Long Island City Entrepreneur Grows Japanese Tea Business with Support from Goldman Sachs 10KSB Program at LaGuardia Community College

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 07, 2025) — When Long Island City entrepreneur Sho Tasaki saw a social media post about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY, he saw an opportunity to bridge his vision for Senbird Tea with the practical tools needed to sustain its future. Senbird Tea, the artisanal tea business he co-founded with his business partner in 2018, is more than just a business—it’s a mission to honor and preserve Japanese tea traditions while supporting family-owned tea farms across Japan.

“We’re not just selling tea—we’re sharing the stories of artisans who have passed down their craft for generations,” said Sho. “Every cup of tea we offer is a moment to appreciate the hard work and care of these farmers and to experience a bit of the serenity that Japanese tea can bring.”

From the beginning, Sho and his co-founder placed sustainability and cultural authenticity at the heart of Senbird Tea, sourcing organic tea leaves directly from small farms with a commitment to environmentally conscious practices. But while the business was growing steadily, Sho recognized the need to strengthen its foundation and ensure long-term stability.

Goldman Sachs 10KSB is a $750 million national program designed to help U.S. small businesses create jobs and economic growth by providing entrepreneurs with a practical business education, access to capital and business support services. Launched in 2010, LaGuardia was the first-ever 10KSB site. Based on the program’s success, it has expanded to cities nationwide, offering participants free access thanks to support from Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation.

Sho joined the program in January 2023, seeking guidance on navigating the complex challenges of running a mission-driven business. A graduate of the Stevens Institute of Technology of Hoboken, New Jersey, Sho holds a bachelor’s in civil engineering and a master’s in construction management. His participation in 10KSB was not only about financial growth—it was a deeply personal journey.

“As the son of Japanese immigrants, I was raised with the value of stability, and my parents were initially concerned when I chose to start a business,” Sho shared. “I wanted to prove that success could come from building something meaningful, something rooted in tradition and community.”

Throughout the 10KSB program, Sho immersed himself in the curriculum of group and individual projects and meeting with business advisors, learning to think strategically, manage resources more effectively, and empower his team. He credits the program for helping him create a long-term plan for Senbird Tea.

“The program helped me understand that my time is best spent seeking new opportunities, organizing resources effectively, and providing leadership to guide my team toward growth,” Sho said. “My experience with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at LaGuardia Community College was transformative. It equipped me with the tools and confidence I needed to think strategically and act decisively as a leader.”

For Sho, the journey isn’t over. “There’s still so much more I want to accomplish—not just for the business, but for the community of tea farmers we support. My goal is to help preserve their work for future generations while sharing the goodness of Japanese tea with the world.”

Since graduating from 10KSB in May 2023, Senbird Tea has doubled in revenue, according to Sho. This aligns with data about 10KSB from a 2024 Babson College report, which showed that just six months after graduating the program, 66% of 10KSB participants reported increased revenues and 44% reported creating new jobs.

At LaGuardia, the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program has served more than 1,000 entrepreneurs since its launch 15 years ago, helping local businesses create new jobs, secure loans, and negotiate new contracts.

For more information and to apply to Goldman Sachs 10KSB at LaGuardia Community College, visit LaGuardia.edu/10KSB.

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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.

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