Small Business and Housing Resources Fair

Overview

The purpose of this fair is to connect our Asian & Pacific Islander communities to the resources that can help them start or grow their own business, become a first-time homebuyer, or understand their rights as a renter.

The format of the fair will include vendors from government, nonprofit and financial institutions in the areas of small business, homebuying or renting tabling to promote awareness of their resources they have available to the community in the areas of small business, home buying or renting. Additionally, workshops will be offered concurrently by some of these vendors or experts in these areas.

If you are interested in volunteering, providing interpreting services or if your agency would like to be a vendor at this event please contact Joo Hee Pomplun at joohee@aeda-mn.org.  

Fair organizers include: Asian Economic Development Association, CAPI, Hmong American Partnership, Karen Organization of Minnesota, India Association of Minnesota, and Vietnamese American Business Association. Sponsors included the Family Housing Fund.

VENDOR LIST

BUSINESS LOANS
Sunrise Bank
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)

BUSINESS SUPPORT
Asian Economic Development Association
City of Saint Paul Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO)
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Vietnamese American Business Association (VABA)

AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Frogtown Rondo Home Fund
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Hmong American Partnership (HAP)
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
The Minnesota Association of REALTORS®
Talbot Realty
Western Bank

RENTER SUPPORT
AEON: Homes for Generations
HousingLink

LEGAL SUPPORT
Legal Shield
William Mitchell Community Development Clinic, Legal Clinic

MORTGAGE LENDERS
Bremer Bank
Edge Home Finance
US Bank
Western Bank

SOCIAL SERVICES
CAPI
Eastside Financial Center

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

IMPORTANT ISSUES TO CONSIDER BEFORE OPENING A BUSINESS
John Flory, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
10 AM (ROOM 5)
This workshop will identify questions that a business person should be able to answer before launching a business. This is only a general introduction which will include 1) Clarification of the business idea, 2) Evaluation of the entrepreneur’s capacity, 3) Evaluation of the market for the product or service offered, 4) Government regulations and licenses, 5) Cost of opening and cost of operating. Contact John at john@ledc-mn.org.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Sai Thao, Neighborhood Development Center
10 AM (ROOM 9)
There is evidence that lack of financial planning and monitoring is the reason many small businesses fail. However, good financial planning and monitoring can help reduce business risk. In this workshop, we will show you how to prepare a budget, understand cash flow and basic bookkeeping methods. Contact Sai at sthao@ndc-mn.org.

BECOMING A HOMEOWNER
Choua Que Her, Hmong American Partnership
10 AM (ROOM 12)
Are you thinking about buying your first home? Whether you are looking for a house, a condo or a duplex, this purchase is often one of the most important events in your life. How do you plan such a purchase? What are the costs? What do you need to consider? Get the tools you need to become a homeowner. This exciting workshop will cover the basic steps of preparing to buy a house. You will learn the following areas: Becoming a Homeowner, Money Management, Credit, Mortgage Loan, Real Estate 101, Loan Closing, and Life as a Homeowner.

ALMOST ZEN-LIKE BUSINESS PLANNING
Victor Vong Lee
11 AM (ROOM 5)
The concept of taking an idea and turning it into a business is harder then it seems. It will demand the right ingredients to make it successful. Most importantly, it begins with the understanding of oneself. Do you know who you are and what you can do? Come and learn to align yourself with the world around you; understand the constant changes facing you in this fast pace society of the business world. Contact Victor at vonglee@msn.com.

HOMEOWNERSHIP & LEGAL ISSUES
Diane Dube, William Mitchell Community Development Clinic
11 AM (ROOM 9)
Attorneys Diane Dube and Lawrence Moloney will highlight legal issues and problems homeowners may face, and will discuss legal resources to turn to when these issues arise. This workshop is geared to first time homeowners and those considering buying a home. There will be time for questions.

MINNESOTA HOUSING MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAMS
Ed Luna, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
11 AM (ROOM 12)
If you’re looking to buy or refinance a home, this breakout session is for you. Learn about Minnesota Housing’s wide range of affordable mortgage loan products, including first time homebuyer programs, refinancing options and down payment assistance loans. You’ll also find out how to qualify and apply for a Minnesota Housing loan that will fit your budget.

OWNING A FRANCHISE
Debra Stafford & Tou F. Lee
12 PM (ROOM 5)
This workshop offers informative data on the franchise world which consists of nearly 3,500 brand options ranging from fast-food to healthcare to retail. As experienced franchise owners, Debra and Tou will provide resources and guide interested franchise owners through the information gathering and decision-making process. Debra Stafford is co-owner of Cartridge World Blaine, contact Debra at dstafford@cw-mn.com. Tou F. Lee is the owner of three Dairy Queen®/Orange Julius® restaurants, contact Tou at toufue_lee@yahoo.com

BUSINESS LAW FOR BEGINNERS, ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Joe Levitt, Davis Law Office, LLC
12 PM (ROOM 9)
Attorney Joe Levitt from the Davis Law Office, LLC will highlight legal issues and problems small business owners may face, and will discuss legal resources to turn to when these issues arise. This workshop is geared to small business owners or those considering starting a small business. Topics will include starting a business in Minnesota; Healthcare changes affecting small businesses; Tax deductions for small businesses; Operating a franchise and Social Media policies for small businesses. There will be time for questions.

HOW TO READ, REBUILD & USE CREDIT RESPONSIBLY
Phia Vue, Eastside Financial Center
12 PM (ROOM 12)
Participants will review why credit is important and learn how to read, rebuild, and repair their credit history.

IMPORTANT ISSUES TO CONSIDER BEFORE OPENING A BUSINESS
John Flory, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
1 PM (ROOM 5)
This workshop will identify questions that a business person should be able to answer before launching a business. This is only a general introduction which will include 1) Clarification of the business idea, 2) Evaluation of the entrepreneur’s capacity, 3) Evaluation of the market for the product or service offered, 4) Government regulations and licenses, 5) Cost of opening and cost of operating. Contact John at john@ledc-mn.org.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A RENTER
Matt Eichenlaub, HOMELine
1 PM (ROOM 9)
HOMELine is a tenant rights hotline and has been giving advice to Minnesota tenants for over 20 years. This free service advises over 10,000 tenants per year. Matt Eichenlaub has worked with HOME Line for over 5 years. Today, he will discuss the basics of renting in Minnesota. Contact Matt at matte@homelinemn.org.

WORKSHOP WILL BE IN HMONG (HMOOB)
BECOMING A HOMEOWNER
Choua Que Her, Hmong American Partnership
1 PM (ROOM 12)
Are you thinking about buying your first home? Whether you are looking for a house, a condo or a duplex, this purchase is often one of the most important events in your life. How do you plan such a purchase? What are the costs? What do you need to consider? Get the tools you need to become a homeowner. This exciting workshop will cover the basic steps of preparing to buy a house. You will learn the following areas: Becoming a Homeowner, Money Management, Credit, Mortgage Loan, Real Estate 101, Loan Closing, and Life as a Homeowner.

A SHORT INTRO TO MARKETING AND BRANDING
Kia Kehrer, Asian Economic Development Association
2 PM (ROOM 5)
This workshop will be a short overview into the importance of marketing and branding a business whether it is an office, retail, or a restaurant. The examples and tips given will hopefully enhance or inspire you to take further steps to grow your business.

WORKSHOP WILL BE IN HMONG (HMOOB)
HOW TO READ, REBUILD & USE CREDIT RESPONSIBLY
Phia Vue, Eastside Financial Center
2PM (ROOM 12)
Participants will review why credit is important and learn how to read, rebuild, and repair their credit history.