Upcoming Events
VACOC Mid-Autumn Mixer
Join Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival over a drink or two. Bring a friend and embrace the festive spirit of the season as we bring our vibrant community together to forge new connections, share ideas, and celebrate under the autumn moon. Whether you are looking to expand your professional network, explore new collaborative opportunities, or simply enjoy great company and lively conversations, this is the perfect opportunity to mingle and grow. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Retail Ready: A Six-Week Roadmap to Selling in Stores
Overview
This six-week hybrid program is designed for beauty, apparel, accessory, and lifestyle brands looking to break into retail stores.
Wednesdays I September 30 - November 4, 2026 I 2 - 4 p.m. PST
Ready to take your product-based business beyond online sales? This six-week program is designed for beauty, apparel, accessory, and lifestyle brands looking to break into retail and build a strong omnichannel presence. Learn what it takes to get on store shelves, master your pitch to buyers, and develop a scalable retail strategy.
By the end of this program, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to land retail partnerships and scale your business successfully. The program culminates in an exclusive in-person event, where you'll showcase your products in a mock trade show setting.
Schedule and Topics:
Session 1: Wednesday, September 30 I 2 - 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Retail Readiness & Financials: Ensure your pricing, margins, packaging, and compliance meet retailer expectations.
Session 2: Wednesday, October 7 I 2 - 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Perfecting Your Pitch & Retail Outreach: Create a compelling pitch deck, learn how to connect with buyers, and navigate retail negotiations.
Session 3: Wednesday, October 14 I 2 - 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Omnichannel Success: Integrate retail with your direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Session 4:Wednesday, October 21 I 2 - 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Scaling & Expanding Retail Partnerships: Learn how to evaluate performance, manage inventory, and expand into new retail channels.
Session 5: Wednesday, October 28 I 2 - 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Preparing for Buyer Events: Develop professional materials, refine your pitch, and get ready to present to industry buyers.
Session 6: Wednesday, November 4 I 12 - 4 p.m.* (In Person - Fullerton, CA)
*Address to be announced; time includes participant's setup and breakdown.
Mock Trade Show: Showcase your brand in a live mock trade show setting and establish valuable industry connections and feedback.
Please note that attendance at all sessions is mandatory to participate in the mock trade show.
Limited spots are available – register today!
*Please note that only attendees who join our sessions live will receive access to the webinar's recording.
Trademark Basics: What Every Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later
Overview
Looking to learn more about trademarking your business? Join us in this webinar to understand the trademark needed to protect your business!
Join us in collaboration with the USPTO for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups should know about trademarks. We’ll discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We’ll also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable. We’ll close out the discussion with a Q&A session and direct you to free resources from the USPTO.
*Please note that only attendees who join our webinar LIVE will receive access to the webinar's recording. A recording will NOT be provided to those who miss the session.
Beyond Borders: Financing Your Global Future with Insights from EXIM Bank
Overview
Join this webinar to learn about EXIM Bank and how they can assist you in your global venture!
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Online (Zoom)
Join us for a candid conversation with Paul Duncan, Regional Director of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), as we explore how the federal government's premier export finance agency helps American businesses compete globally. Whether you're preparing for your first international sale or expanding into new markets, understanding how to leverage EXIM's resources can help you compete more confidently, protect your business from payment risk, and unlock new opportunities around the world.
Join this session to learn more about:
What EXIM does and doesn't do.
Who qualifies for its programs.
How export financing, credit insurance, and loan guarantees can help reduce risk, improve cash flow, and support international growth.
Only live attendees will receive a copy of the recording and slide deck after the webinar. If you miss the session, these materials will not be shared.
Trade Smarter Across Borders: Know Your USMCA Rights
Overview
Attend this webinar to gain practical knowledge to trade smarter across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026 | 11 AM - NOON | ONLINE
Expand your business across North America with confidence by understanding your rights and opportunities under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This webinar will provide a practical overview of how U.S. businesses can leverage the agreement to reduce costs, streamline cross-border trade, and remain compliant with customs requirements.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of USMCA, including eligibility for preferential tariff treatment, Rules of Origin, and Certification of Origin requirements. The session will also cover common compliance pitfalls, best practices for maintaining proper documentation, and strategies for minimizing customs risks. Whether you are new to exporting or looking to strengthen your trade compliance program, this webinar will equip you with practical knowledge to trade smarter across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Only live attendees will receive a copy of the recording and slide deck after the webinar.
Forms of Ownership
Overview
Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business
Forms of Ownership
Thursday, November 5, 2026 I 10 - 11 a.m.PST
Are you launching a new venture or thinking about restructuring your current business, but feeling overwhelmed by the legal alphabet soup of LLCs, corporations, and partnerships?
Choosing how to structure your business is one of the most critical decisions you will make. It impacts everything from your daily operations and taxes to how much of your personal assets are at risk. Join the OCIE SBDC and guest speaker, Lucius C. Davis III, the Small Business Liaison in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Office from The Franchise Tax Board, for this highly requested and essential presentation: Forms of Ownership.
In this clear, straightforward session, we will demystify the pros and cons of the most common business structures so you can confidently choose the one that aligns with your goals.
What You Will Learn:
The Big Four: A deep dive into Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
Pros & Cons: The legal, financial, and operational advantages and disadvantages of each structure.
Step-by-Step Filing: Specific, actionable instructions on the filing process and requirements for each ownership form.
The Right Fit: How to evaluate your specific business needs to make the best, most secure choice for your future.
Who Should Attend? Aspiring entrepreneurs, new startup founders, and current small business owners are looking to formalize or change their legal structure.
Meet Our Presenter: Lucius C. Davis III is the Small Business Liaison in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Office. He assists with the development of small business education and outreach programs in order to help business owners better understand their income tax requirements and responsibilities. He also provides information about the Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) programs and services that are available to them.
*Only attendees who join the webinar live will gain access to the webinar recording and material.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forms-of-ownership-tickets-1993564957453?aff=flyer
Logistics Made Simple: A Small Business Guide to Importing & Exporting
Overview
Join us to learn how to manage shipping operations more effectively and support your business growth.
WEDNESDAY | NOVEMBER 18, 2026 | NOON - 1 PM | ONLINE
Whether you're importing or exporting, understanding logistics is essential to keeping your operations efficient and cost-effective.
From navigating shipping documentation to understanding transportation costs and tracking shipments, logistics can quickly become complex. Join us to learn the fundamentals of logistics and gain practical strategies to streamline your processes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and move goods with greater confidence. This session will provide the knowledge and tools to help you manage shipping operations more effectively and support your business growth.
Only live attendees will receive a copy of the recording and slide deck after the webinar.
SBDC Shop & Celebrate: Small Business Saturday Marketplace
Overview
Looking to support local small businesses and do some holiday shopping? Don't miss out on our Small Business Saturday Marketplace!
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the SBDC Shop & Celebrate Marketplace!
Support your local community during this year's Small Business Saturday by joining us at the SBDC Shop & Celebrate Marketplace hosted by the CSUF SBDC in collaboration with the City of Anaheim Economic Development Department and the Orange County Women’s Business Center!
Come discover unique products and delicious food from 50 amazing small businesses in your area. This is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying great food and a vibrant atmosphere.
Featuring local food vendors, handmade products, and more!
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Brookhurst Community Center - 2271 Crescent Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
Bring your family and friends, and let's celebrate the heart of our community — small businesses.
There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is required, so RSVP today!
Navigating New Horizons: Strategic Planning for Global Markets
Overview
Join this webinar to learn how to thrive in diverse markets with actionable insights to optimize your existing global operations.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2026 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | ONLINE
In today's interconnected world, expanding your business internationally offers immense opportunities and unique challenges. This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs and business leaders eager to expand their horizons beyond local markets. Join us as we delve into key topics such as understanding cultural nuances, navigating regulatory environments, leveraging global market trends, and developing robust international business plans.
Whether you're looking to take your first steps onto the international stage or aiming to optimize your existing global operations, this webinar will provide you with actionable insights and best practices to thrive in diverse markets.
Only live attendees will receive a copy of the recording and slide deck after the webinar.
SBDC EATS: A Recipe For Food Business Success (In-Person)
Note: Attendance is MANDATORY at ALL sessions
Every Friday: May 1 - June 5, 2026
Participant arrival time is 8:15 am. Event starts promptly at 9:30 am.
MADE: An OCIE SBDC Program (Hybrid)
Attendance is MANDATORY at ALL sessions. SPACE IS LIMITED!
Schedule Preview: Thursdays I May 14 - June 25, 2026
*Please note the full schedule, including that classes will be both online and in-person. Please note that the Graduation showcase has a different time.
Session 1: May 14, 2026 I 4 - 6 p.m. (Zoom)
Session 2: May 21, 2026 I 4 - 6 p.m. (Zoom)
Session 3: May 28, 2026 I 4 - 6 p.m. (In-Person)
In-Person Field Trip to the Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market (Fullerton, CA)
Session 4: June 04, 2026 I 4 - 6 p.m. (Zoom)
Session 5: June 11, 2026 I 4 - 6 p.m. (Zoom)
Session 6: June 18, 2026 I 4 - 6 p.m. (Zoom)
Session 7: June 25, 2026 I *4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (In-Person)
*Time includes setup & teardown.
In-Person Graduation at the Fullerton Community Center
Only attendees who join the meetings live will gain access to the course recording and material afterwards.
SBDC EATS: A Recipe For Food Business Success (Hybrid)
Note: Attendance is MANDATORY at ALL sessions
Every Friday: May 1 - June 5, 2026
Program Schedule:
Session 1: Friday, May 1 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 2: Friday, May 8 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 3: Friday, May 15 I 10 a.m. – Noon (In Person)
The Hood Kitchen Space - 350 Clinton St Ste. A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Session 4: Friday, May 22 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 5: Friday, May 29 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 6: Friday, June 5 I *9:30 a.m. – Noon (In Person)
*Participant arrival time is 8:15 a.m. Event starts at 9:30 a.m.
Norma Hertzog Community Center - 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Only those who attend the sessions live will receive the slide deck and a link to the webinar recording.
Beauty Boss: A Seven-Week Training Program (Hybrid)
This is a HYBRID program — some sessions will be delivered online, and others will be held in person.
The program concludes with an in-person graduation showcase on Saturday, May 16. This event provides participants with a platform to showcase their brands and services, capture professional marketing content, and network with industry peers. Additionally, those who complete all sessions and attend the showcase will receive exclusive perks from Sola Salons across Orange County.
Please take note of the program schedule below:
Session 1: Thursday, April 2 | 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 2: Thursday, April 9 | 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 3: Thursday, April 16 | 10 a.m. – Noon (In-person Field Trip)
Sola Salons (Orange County, CA - address TBA)
Session 4: Thursday, April 23 | 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 5: Thursday, April 30| 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 6: Thursday, May 7 | 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 7: Saturday, May 16 | 8 a.m.* – Noon (In-person Graduation Showcase)
Advance Beauty College (Garden Grove, CA - address TBA)
*8 a.m. participant arrival time, 9 a.m. event start time.
Only participants who attend the webinars live will receive the slide deck and a link to the webinar recording.
VACOC Spring Picnic
Join us for a fun and casual day at Mile Square Park! Enjoy basketball, a picnic, and great company—whether you play or just want to hang out, all are welcome. Bring family and friends, and come learn more about VACOC!
📅 Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Mile Square Park Basketball Courts
16400 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
What To Bring:
Picnic Blanket: Find a cozy spot to hang out
Food & Drinks: Pack your favorite snacks or a full meal
Games & Activities: Board games and anything fun to play
Friends & Family: The more, the merrier!
✨ Registration not required - just come relax, connect, and enjoy a great day with the VACOC community!