Small business focus: Fresno Chinatown seeks to become a hub for local small businesses

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — “We’re always looking at how to attract more business activity to Chinatown,” says Jan Minami of the Chinatown Fresno Foundation.

Local entrepreneurs are breathing new life into Fresno’s Chinatown.

“There are a lot of things to find here and if you are willing to look beyond that look and delve into what is really in the shops and restaurants, you will find some gems that have been here for years and years,” says the co-owner of Jugging By The Cover, Ashley Mireles Guerrero.

Warrior launched its online storeThe independent bookstore highlights historically marginalized authors and rare books.

“We carry books in Spanish, in Hindi, in Tagalog, in Hmong and books that are not commonly found in stores like Barnes and Noble and that are difficult to find on Amazon,” Guerrero says.

But with a number of followers growing by the minute, opening a brick and mortar is giving readers the opportunity to browse the shelves.

Located on F Street between Mariposa and Tulare, The Pop-Up Place is giving startups a boost. Thanks to a grant, the Chinatown Fresno Foundation is paying rent and utilities for the first six months.

“It’s going to be beautiful at the end of the tunnel. We’ll have access to downtown once the underpasses are done. We’re going to have new trees, new lighting,” says June Stanfield, president of the Chinatown Fresno Foundation.

Stanfield opened his barbershop 26 years ago and knows firsthand the difficulties of starting a business.

“I’d like to fill all the gaps here,” Stanfield says.

In addition to books, there are old school looks at Vintage Drip Clothing.

“We have vintage clothing from the ’80s and ’90s, mainly some collectible posters and stuff,” says Vintage Drip owner Rick Gonzalez.

The Chinatown Fresno Foundation selected these two stores through an application process.

“When I met them both in person, I could see the passion they had for what they did, the love they had for the business they wanted to grow and just the community itself,” Monica Valero of Community Development. says.

“We’re working hard to try to galvanize the community here and make sure we do well for Chinatown and hopefully it continues beyond six months,” Gonzalez says.

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