7 AAPI Resources for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

A Resource Guide for AAPI Entrepreneurs Seeking Funding, Networking, and Support

Did you know that there are over 2 million AAPI-owned businesses in the United States, employing over 3.5 million people? AAPI-owned businesses generate over $744 billion in annual revenue and are integral to economic growth in the US. Despite their significant contributions to the economy, AAPI-owned businesses still face a number of challenges, including access to capital and discrimination.

One of the ways we can show our support is by sharing resources that empower AAPI entrepreneurs and professionals to succeed! We have compiled a list of seven organizations and programs that provide valuable resources to AAPI entrepreneurs.

AANHPI Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program via the United States Patent and Trademark Office

The Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Innovation and Entrepreneurship program offers opportunities for AANHPI entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn about useful and how to use their creative works to reach their full potential, including opportunities to:

• Learn from innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners about best practices
• Discover resources available to innovators
• Get practical tips on obtaining and protecting your intellectual property

Attend their FREE event on May 31, 2023 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm ET. Register for the the event.

Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC)

The AABDC is a nonprofit organization that aims to help Asian American businesses succeed. AABDC offers a range of resources and services to its members, such as:

• Business counseling: They offers assistance in developing business plans, finding sources of funding, and navigating regulatory requirements.
• Training: AABDC provides training programs on various subjects such as business development, marketing, and finance, to assist businesses in enhancing their operations and expanding their businesses.
• Networking: They also organize events that allow Asian American entrepreneurs and business owners to meet one another. These events can help businesses create connections with potential customers, partners, and suppliers.

Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE)

The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ACE) advocates for the business concerns of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, providing them with a platform to voice their opinions. National ACE offeres:

• Networking: They offer trade shows, conferences, and roundtables to provide AAPI businesses with networking opportunities.
• Education: National ACE provides educational programs to AAPI businesses, covering topics such as business development, marketing, and finance.
• Research: They conduct research on the AAPI business community to help businesses understand the challenges and opportunities they face.
• Grants: National ACE offers grants to AAPI businesses for various business activities, such as marketing, research, and development.

Gold House

Gold House is a nonprofit organization that promotes multicultural representation by bringing together AAPI founders, creative voices, and leaders. Gold House offers two key programs to assist emerging business leaders: Gold Rush Accelerator (applications open in August 2023) and Futures Network (applications approved on a rolling basis). These programs offer:

• Access to business advisors and masterclasses
• Demo day to pitch to Gold House's network of investors
• Access to a community of API founders
• Investment from Gold House Ventures

Indian American Business Association & Chamber (IABAC)

The Indian American Business Association of USA, also known as the Indian American Business Association & Chamber, is dedicated to promoting the development of the Indian business community and advocating for their needs through collaborative efforts aimed at finding solutions. They provide:

• Networking opportunities
• Educational programs
• Business development assistance

National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP)

NAAAP is a non-profit organization that helps Asian American professionals succeed in their careers. They offer resources, networking opportunities, and support to help professionals develop their skills and advance their careers. They offer:

• Professional development:?They offer professional development programs, including workshops, conferences, and seminars. These programs cover topics such as leadership, career advancement, and cultural awareness.
• Networking:?NAAAP hosts various networking events, including mixers, job fairs, and mentorship programs. These events provide professionals with the opportunity to meet other professionals and build relationships.

Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW)

CAPAW is a non-profit organization aims to empower Asian American and Pacific Islander women. CAPAW provides a variety of resources and services, including:

• Leadership Programs: They provide various leadership programs such as workshops, conferences, and fellowships, to help AAPI women build their networks and improve their leadership skills.
• Economic Empowerment: CAPAW offers AAPI women financial literacy classes, business training, and job placement assistance to achieve financial security and independence.
• Health and wellbeing: CAPAW offers programs to help AAPI women keep healthy and fulfilled lives, such as mental health support, reproductive health education, and violence prevention training.