Funding Workshops + One-on-Ones

This is three workshops rolled into one, all about tackling the numbers in funding for government contracts and grants! If you're unable to make it in person, you'll be able to watch the workshops virtually.

One-on-ones after lunch. If you have specific questions about your company and would like to meet with these experts, once you register for the workshops, you'll receive a link to schedule a meeting. There are a limited number of slots available so sign up quickly!

Speakers:

Del Mackey, Founder, Peak Innovations Group

Del is dedicated towards helping innovative companies move further towards a successful commercial undertaking. He has over a decade of experience in the SBIR/STTR programs, where he worked both as part of a small business seeking funding and, in another capacity, and as part of a FAST awardee team helping hundreds of businesses go after these funding opportunities. Del brings this expertise to clients, focusing on grant writing and proposal creation, market exploration and understanding, product planning and pipelining, and funding opportunity matching. Del has a BIS from National University and an MBA from New Mexico State University.

Sarah Allen, Director of Procurement, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Sarah Allen brings over 30 years of financial, contracting and programmatic experience to include 20+ years government experience. A Professional Speaker on achieving successful and sustainable contracts and leadership in the government space, Sarah has operational program management experience with several federal contractors in the Space and Technology sector working with NASA, USAF, USSF, U.S. NAVY, NGA, INDOPACOM and ARMY Pentagon clients.

Prior to joining Valiant Integrated Services where Sarah headed teams evaluating new technologies for the Pacific, she was a Senior Program Portfolio Manager for KBR in Kihei Maui, managing several federal space-related programs with the Air Force Research Laboratory and U.S. Space Force. Sarah spent seven years as the Hawaii State Procurement Administrator and Chief Procurement Officer for the Hawaii State Executive Branch. Here, Sarah contributed policy and strategy to large procurement across State Departments including the HART Rail, Department of Education Farm-to-School, Department of Transportation Airports Upgrade, Department of Accounting and General Services Financial systems. Prior to this, Sarah worked as Senior Advisor with ASI Government assisting in Contracts with the Pentagon Army Intelligence and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and is a U.S. Airforce Veteran.

David Keliiholokai, Incentives and Exemption Manager, State of Hawaii, DBEDT

David serves as the Incentives and Exemption Manager in the Technology and Film Industry, where he oversees two of Hawaii’s most impactful tax credit programs: the Research & Development Tax Credit and the Hawaii Film Tax Credit. With a strong grasp of legislative frameworks and program administration, David is responsible for developing policies and procedures that ensure each program operates with integrity, compliance, and effectiveness.

Balancing the unique demands of both systems, David brings a methodical and strategic approach to protocol development, performance tracking, and reporting. His work directly supports Hawaii’s innovation economy and film production landscape by helping businesses and creators access key financial incentives.

Through thoughtful management and a commitment to public service, David plays a vital role in advancing the state’s economic development goals and supporting sustainable growth across multiple industries.

Parking is available in Lot C.

Info: Learn how to effectively build your budget when applying for federal grants.

Info: Once you have your grant or contract, learn how to make sure you are compliant in your accounting practices.

Info: Find out how to take advantage of Hawaii's R&D Tax Credit.

Info: Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the speakers. Once you're registered for the workshops, you'll receive a link to schedule a meeting. Appointments are limited!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Entrepreneurs Sandbox, 643 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, United States