Elden Hawkes

Partnership and Innovation Specialist at the US SBA

Mr. Elden Hawkes uses his expertise to support the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/ STTR) programs as the Partnership and Innovation Specialist. He currently works to foster innovation and outreach initiatives to increase understanding of SBIR/STTR opportunities amongst stakeholder networks that include local and state governments, federal agencies, colleges and universities, and small business owners. These duties also extend to the management of the agency’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program which provides funding to state/regional organizations to execute programs designed to increase SBIR/STTR awareness and proposal submissions within their respective state/region. 

 Prior to joining the SBA, served as the program specialist and then program coordinator for the USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. For nearly eight years he served as a lead in the budgeting, administration, and outreach for the department’s SBIR efforts. These efforts included conducting stakeholder workshops, pre/post award guidance for applicants and awardees, beginning to end award processing, and outreach efforts targeting minority and women small business including speaking to 1890 universities and Native American organizations.

 Elden’s professional expertise include coastal ecosystems, natural resource management, fisheries, and public policy. He was a master’s NOAA Living Marine Cooperative Science Center fellow, completing a Master’s in Food and Agriculture with a concentration in Natural Resource Management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He also a holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Marine Science also from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.