Built to Last: Future Proofing Small Businesses for the Next Generation (An AAPI Business Celebration)
Description
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and practical support as we close out AAPI Heritage Month in Albany Park.
This free community event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and neighbors to uplift and invest in the AAPI business community. Whether you’re running a long-standing business, just getting started, or exploring an idea, this event is designed to connect you with the tools and people you need.
Hear from a panel of Asian American business owners at different stages of their journeys as they share insights on how to future-proof your business—covering topics like adapting to the digital landscape, succession planning, and preparing for long-term growth or transition.
Connect directly with local, county, and state partners offering resources for small businesses.
Enjoy a “Noodles Party” featuring dishes from across Asian cultures, and spend the evening building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and community members.
This event is free and welcome to all. Registration is encouraged.
Hosted by North River Commission & Albany Park Chamber of Commerce
BUILT TO LAST: Future Proofing Small Businesses for the Next Generation
📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 2951 W Montrose Ave.
Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank
In partnership with Chicago Asian Network
For more information, contact kay@northrivercommission.org
Agenda
5:00 PM – Doors open / networking, tabling, and food begin 6:00 PM – Welcome remarks 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Future-Proofing Your Business 7:00 PM – 7:50 PM – Open networking, tabling, and food (& karaoke!) 7:50 PM – Closing remarks / call to action
Speaker Lineup
Andrew Chao & Ling Chao | Owners of Somethin Sweet Donuts
Somethin’ Sweet Donuts was founded by Andrew's parents (Jim & Ling Chao) in 2012, combining Jim's decades of baking experience and Ling's business acumen. In 2015, their niece, Julie joined the team, and Andrew joined a few years later in 2017. Then in 2019, the family opened their first Albany Park location and business really took off. Supporting our community has always been a priority for Somethin' Sweet, so once they moved into the neighborhood, they collaborated with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and held fundraisers for local schools. Andrew served as a Commissioner for Special Service Area 60 for 3 years, helping create a vibrant commercial district in Albany Park & Irving Park. This year, the business launched a new initiative where students can earn a free donut by bringing in their straight-A report cards! You can regularly catch them at farmers markets, Apple Fest, and other community events.
Justin Valas | Owner of Restoried Bookshop
Justin Valas is a third-generation Japanese American, former community organizer and public policy professional with a lifelong love of reading, thanks to libraries and a lot of Reading Rainbow. Restoried Bookshop is an independent bookstore in Albany Park whose mission is to build a more interconnected and empowered community by amplifying the stories of Asian Americans and other communities of color through the love of reading.
Lou Ella Rose | Sama Sama Project
Lou Ella Rose is a prominent Chicago-based multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and community leader dedicated to amplifying the Filipino-American experience. She is heavily recognized for bridging her deep artistic background with community advocacy and data analytics across her varied projects. She serves as the lead singer, producer, and artistic director of Chicago-based Filipino folk fusion band: Sama Sama Project.
Jessica Mueller | Executive Director of Adult Education, Business Innovation & Advancement | NEIU's College of Business & Technology
Jessica Mueller serves as the Executive Director of Adult Education, Advancement, and Business Innovation at the AACSB-accredited College of Business and Technology (CBT) at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). In this role, Mueller oversees the Business Innovation & Growth Center to empower high-potential entrepreneurs to dream, create, and grow their businesses. Mueller manages a 12 week business planning course called "Become Your Own Boss", and delivers a variety of other resources that cultivate entrepreneurship and business development. Since 2009, Mueller has served at Roosevelt University, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Western Illinois University in various functional areas, including Greek life, student activities, veteran’s services, student judicial programs, first-year experience, and for the last 16 years in alumni relations and advancement. At NEIU CBT, Mueller is developing the first unit-based advancement unit and is creating an executive education unit that can support business leaders and organizations through leadership and skills development. Mueller is completing her doctoral degree, too, at Illinois State University exploring postsecondary success for student parents in competency based education degree programs. Mueller is passionate about the educational experience, and works diligently to optimize future opportunities and innovative partnerships to better serve the community and the University. Mueller is a Chicago native living in the medical district with her husband, two kids, and doggo Winston.
MODERATOR: Lotika Pai | Chief Small Business Officer | City of Chicago's Business Affairs & Consumer Protection
Lotika Pai serves as the Chief Small Business Officer and Managing Deputy Commissioner for the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). She leads the city's strategic programs to guide local entrepreneurs, managing critical resources like the Neighborhood Business Development Center program and hosting educational outreach initiatives like the BACP Empower Hour webinar series.
Parking & Public Transportation
Parking in the area is very limited. Street parking and metered parking may be available nearby on a first-come, first-served basis.
We strongly encourage attendees to utilize public transportation or rideshare services when possible.
The venue is accessible via:
CTA #78 Montrose bus
Francisco Brown Line station
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
