We just returned from the 2025 Native Hawaiian Organization Association (NHOA) Small Business Summit in Hawaii—and it was one of the most insightful, energizing events we’ve attended this year. Over the course of three days, the summit brought together Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), small business leaders, federal agencies, and industry experts to talk shop, build connections, and share strategies for thriving in the federal marketplace.

But unlike most conferences, this one didn’t just deliver updates—it delivered clarity.

A Deep Dive Into the NHO Model

If you’re not already familiar with NHOs, here’s the quick version: NHOs are nonprofits led by Native Hawaiians that support their communities through business success. Each NHO owns one or more for-profit companies that compete for federal contracts. These companies don’t just generate revenue—they help fund initiatives like education, health care, and cultural preservation.

The model itself is powerful—but the summit helps you understand why it works so well. Attendees explored how NHOs leverage key advantages like:

• Sole-source authority under the SBA 8(a) program

• The ability to establish multiple subsidiaries under one NHO

• A mission-driven approach to performance and accountability

Key Highlights from the 2025 Summit

This year’s summit wasn’t just educational—it was dynamic and full of standout moments:

An Exclusive Kickoff at Waialae Country Club

Our team was honored to attend an invite-only golf outing at the private Waialae Country Club on Day 1. Surrounded by leaders from the SBA and Entity-owned small businesses, it was a day of meaningful conversation, genuine fellowship, and lasting connections in a relaxed but focused setting.

Actionable Sessions on GovCon Law and Policy

One of the most impactful breakout sessions was Small Business Affiliation Issues and Updates, presented by Ian Patterson of the Schoonover Law Firm. These kinds of sessions help small businesses stay current on compliance and legal risks—key to maintaining eligibility and competitiveness in the 8(a) space.

Notable Voices from SBA Leadership

Hearing directly from John Klein, Deputy General Counsel and Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law at the SBA, was a rare opportunity. His insights on regulatory shifts and SBA priorities added essential context for both new and experienced GovCon players.

Moments That Remind Us Why We’re Here

One of our favorite memories? Seeing our own Keone Peneku reconnect with the “super OG… triple OG” Phil Kahue. As a former executive at Alakaina, Phil helped scale it into one of the largest NHOs in the country—and now leads his own consulting firm. Encounters like this one underscore the legacy, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing that set this community apart.

Why Events Like This Matter

The NHOA Small Business Summit isn’t just another industry gathering. It’s a space where strategy, compliance, policy, and purpose all come together. You walk away not just better informed, but more committed to building a business that delivers both high performance and high impact.

For federal acquisition professionals and small business partners alike, this event offers a front-row seat to one of the most effective—and still misunderstood—models in government contracting.

If you missed the 2025 summit, we strongly recommend putting next year’s on your calendar now. Because NHOs aren’t just about contracts. They’re about kuleana. They’re about legacy. And they’re building something that lasts.