AHN PRESENTS... 🏆

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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how’s it going?

We hope you're heading into the weekend on a good note!

Before you unplug, here's a look at what's been happening across the AHN community, from celebrating founders to sharing exciting updates as we count down to the Access Conference this September.

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🚀 Join us at Access Conference 2026!

This September, we’re bringing together founders, entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and professionals for two days of meaningful conversations, new connections, and shared opportunities.

Come meet the people building what’s next, exchange ideas, and be part of a community connecting Asia and North America.

Event Details:

🗓️ September 3–4, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM–6:00 PM PT
📍 Las Vegas, NV

Why You Should Attend:

🤝 Meet founders, investors, and Fortune 500 executives
💡 Hear from world-class speakers and industry experts
🚀 Discover funding, partnerships, and business opportunities
🌏 Expand your network across Asia and North America

🏆 You’ve built the business. Now take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come.

The AHN Access Honors Awards 2026 recognize founders who have reached 7-, 8-, and 9-figure business milestones through years of resilience, leadership, and hard work.

If you’ve reached one of these milestones, we invite you to apply and be recognized alongside fellow founders and business leaders at Access Conference 2026 in Las Vegas.

Honorees Receive:

🏆 On-stage recognition at Access Conference 2026
🎟️ An All-Access VIP Pass to the conference
✨ A personalized AHN Access Honors Award plaque

🎉 Celebrate leadership, connection, and community at HER Legacy: A Women's Leadership Luncheon!

Join women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals in Las Vegas for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and valuable connections. Hear from accomplished women leaders as they share their journeys, the lessons they've learned, and how they're building legacies that last.

Event Details:

🗓️ Tuesday, August 11, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM PT
📍 Ichiza Original, Las Vegas, NV

Why You Should Attend:

✨ Hear inspiring stories from accomplished women leaders
🤝 Connect with entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders
💼 Grow your network through meaningful conversations
🌸 Learn how women are building businesses and creating lasting impact

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THIS WEEK: COLLECTIBLE AND TOY BRANDS

Building a brand or business?

Join the AHN Directory and get discovered by the community.

The Founder Who Bought an Airline for 26 Cents and Changed How Southeast Asia Travels

In 2001, Tony Fernandes bought the struggling AirAsia for just 1 Malaysian Ringgit (about 26 cents) and took on roughly US$11 million in debt. Many believed the airline had zero chance of surviving.

Fernandes introduced a low-cost model that made flying affordable for millions across Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, AirAsia grew from two aircraft into the region's largest budget carrier, transforming air travel for an entire generation.

The takeaway: Iconic businesses aren't defined by their starting conditions. They are built by founders who see massive opportunity where others only see risk.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

Join our private investor network and stay connected to future opportunities across the AHN ecosystem.

Destin Daniel Cretton Brings Naruto to Life in New Live-Action Movie

Destin Daniel Cretton, the director behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is set to direct a live-action Naruto movie. The film is based on Masashi Kishimoto's globally popular manga and anime series, which has sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.

The project has been in development for more than a decade after Lionsgate secured the film rights. While details about the cast and release date have not been announced, Cretton's involvement marks a major step forward for one of Hollywood's most anticipated anime adaptations.

Read the full article here.

Olive Young's K-Beauty Brands Hit Sephora Shelves on August 20

South Korea's leading beauty retailer, Olive Young, is officially coming to Sephora stores across the U.S. beginning August 20. The partnership will bring 19 Olive Young-curated K-beauty brands to more than 500 Sephora locations and on Sephora.com, marking the collaboration's first U.S. launch.

The rollout is part of Sephora and Olive Young's new omnichannel partnership aimed at making some of South Korea's most popular beauty brands more accessible to U.S. shoppers.

Read the full article here.

BLACKPINK Celebrates 10th Debut Anniversary With Exclusive Seoul Meet-and-Greet

BLACKPINK is celebrating a major milestone with a special fan meet-and-greet in Seoul, 10 years after making their debut with "Whistle" and "Boombayah." For many fans, it's a chance to look back on a decade of music, memories, and record-breaking moments.

Since 2016, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa have grown into one of the world's biggest girl groups, topping charts, selling out stadiums, and making K-pop history on the global stage. Ten years later, their influence continues to grow, both as a group and as solo artists.

Read the full article here.

The Secret Behind Haidilao's Word-of-Mouth Success

Great marketing doesn't always come from bigger ad budgets. Haidilao grew into one of the world's biggest hot pot chains by creating experiences people genuinely wanted to share. From free manicures to noodle-pulling performances, every visit gave customers a reason to post about the brand.

Those shareable moments turned customers into marketers. Instead of relying on advertising alone, Haidilao earned millions of impressions through word of mouth and social media.

The takeaway is simple: people rarely share ads. They share experiences. Create moments worth talking about, and your customers can become your most powerful marketing channel.

A $10,000 Grant Opportunity for Eligible Small Businesses

AHN and National ACE are proud to share a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the growth of their businesses. 

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, eligible small business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant after completing two Digital Ready learning resources and submitting an application.

The program is designed to help businesses strengthen their digital capabilities while providing access to funding that can support future growth. If your business meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and apply.

Unlock Payroll Tax Benefits and Savings With ADP’s SMB Solutions

Managing payroll, HR, and tax compliance requires time, accuracy, and constant attention to changing regulations. For many small and mid-sized businesses, these responsibilities can take focus away from strategic growth.

Through our partnership with ADP, SMB leaders gain access to reliable, cloud-based payroll and human capital management solutions designed to simplify operations while maximizing cash flow. 

How ADP supports your growth:

• AI-Enhanced Payroll: Reduce errors and late penalties with automated filings and AI-powered error detection that flags discrepancies before you pay.

• Maximum Tax Credit Recovery: ADP’s specialists use your payroll data to uncover valuable incentives—including R&D credits (now with expanded eligibility) and Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

• Built-In Compliance: Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory shifts, including new retirement plan mandates and updated wage bases, with automated system updates.

• Scalable HR Infrastructure: From your first hire to your 500th, access integrated tools for recruitment, benefits administration, and 24/7 HR advisory support.

Strategic payroll management is a reinvestment in your business. Fill out our form to connect with an ADP specialist for a personalized review of your current payroll process or review of potential payroll tax savings.

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