“Thanks to the community and LTSC support, business is still opening and keeping things alive and going. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Dora Hanamure, Mitsuru Sushi & Grill

How LTSC Helps Small Businesses

Through our collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program and LA Metro, LTSC helps provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Little Tokyo and throughout Los Angeles County.

Counselors based at LTSC hold free one-on-one consulting sessions, networking opportunities and hands-on workshops for small businesses owners and others embarking on business ventures. While assisting Little Tokyo and Nikkei businesses is a priority, counselors also welcome clients from other communities in LA County.

Mariko Lochridge (far left), with Zon D’Amour, Michelle Hanabusa, Mylen Yamamoto and James Choi at an LTSC workshop about launching your own business.

Meet Small Business Counselor Mariko Lochridge

Mariko Lochridge recently moved to Los Angeles from Tokyo, Japan. She was previously a news journalist, covering stories for Reuters and working for the Japanese national network Nippon Television as a breaking news producer. In addition, Mariko was an online video and special events consultant for adidas, Volvo, Rakuten and Le Cordon Bleu.

Mariko works with small business clients across LA County. Her areas of specialization are video production coordination, business plan creation, community outreach, social media marketing, time management and public relations. Her favorite Japanese foods are natto and mame daifuku.

Please contact Mariko Lochridge through her Calendly if you are interested in learning more about LTSC’s workshops and other services for small businesses.

Click here for a Voyage LA Story on Mariko

Megan Teramoto (right), helps the owner of the Mitsuru Sushi & Grill as part of the Little Tokyo Eats program. 

Meet Small Business Counselor Megan Teramoto

Megan Teramoto, having grown up in the greater Los Angeles area, has spent much of her life in and around Little Tokyo. As a fourth-generation member of the St. Francis Xavier Japanese Catholic Center, Megan, and her family feel very connected to the Little Tokyo community. Before working for the Little Tokyo Service Center, Megan worked for Council District 14 as a Field Deputy. In this role, she served as a liaison between the community and City services. Currently, Megan works to support the small businesses in Little Tokyo as a small business counselor and provides assistance with any day-to-day issues.

Please contact Megan Teramoto at mteramoto@ltsc.org if you are interested in learning more about LTSC’s services for small businesses.

Press and Media

Rafu Shimpo: Love Little Tokyo: In Uncertain Times, Ways to Support J-Town 
LAist/KPCC: Little Tokyo Fights To Preserve Its Soul In Face of Coronavirus
Los Angeles Times: To make ends meet, legacy restaurants are embracing social media (with some help)
Japan Hollywood Network: Support Little Tokyo リトル東京助け合い運動
Japan Hollywood Network: Small Business Support / 中小企業支援プログラム