JAS Small Business Empowerment Academy (SBEA)
The Society has been a member of Washington State’s Small Business Resiliency Network since late 2020. We started the Small Business Empowerment Academy, a program designed to help Japanese immigrant and Japanese American small and microbusiness owners improve their business operations and become more successful. Participants will learn business fundamentals through webinar courses given in Japanese by business professionals.
What can you gain from the program?
#1 Attend informational webinars from business professionals for free
#2 Choose from a wide variety of courses
#3 Get your questions answered during a live Q&A with the instructor after the webinar
#4 Receive a certificate of completion after taking a predetermined number of courses.
#5 Promote your business on a large scale at the end of the program
Testimonials
Table of Contents
- Workshops
- Podcast
- SBEA会員登録
- 第1期
- Accounting 101 録画あり
- Business and Commercial Banking 録画あり
- Business Law and Employment Law 録画あり
- Resources: Tax Return & Small Business Support Programs 録画あり
- The Basics of Business Insurance 録画あり
- E-Commerce 101 / 売れる!魅せる!初めてのEC Eコマース101 録画あり
- Cross-Cultural Marketing 録画あり
- DX for Your Business/DX(デジタル・トランスフォーメーション)時代のビジネス 録画あり
- Cyber Security 101 / 中小企業におけるサイバー脅威の傾向と対策 資料あり
- 第2期
- 第1期
- Register for SBEA Member
- Webinar Series 1
- Accounting 101 Recording
- Business and Commercial Banking Recording
- Business Law and Employment Law Recording
- Resources: Tax Return & Small Business Support Programs Recording
- The Basics of Business Insurance Recording
- E-Commerce 101 / 売れる!魅せる!初めてのEC Eコマース101 Recording
- Cross-Cultural Marketing Recording
- DX for Your Business/DX(デジタル・トランスフォーメーション)時代のビジネス Recording
- Cyber Security 101 / 中小企業におけるサイバー脅威の傾向と対策 PDF available
- Webinar Series 2
- Immigration Law 101 / 知らないと損するアメリカの移民法 Recording
- Using Translation & Interpretation Services / 通訳と翻訳サービスの活用について Recording
- Ask A CPA Anything! / 年内のうちに会計士に聞いておこう!
- Welcome Shippai! Recording
- The ABC’s of Farmer’s Market Recording
- Tax Return 2023 Form 1040 ScheduleC Helpful Information Recording
- Basic POS System ~for Small Business Recording
- Webinar Series 1
Workshop
6. | December 13, 2024(Fri) | 10am -3pm* |
Consultants:
1. Kanako Matsumoto(Business Consulting)Lead Advisor, CPA, CFE, Nishijin Accounting & Consulting LLC
2. Takayo Harriman (QuickBooks Consultation) Intuit QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor
3. Sachiko Miller (Consultation on Marketing and Non-Food Import/Export) Founder & CEO, Market to Japan LLC
NOTE
- When you are not available after registration, please let us know so we can cancel your registration and keep the space available for those who could use help in Japanese with their small business.
- You can reserve a time directly from this season, but we may ask you to change the time later depending on the content and the availability of the person in charge.
- When you make a reservation, please write a brief description of your consultation. We would appreciate it in case we need to assign you to a person in charge, or if you need to prepare in advance.
- There will be a maximum of three free consultations per business. After that, we will refer you to other opportunities separate from this consultation, etc.
Podcast
Webinar Series 2 Schedule
Basic POS System
~For Small Business~
Fred Harriman
Speaker
POS systems are now a part of our daily lives.
You see them in restaurants, at checkout counters when shopping, and even at weekend markets where people are making payments by connecting to their cell phones.
In this Webinar, Fred Harriman of our association will send you a basic knowledge of POS systems.
Whether you are a POS novice or a POS user, please take a look.
Tax Return 2023 Form 1040 ScheduleC Helpful Information
Kanako Matsumoto, CPA, CFE
Nishijin Accounting & Consulting LLC
The tax filing season is upon us again this year.
What is obvious to the experts, there are many things that Small/micro business owners can lose if they miss. For example, what is “De Minimis Safe Harbor Election?” It is a term that may not be familiar to your ears. But in fact, if you file a tax return without knowing this, you are losing a lot of money!
This is the lecture by Ms. Kanako Matsumoto, a certified public accountant who has assisted many Japanese and Japanese small and micro enterprises and sole proprietorships and is truly Seattle’s go-to person. This popular webinar has been very well received each time.
The ABC’s of Farmer’s Market
Fred Harriman
Speaker
The February session of SBEA’s monthly webinar series will be the fifth in the second season. This month’s topic will be “The ABC’s of Farmers’ Markets,” presented by Fred Harriman of the JASSW.
The term “farmers’ market” has a very detailed definition.
In addition to farmers’ markets, there are other ways to open a booth, such as fairs and shows.
Program | Date | Time (PDT) |
The ABC’s of Farmer’s Market | 2/21/2023 | 6 pm ~ 7 pm |
Q&A Session | 2/28/2023 | 6 pm ~ 7 pm |
Welcome Shippai!
Yuiko Phillips
Hifumi Coach Co., Ltd.Certified Professional Coach
Completed Start from “Will” LIFE SHIFT
Practitioner
Happy Talk Trainer
Feeling that there was nothing special about her and that she could not get along with anyone, she spent her childhood drawing pictures and singing songs by herself.
Yuiko moved to the U.S. in 2016. She began living with her large in-law family. With the change surroundings, her mental state deteriorated. She was overwhelmed by the daily routine of raising children and family events. She thought to herself, “I can’t go on like this!” She started to think about moving and starting a business but found herself looking for reasons why she couldn’t do it.
In 2021, she learned of the Hifumi Juku and Coaching School. She started taking coach training courses. She began to express her thoughts and feelings that she had been holding back. She began to experience the joy and peace of mind that comes from working with others.
In 2022, she helped manage an online festival to challenge herself to take on things she thought she couldn’t do. In the midst of further self-exploration, she decided to work as a professional coach and help others.
She currently works as a professional coach. In her private life, she travels to Japan and Yakushima Island and she has recently begun trying van life.
In this course, failure is the source of success. We welcome failure! We will help you to change your way of thinking.
Program | Date | Time (PDT) |
Welcome Shippai! Basic | 1/24/2023 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Welcome Shippai! Practice session | 1/31/2023 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Ask A CPA Anything!
Kanako Matsumoto, CPA, CFE
Nishijin Accounting & Consulting LLC
It’s almost the end of the year! The headache of closing the books and filing taxes is around the corner.
This is the third webinar lecture by Ms. Kanako Matsumoto, a certified public accountant who has assisted many Japanese and Japanese small and micro enterprises and sole proprietorships and is truly Seattle’s go-to person. This popular webinar has been very well received each time.
Attend this session to ask Ms. Matsumoto your questions before tax season starts. This is a great opportunity to ask an accountant any questions you may have.
This year’s course will be centered around answering your questions. If you are registered with SBEA, you will receive a questionnaire. If you are not yet registered with SBEA, please click the link above to register to receive the form.
Program | Date | Time (PDT) |
Ask A CPA Anything! | 12/6/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Using Translation &Interpretation Services / 通訳と翻訳サービスの活用について
Fred Harriman
Freelance Interpreter
Fred Harriman has worked as a professional interpreter and translator of Japanese and Spanish since the time he lived in Hamamatsu City of Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan from 1977 to 1994. Here in the U.S. Fred has continued his career as a professional interpreter.
Businesses are rarely prepared to use Translation and Interpreting Services. Needs seem to arise suddenly, and this leads to time and money wasted. This Webinar will cover the basics of translation and interpreting services, and help the business owner save time and money to communicate effectively.
Program | Date | Time (PDT) |
Translation & Interpretation Services | 11/15/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session | 11/22/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Immigration Law 101 / 知らないと損するアメリカの移民法
Joel Paget, Immigration Law Expert
Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC
Joel Paget, Immigration Law Expert
Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC
Program | Date | Time (PDT) |
Immigration Law 101 | 10/18/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session | 10/25/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Webinar Series 1 Schedule
Courses will be offered on marketing, fundraising, business taxation, diversity, and other essential fundamentals of running a business. Each webinar will be about 60 minutes long.
Accounting 101
Kanako Matsumoto, CPA, CFE
Nishijin Accounting & Consulting LLC
After 20 years in public accounting as a CPA, Kanako has started her own accounting and consulting firm to assist small businesses owned by Japanese immigrants. Most recently she has been assisting these businesses to maneuver through the application process and reporting requirements of the federal and local government pandemic relief grants and loans. She is actively providing timely accounting and tax information via Facebook at @kaikeikakekomidera.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Accounting 101 | 2/15/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 1 | 2/22/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 2 | 4/5/2022 | 同上 |
Q&A Session 3 | TBD |
Business and Commercial Banking / Lending 101
Billy Huntley, VP, Sr Business Banker
Umpqua Bank
Billy is a 20 year veteran in the banking industry working exclusively with business owners to help simplify day to day banking, help again access to credit and loans when appropriate, in addition to being responsive and available to his clients. Billy works hard to truly understand his clients business, how they operate, and their unique needs. He prides himself on being a “true partner” assisting in helping business owners meet their financial goals.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Business and Commercial Banking / Lending 101 | 3/1/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 1 | 3/8/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 2 | TBD |
Business Law and Employment Law
Naoko Inoue Shatz
Shatz Law Group PLLC
Naoko Inoue Shatz, the managing attorney of Shatz Law Group PLLC, is licensed to practice in WA and NY. She focuses her practice in the areas of business and corporate law including M&A, Franchise, IP, Employment and related dispute resolution and civil litigation. She has assisted numerous clients who have businesses overseas as well as WA or NY. She is currently acting as outside general counsel for several companies and Consulate General of Japan in Seattle. Separate from her primary practice, she helps indigent immigrant spouses subject to divorce proceedings as co-founder and the board chair of International Families Justice Coalition (“IFJC”). Naoko also serves as Ethnic Organization Representative of the WA Supreme Court Interpreter Commission. She has also contributed articles and presented CLE and judicial seminars hosted by various bar associations and organizations and acted as a guest lecturer at law schools.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Business Law and Employment Law Part I | 3/15/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 1 | 3/22/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 2 | TBD | |
Business Law and Employment Law Part II | 4/19/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Resources: Tax Return & Small Business Support Programs
Kanako will give an overview of the small business support measures available on a local, state, and federal level as listed on the Resources Page of the JASSW website. She will also explain about the tax return that is due soon.
Kanako Matsumoto, CPA, CFE
Nishijin Accounting & Consulting LLC
After 20 years in public accounting as a CPA, Kanako has started her own accounting and consulting firm to assist small businesses owned by Japanese immigrants. Most recently she has been assisting these businesses to maneuver through the application process and reporting requirements of the federal and local government pandemic relief grants and loans. She is actively providing timely accounting and tax information via Facebook at @kaikeikakekomidera.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Resources: Tax Return & Small Business Support Programs | 3/29/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 1 | 4/5/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session 2 | TBD |
The Basics of Business Insurance
Hitoshi Suwa
Ogishima & Associates Insurance Company
Ogishima & Associates has been in business since 1946. Today, from its Beacon Hill office, the firm handles personal and business insurance products for leading Japanese and American insurance companies. Hitoshi Suwa is one of the few insurance agents who speaks Japanese and has a background of 20 years. He has lived in Washington State for more than 30 years and has earned the trust of his clients as a customer-oriented, responsive agent.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
The Basics of Business Insurance | 4/12/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
Q&A Session | TBD | 7 pm ~ 8 pm |
E-Commerce 101
Mari Kuster, CEO
Applause Ballet Company, LLC
Mari has been a dancer for 30 years and worked with the Shiki Theatrical Company and Illusion in Japan before moving to the United States. She then started selling dance equipment in 2001 at the dawn of E-commerce. Even today, she continues to be one of the first brands to introduce European and American products to Japanese users.
The company’s website attracted consumers through advertisements and social media where fans and repeating customers were acquired. She would be happy to share with you the “techniques of attraction” that she uses on a daily basis.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
E-Commerce 101 & Q&A Session | 5/10/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8:30 pm |
Cross-Cultural Marketing
Sachiko Akahori Miller Founder & CEO
Market to Japan LLC
Sachiko Akahori Miller has more than 20 years of sales, marketing, and business development experience in both Japan and the US. With her sales & marketing background, she founded MARKET TO JAPAN in 2004 to make international business more accessible to companies who strive to develop products and services to improve people’s everyday lives. MARKET TO JAPAN specializes in cross-cultural business development for small and medium-sized companies in North America and Japan. Sachiko has also developed a brand called “CHERRYSTONE,” which supports Japanese craftsmanship in the North American market and has been developing new product lines that enrich people’s everyday life.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Cross-Cultural Marketing & Q&A Session | 5/24/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8:30 pm |
DX For Your Business
Mayumi Nakamura Birt, Managing Partner
Ascent Partners, LLC
Born in Japan, Mayumi came to the United States and received her BA and MBA from Portland State University. She embarked on a 30-year career in software and computer industry, worked for PSP, Inc. where she served as CEO for 10 years before starting the new company, Ascent Partners, LLC in 2020. Ascent Partners works with business leaders to find their pathway into future through Digital Transformation, developing and implementing their new business with the technology.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Students will receive an assignment | 5/31/2022 | |
DX For Your Business & Q&A Session | 6/7/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8:30 pm |
Assignment due | 6/14/2022 |
Cyber Security 101
Toshio Miyazawa
CISSP: Certified Information System Security Professional
Toshio Miyazawa is Colonel of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force specializing in cyber warfare (CISSP: Certified Information System Security Professional).
Background: Toshio has been an officer in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for 19 years, primarily in the field of information and communications, serving as a cyber unit commander, equipment R&D developer, personnel officer, and future visioning planer.
Since 2021, as a fellow at Microsoft HQ in Redmond, he is passionately studying the future of command and control, intelligence, cyber warfare, and electronic warfare, the most important aspects of modern warfare, for the Ministry of Defense and Japan Self-defense Force, while learning cutting-edge technologies and operations.
Program | Date | Time (PST) |
Cyber Security 101 | 6/21/2022 | 7 pm ~ 8:30 pm |
Digital Literacy Cyber Security Slides By Yakima Valley Broadband Action Team