Written by Kathleen B. Ginder-Vogel. July 2025.
In 2022, Vanna Lor purchased the Union Asian Market located at 2022 S 17th St. in Sheboygan, with support from the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay (SBDC) and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC). SBDC and SCEDC business counselor Ray York also worked with Lor to craft a business plan, work through financial projections, and secure funding.
“We are deeply grateful to the Sheboygan Small Business Development Center for their invaluable support in acquiring our business,” says Lor. “Their expertise in business planning, financial preparation, and securing funding was instrumental in our success.”
The Union Asian Market specializes in bringing Asian goods and groceries, including hot takeout food, to Sheboygan County, serving and sharing authentic Asian culture with the local community. The Market, founded in 1982, was the first grocery store in Sheboygan geared towards Hmong and Asian communities. The store grew and moved to its current location in 1999. Lor aims to honor the store’s legacy and also grow and expand its offerings.
“We will continue to honor the legacy before us and enhance it by modernizing the retail and digital space, adding additional hot food menu items, as well as goods and produce,” Lor said. “We look forward to feedback as to what the community needs so that we can bring it into the store and expand our offerings.”
York says working with the Union Asian Market team has been rewarding.
“From the beginning, they were driven by a deep commitment to serving their community and creating a store that truly meets local needs,” says York. “When they approached me with the idea of acquiring the business, they already understood the dedication it would take, and they’ve followed through with steady, proactive steps to grow and improve.”
The SBDC at UW–Green Bay has provided free support to small businesses throughout the Green Bay area for 45 years, helping launch and grow small businesses that contribute to local and state economic development and support regional growth. UW-Green Bay SBDC services include independent consultingand programs like the Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP), an eight-session course that helps entrepreneurs create a blueprint for a successful and profitable business.
“For any small business seeking guidance and resources, SBDC is an exceptional partner in achieving your goals,” says Lor.
As the Hmong and Asian community in Sheboygan County grows, Lor looks forward to expanding offerings and connecting with the community. York is optimistic about the market’s future. “It’s exciting to watch their journey unfold, and I look forward to seeing how their business and impact continue to expand,” he says.