50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience

Join us as we honor 50 years of Vietnamese American resilience, celebrating pioneers, legacy builders, and business trailblazers. Connect with leaders, gain valuable business resources, and be part of this historic gathering to preserve our heritage, empower local businesses, and inspire the next generation.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge | 12681 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Register below!

Program

1:00 – 4:00 pm | Presented by SBDC

1:00 PM | Welcome Remarks

1:20 PM | SBDC Breakout Workshops 1

Track 1How to Prepare for a Loan and How much do I qualify for and Securing Funding under $100K (microloans)


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.

Track 2 – Utilizing Marketing AI tools to increase my customers

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

Track 3 – Hiring Subsidies and Resources  for 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.

2:10 PM | SBDC Breakout Workshops 2

Track 1From Passion to Profit: The Rise of Millennial Entrepreneurs in Little Saigon’s Underinvested Landscape

Moderator:
1. Sophie Bao Tran

Panelists:
1. Viet Nguyen, Kei Concepts
2. Dada Ngo, Boiling Crab
3. Christine Nguyen, BAKE & CHE

Track 2Going 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 3How can Chambers increase my business profits?

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.

3:00 PM | City Mayor’s Panel – The Mayor’s Take: Leading Little Saigon

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 Asian Hustle Network founder, Bryan Phan. 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!

Panelists:
1. Stephanie Klopfenstein – Mayor, City of Garden Grove
2. Carlos Mano – Vice Mayor, City of Westminster
3. Ted Bui – Mayor, City of Fountain Valley
4. Valerie Amezcua – Mayor, City of Santa Ana

1:00 – 6:00 pm | Business Resource Expo

4:00 – 7:30 pm | Presented by VACOC

Emcee: Leyna Nguyen, 5x Emmy-winning former CBS Journalist

4:10 PM | VACOC Program Introduction

4:15 PM | VACOC Board Installation
  • 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

4:25 PM | Between Generations, Let’s Talk Business: Panel 1

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
5:00 PM | Between Generations, Let’s Talk Business: Panel 2

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

5:30 PM | Chamber and Dignitary Remarks and Recognitions

5:45 PM | Flavors of Little Saigon – Food Tasting Reception with Cultural Exhibit
  • Bake & Che
  • Banh Khot Lady
  • Ikachi Food Gifts
  • Kei Concepts
  • Kicking Crab
  • Newport Seafood
  • Nguyen’s Kitchen
  • Tastea
  • The Che-hood
6:00 PM | Cultural Performances
7:30 PM | Adjourn

Event Highlights

★ Free Admission with Registration & $5 Parking

★ Complimentary Vietnamese Cuisine & Cash Bar

★ Light Refreshments by Great Wolf Lodge

★ Cultural Performances

★ Business Workshops & Resource Fair

★ Discussion & Story-Telling Panels