Track 1 – Loan Readiness: Qualifying and Securing Microloans under $100K

Thinking about applying for a business loan? This session will walk you through what lenders look for, how to determine how much you qualify for, and how to prepare your financials for a strong application. We’ll also explore microloan options under $100K—ideal for startups and small businesses seeking quick, flexible funding.

Speakers:
1. Sylvia Pizarroso – Director, SBDC Finance Center
2. Craig Russom – Business Consultant, SBDC Finance Center

Track 2 – Boosting Customer Growth and Sales with AI-Powered Marketing Tools

Discover how small businesses can harness the power of AI-driven marketing tools to attract more customers and boost sales. This session will cover practical, easy-to-use platforms for automating content, targeting the right audience, and improving customer engagement.

Speaker:
1. Michelle Chuang – Business Consultant, CSUF SBDC

Track 3 – Resources and Hiring Subsidies to Support My Business

Learn how OC Workforce Solutions’ Business Solutions Unit can help your business grow through no-cost services including customized recruitment, access to hiring events, on-the-job training reimbursements, layoff aversion, and more. This session will show you how to reduce hiring costs, improve employee retention, and tap into local talent—all with the personalized support of the Business Solutions team.

Speaker:
1. Zitalic Domond – Business Services Manager, OC Workforce & Economic Development

Track 1 – Going Global: Choosing the Right Market, Leveraging STEP, and Navigating Tariff Updates

Ready to take your business international? This session will guide you through selecting the right global markets, using the STEP grant to fund your expansion, and staying ahead of changing tariff regulations. Learn how to minimize risk, maximize opportunity, and build a smart export strategy that fuels global growth.

Track 2 – From Passion to Profit: The Rise of NextGen Entrepreneurs in Little Saigon’s Underinvested Landscape

Meet the nextgen business leaders turning bold ideas into thriving ventures. This session features nextgen entrepreneurs sharing real stories and lessons from their journeys of turning passion into profit. The panel will also include an overview of a recent CSUF report examining Little Saigon as an underinvested community, providing context for the challenges and opportunities these entrepreneurs face.

Moderator:
1. Sophie Bao Tran – Television Host/Content Creator

Panelists:
1. Viet Nguyen – CEO/Founder, Kei Concepts
2. Dada Ngo – CEO/Co-Founder, The Boiling Crab
3. Christine Nguyen – CEO/Founder, Bake & Che

Track 3 – Your Local Advantage: City and Chamber Resources You Should Know

Hosted by the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OEIC SBDC) Networks

Discover the powerful support systems available right in your own backyard. This session brings together representatives from local government and the Chamber of Commerce to spotlight resources that can help your business start, grow, and thrive. From grants and permitting help to networking, advocacy, and promotion—learn how to tap into the tools and partnerships designed to fuel your success. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community-minded professionals.

Moderator:
1. Mike Daniel – Regional Director, OCIE SBDC Networks

Panelists:
1. Claudette Baldemor – President & CEO, Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce
2. Dr. Dan Vu – Board Member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce
3. Francis Rios – President, Westminster Chamber of Commerce
4. Dave Elliott – President & CEO, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce

Get ready to feel the hustle! Join four dynamic Orange County mayors as they bring the heart of Little Saigon to life in an energetic panel moderated by Dr. Sridhar Sundaram, the Dean of the College of Business and Economic Development, University of California State, Fullerton. From culture and cuisine to commerce and community, this is your front-row seat to the bold vision shaping the future of this iconic destination. Don’t miss the pitch that’s driving the next chapter of Little Saigon!

Moderator:
1. Dr. Sri Sundaram – Dean, CSUF College of Business and Economics

Panelists:
1. Stephanie Klopfenstein – Mayor, City of Garden Grove
2. Carlos Manzo – Vice Mayor, City of Westminster, District 2
3. Ted Bui – Mayor, City of Fountain Valley
4. Thai Viet Phan – Councilmember, City of Santa Ana

• Tim Nguyen, VACOC Chairman
• Tommy Nguyen, Secretary
• Nylinne Nguyen, MBA, Treasurer
• Alexander C. Kim, MBA, Board Member
• Janet Burt, Board Member
• John Tran, Board Member
• Karen Vuong, Board Member
• Kevin Bui, Board Member
• Lynda T. Bui, Board Member
• Thanh Pham, Board Member/Past Chair
• Catherine Nguyen, President’s Committee/Past Chair
• Gia Ly, MBA, President’s Committee/Past Chair
• Dr. Tam Nguyen, MBA, President’s Committee/Past Chair
• An Pham, Jr., CFA, Committee Member
• Jennie Phuong, MSIT, Committee Member/Chief Technology Officer
• Linda Nguyen, Committee Member
• Mai Nguyen, Committee Member
• Vanna Tran, Committee Member
• Vy Nguyen, Committee Member

Moderator:
1. Catherine Nguyen – VACOC Past Chair / CEO, Venturezen

Panelists:

1. Phu Nguyen, President, Hoa Phat Money Transfer
2. Thuy Tran, Chief Investment Officer, KYUR Wealth

Moderator
1. Bao Anh Do, Deputy Editor, LA Times Culture and Talent 

Panelists:
Advance Beauty College – Family Business
1. Kien Nguyen – Mom/Grandma /First Generation
2. Tam Nguyen – Second Generation
3. Linh Nguyen – Second Generation
4. Cara Nguyen – Third Generation

• Aum Beer House
• Bake & Chè
• Bánh Khọt Lady
• Bánh Mì Sàigon
• Brodard
• Ikachi Food Gifts
• Kei Coffee House
• Kicking Crab
• Nguyen’s Kitchen
• Phở Redbo
• Phobulous
• Tân Cảng Newport Seafood
• Tastea
• Tây Hồ Restaurants
• The Chè-hood
• Trung Nguyen E-Coffee

• Keilani Mai, Vocalist
• Mac Vu, Đàn Bầu
• 3am, Traditional Dance
• The Giang Family, Acrobatic