate pathways for their success, we’re also helping to encourage ingenuity and profitability that ultimately impact our community and economy.”

First-day sessions will involve a combination of renowned specialists, plenary panels, and case studies on specific subjects. Karen McCullough, Generations Speaker, will provide the Opening Keynote and panel discussions on Customer and Employee Relationships.

Omar Sultan, co-founder of Sultan Ventures, Founding & Managing Partner of XLR8UH, will present a talk on Scaling Your Business, and will moderate a panel on Shaping a Game Plan for Growth. “Our firm helps visionary founders build successful, long-lasting businesses by supporting them at every stage of their journey,” said Sultan. Gwen Woltz, co-founder of Wahine Media, will discuss Social Media Reality Check: Gone Are the Days of “Free” and moderate a panel on Social Media Maui Style. “I can help attendees envision their perfect social media world and then map the quickest and most affordable route to get there.”

The second day consists of workshops diving deeper into some of the subjects presented on the first day, including a workshop on Tax Strategies for Small Businesses presented by Robert Kawahara, CPA, Managing Member, Kawahara + Hu, LLC.