On Tuesday, August 6th, PACE hosted the 2024 Little Tokyo Small Business Summit in collaboration with Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA). The event aimed to empower the small business community in one of Los Angeles’ most culturally historic neighborhoods, bringing together local small business owners, community leaders, and federal and corporate stakeholders at the Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum.
The event kicked off with inspiring opening remarks from David Ikegami, President of LTBA, Kerry Doi, President & CEO of PACE, and Elmy Bermejo, Regional Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), who emphasized the importance of uplifting small businesses to promote the economic development of local communities. Their sentiments were echoed by speakers Nani Coloretti, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and AA & NHPI Senior Liaison. Coloretti and Moritsugu underscored the Biden administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to resources for minority and disadvantaged small business owners, highlighting efforts to support entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment.
From left: Elmy Bermejo, Nani Coloretti, Christine Harada, and Erika Mortisugu attend the Little Tokyo Small Business Summit.
Erika Moritsugu delivers opening remarks.
The summit’s first panel discussion, “Funding & Available Resources,” provided small business attendees with a comprehensive overview of the financial resources available to sustain and grow their businesses, allowing participants to engage directly with funding experts. Topics included how to leverage local grant programs, loan options, and alternative financing, with a particular focus on resources tailored to the needs of minority-owned businesses as well as the importance of fostering relationships with financial institutions dedicated to the success of Little Tokyo.
The summit continued with a “Success Stories” panel featuring Kelsey Kawana, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and fourth-generation operator of JSL Foods, and Brian Kito, the third-generation owner of Fugetsu-Do, Little Tokyo’s oldest business. Kawana shared insights into JSL Foods’ evolution into the largest cooked noodle and wrapper manufacturer in the United States, while Kito recounted the history of his family’s confectionery, which has been a cornerstone of Little Tokyo since its establishment in 1903. Their stories highlighted not only their business achievements but also the resilience and innovation required to navigate challenges and sustain growth over generations.
Funding & Available Resources Panel
Success Stories Panel
Photos from the summit’s Funding and Available Resources, Success Stories, and Marketing & Strategic Management panels.
The final panel of the day, “Marketing & Strategic Management,” delved into the intersection of heritage and modern marketing strategies. Panelists discussed how to harness Little Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage to attract customers and build brand loyalty. The conversation included practical strategies for engaging with the local community, creating immersive in-store experiences, and integrating modern technology into marketing efforts, from leveraging social media to employing advanced tools like AI and augmented reality.
Summit attendees participate in a walking tour of Little Tokyo.
Marketing & Strategic Management Panel
In addition to panel discussions, the summit offered ample opportunities for networking with exhibitor booths and a walking tour of Little Tokyo, allowing attendees to foster connections and experience Little Tokyo’s cultural history and vibrant business environment firsthand.
PACE and LTBA were proud to host the Little Tokyo Small Business Summit to empower small business owners with the resources, connections, and inspiration needed to thrive in a changing entrepreneurial landscape. The event reaffirmed the community’s commitment to preserving Little Tokyo’s unique identity while embracing the opportunities of the future.