Workshop registration opens Wednesday, 8/6.

Explore the Workshops. Meet the Experts.

This is your official guide to all the workshop sessions available at the 2025 Wealth Building for Asian Minnesotans Conference. Browse sessions by time, read detailed descriptions, and get to know the incredible leaders guiding each workshop.

Browse & Select Your Workshop Sessions

Workshops are scheduled in concurrent time blocks, which means you’ll be able to attend up to 4 sessions total throughout the day. This structure allows for more meaningful, hands-on learning in smaller group settings.

Workshops are not guaranteed unless selected. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

1. Concurrent workshop - 11:00a - 12:00p

Workshop Details:

A logo is just the beginning. Built to support entrepreneurs, start-ups, and mission-driven groups, this session blends strategy and storytelling to help build a brand rooted in purpose and clarity. You’ll learn a 6-step branding framework to clarify your message, define your voice, and craft language that connects with your audience. Whether you're starting fresh or refining your brand, you'll walk away with practical tools to develop authentic brand content that elevates your identity.

Presented by: Bert Lee

Title: Owner & Founder

Organization: Beyond Logos

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Click here to read more about this presenter →

Workshop Details:

Does your business have a leaky roof? Have you always wanted to make your building more accessible, but lacked the funds to do so? Join us to learn more about the Neighborhood STAR grant program, offering grants to both for- and non-profit entities for capital improvements. We’re go over the ins and out of the program, including some tips for grant-seekers, and leave plenty of time for your questions.

Presented by: Erin Lewis

Title: STAR Supervisor, Neighborhood STAR Program Coordinator

Organization: City of Saint Paul

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

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Co-Host by: Nya Hardaman

Title: Project Manager

Organization: City of Saint Paul

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

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Workshop Details:

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? This workshop covers personal characteristics that entrepreneurs rely on. Learn how to assess yourself – your traits, habits, motivations, aptitudes, and attitudes – and find your fit and readiness to successfully start and manage a small business.

Presented by: Va-Megn Thoj

Title: Executive Director

Organization: Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA)

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

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2. Concurrent workshop - 11:10a - 12:10p

Workshop Details:

What if creating better jobs could actually make your business stronger? In this interactive 60-minute workshop, you'll explore how job quality—things like fair pay, flexibility, and growth opportunities—can drive business success. Designed for small business owners who are ready to take a people-first approach, this session is led by AEDA’s Business Advisor and Community Wealth Building team. You’ll leave with practical tools, real-life examples, and clear next steps to begin building a more resilient and profitable business—starting with your workforce.

Presented by: Felicia Ravelomanantsoa

Title: Chief Finanial Officer/Chief Operating Offier

Organization: African Development Center

Time: 11:10am - 12:10pm

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Workshop Details:

Feeling stuck or unsure of your next move as a small business owner? This interactive 60-minute workshop is designed for entrepreneurs who’ve been in business for 1–2 years and are ready to move forward with clarity and confidence. Led by WomenVenture’s Chief Program & Client Experience Officer, Emily Conroy, a seasoned entrepreneur and strategist, you’ll learn how to assess your business using a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and walk away with a practical, personalized roadmap for growth.

Presented by: Emily Conroy

Title: Chief Program & Client Experience Officer

Organization: Women Venture

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

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Workshop Details:

Navigating the world of grants can feel overwhelming, especially for artists and creative entrepreneurs. In this workshop, Wone Vang of Springboard for the Arts will guide participants through the essentials of grant-writing using tools and insights from the Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series. Learn how to identify funding opportunities, write compelling proposals, and effectively communicate your artistic vision to funders. Whether you're new to grants or looking to strengthen your approach, this session will leave you with practical strategies and confidence to seek funding that supports your creative work.

Presented by: Wone Vang

Title: Economic Opportunity Director

Organization: Springboard for the Arts

Time: 11:10am - 12:10m

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Workshop Details:

Scale the Leader, Scale the Business is a transformative session designed for entrepreneurs and business owners who understand that true business growth starts from within. In this workshop, we’ll explore how self-awareness, mindset shifts, and personal development directly impact your ability to lead, make strategic decisions, and scale your company effectively. You’ll gain actionable tools to identify personal bottlenecks, build leadership capacity, and align your internal growth with your external business goals. Whether you’re scaling a startup or expanding an existing brand, this workshop will help you unlock the next level - by scaling the most important asset in your business: you.

Presented by: Steven Thao

Title: Owner & Founder

Organization: Creative Results & Pan Asian Center

Time: 11:10am - 12:10pm

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3. Concurrent workshop - 1:40p - 2:40p

Workshop Details:

Elevate your executive presence in this interactive workshop with Shoua Lee, an executive coach with over 11 years of experience as a Vice President at a Fortune 50 company. You will understand how to communicate to get your message across to your audience. And you will have the opportunity to put these skills into practice with authenticity and confidence.

Presented by: Shoua Lee

Organization: LUNALEE Coaching

Time: 1:40pm - 2:40pm

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Workshop Details:

This workshop guides small business owners through a hands-on process to identify and articulate their unique value propositions rooted in cultural heritage. Participants will explore their personal and community stories, identify authentic cultural elements, and learn how to strategically integrate them into their business brand identity. By the end of the session, attendees will have crafted culturally resonant brand messaging that highlights their distinct value and positions them clearly in the marketplace.

Presented by: Poh Lin Khoo

Title: Owner & CEO

Organization: Khoo Consulting

Time: 1:40pm - 2:40pm

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Workshop Details:

Join SBA as we embark on an informative journey into the heart of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) core programs: Funding and Contracting, dedicated to help your small business grow and succeed.

Presented by: Don Michael Jackson

Title: Lead Outreach and Marketing Specialist

Organization: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Time: 1:40pm - 2:40pm

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Workshop Details:

This is an informative workshop designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow and strengthen their business. Learn about the wide range of resources available through Ramsey County—including funding opportunities, technical assistance, business coaching, training programs, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to the next stage, this session will help you understand what’s available, how to access it, and who to connect with. Come with your questions and leave with practical tools and contacts to support your journey.

Presented by: Fabio Tenorio

Title: Small Business and Entrepreneurship Manager

Organization: Ramsey County

Time: 1:40pm - 2:40pm

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4. Concurrent workshop - 2:50p - 3:50p

Workshop Details:

This workshop explores how creative placemaking can serve as a powerful strategy for small business growth and cultural visibility. Participants will learn how integrating arts and culture into their business spaces can attract customers and strengthen community ties. The session welcomes both emerging and seasoned entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives looking to build impact through cultural and economic collaboration to shape and energize your business neighborhood.

Presented by: Evie Mouachuepao

Title: Manager of Arts and Culture

Organization: Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA)

Time: 1:40pm - 2:40pm

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Workshop Details:

With all the innovative technology available, if your business isn’t visible online, your community can’t find you. This workshop is designed for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to boost their visibility and grow their impact—whether you run a local shop, café, or service-based business. You’ll learn how to build a strong online presence using practical tools like local SEO, Google Business, digital advertising, social media, email marketing, and storytelling. Walk away with clear, actionable strategies to attract more customers and grow your business online.

Presented by: Catherine Yang

Title: CEO & Founder

Organization: Thriving Dot

Time: 2:50pm - 3:50pm

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Workshop Details:

What entails applying for a business loan, it all depends on how ready you are as an entrepreneur. Whether you are a new start-up, existing business, or growing business, your preparedness at all these stages will determine the loan process from intake to loan closing. Fu Hang, Senior Loan Officer/Business Advisor at the Neighborhood Development Center will provide key business lending concepts and development related to a business 5 P's: Product, People, Place, Promotion, and Pricing.

Presented by: Fu Hang

Title: Senior Loan Officer/Business Advisor

Organization: Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)

Time: 2:50pm - 3:50pm

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Workshop Details:

Are you interested in growing your business? Did you know local cities, counties, and the State of Minnesota buys products, services, and builds to the tune of over a billion dollars every year? Furthermore, we want to buy from you, the local and small businesses in our communities! In this workshop, we will show you how you can get your foot in the door and navigate the redtape. We will also cover topics such as small, women, and minority-owned business certifications and how you can apply. Disadvantaged and minority owned businesses continue to be under-represented in all levels of government contracting, and we hope you can take advantage of this excellent opportunity to get started right away!

Presented by: Jef Yang

Title: St. Paul Section 3 Coordinator

Organization: City of Saint Paul

Time: 2:50pm - 3:50pm

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← Back to Conference Page

workshop presenters

Bert Lee

Beyond Logos

Brand Mastery: Business Beyond a Logo

Workshop registration opens Wednesday, 8/6.

1. Concurrent workshop - 11:00a - 12:00p

Brand Mastery: Business Beyond a Logo - Bert Lee

Calm in the Chaos - Managing Stress and Burnout Like a Boss - Pete Wong

Neighborhood STAR 101 - Erin Lewis and Co-Host Nya Hardaman

Spirit of the Entrepreneur - Va-Megn Thoj

Frequently Asked Questions for the Pitch Competition

2. Concurrent workshop - 11:10a - 12:10p

Beyond the Paycheck: Better Jobs, Stronger Businesses - Felicia Ravelomanantsoa

From Stuck to Strategic: Building a Clear Growth Plan for Your Business - Emily Conroy

Grant Writing for Creative Businesses - Wone Vang

Scaling Yourself So You Can Scale Your Business - Steven Thao

3. Concurrent workshop - 1:40p - 2:40p

Build Your Executive Presence - Shoua Lee

Culture as a Competitive Advantage - Poh Lin Khoo

Grow and Succeed with SBA Programs - Don Michael Jackson

Ramsey County Small Business Resources - Fabio Tenorio

4. Concurrent workshop - 2:50p - 3:50p

Creative Placemaking: A Strategy for Economic Growth - Evie Mouachuepao

Digital Marketing for Small Business Development: Getting Found by the People You Serve - Catherine Yang

Preparing for a Loan - Fu Hang

St. Paul's Procurement Opportunities - Jef Yang

workshop presenters

Bert Lee

Emily Conroy

Fabio Tenorio

Jef Yang

Poh Lin Khoo

Va-Megn Thoj

Catherine Yang

Erin Lewis

Felicia Ravelomanantsoa

Nya Hardaman

Shoua Lee

Wone Vang

Don Michael Jackson

Evie Mouacheupao

Fu Hang

Pete Wong

Steven Thao