Join the event on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove.
Little Saigon, Calif. – The community is invited to 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, California. Bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and civic partners from across Southern California, this milestone gathering honors the remarkable journey and contributions of Vietnamese Americans over the past five decades.
“At the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC Network), we are proud to partner in this celebration that honors not just business success, but the remarkable resilience and innovation of Vietnamese American entrepreneurs,” said Regional Director Mike Daniel. “This community exemplifies how small businesses shape our economy, enrich our culture, and drive generational progress.”
This commemorative event is presented by the OCIE SBDC Network and the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), in partnership with the cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Westminster, and local chambers of commerce. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with policymakers, business trailblazers, chamber executives, and key resource providers — fostering connections that inspire collaboration and drive lasting impact.
The event program will feature two defining themes:
From Refugee to Legacy
Paying tribute to the first-generation Vietnamese refugees who transformed adversity into opportunity. Their resilience and entrepreneurial drive laid the foundation for what would become a thriving economic hub. From humble storefronts to multi-generational enterprises, this segment will reflect on the past 50 years of perseverance, growth, and cultural pride that continue to define the heart of Little Saigon.
Legacy and Beyond
The next chapter of Little Saigon’s story will be shaped by the voices of those who built it. Community and business leaders will come together to share generational journeys—celebrating milestones while paving the way for a new era of Vietnamese American leadership. Through open dialogue and shared experience, they will outline ways to support young entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to thrive. This discussion will reinforce the power of unity, tradition, and vision in building a vibrant and inclusive future.
“Santa Ana is proud to join in celebrating 50 years of resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness brought forth by the Vietnamese American community,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “Their influence has shaped Santa Ana’s cultural landscape and strengthened our local economy. This milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of community in Little Saigon and the promise of future leaders carrying the torch forward with pride and purpose.”
“Little Saigon’s story is deeply personal to Garden Grove — it’s the story of our neighbors, our friends, and the families who built something extraordinary from almost nothing,” said Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein. “Garden Grove is honored to partner with OCIE SBDC Network and VACOC to host this landmark celebration recognizing the strength and entrepreneurial legacy of our Vietnamese American community. We stand committed to supporting innovation and opportunity for the next 50 years of this vibrant legacy.”
“Westminster has been the heart of Little Saigon for generations. For Westminster, Little Saigon is more than a place — it’s a testament to the strength, spirit, and vision of the Vietnamese American community,” said Westminster Mayor Charlie Chi Nguyen. “This 50-year milestone reflects a powerful journey from refuge to resilience, and we are honored to have been part of that story every step of the way. As we celebrate this legacy, we also look ahead with pride and hope for the future generations who will continue to shape and enrich our city.”
“The City of Fountain Valley is proud to share a long-standing and deeply rooted connection with the Vietnamese American community,” said Fountain Valley Mayor Ted Bui. “Their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence have led to countless success stories that continue to uplift and inspire future generations. This 50th anniversary is more than a celebration — it’s a moment to honor the legacy of those who turned adversity into achievement and to inspire the next generation to build upon that foundation with vision and unity.”
“The Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), the first and largest of its kind, is proud of the achievements our Vietnamese American family have built in the last 50 years to what is known as Little Saigon,” said VACOC Chairman Tim Nguyen. “A symbol of unity, strength, and entrepreneurial fuel that ignites the growth of Vietnamese American small businesses. We are honored to be the center of resources and voices for our little giant community for the next 50 years. ONE family, deep impact.”
For more information, please visit the event website: https://vacoc.org/ls50.
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