In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is hosting the National AANHPI Business Summit Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 9:00am to 1:00pm ET at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. 

In the modern economy, access to capital and technology are intertwined. From broadband connectivity and quality, to e-commerce and digital literacy, AAPI small businesses must be fully incorporated into the digital economy in order to remain competitive and access the capital and resources necessary to start, retain, and grow their businesses.

Plenary

Equity in the CHIPS and Science Act

The Equity in the CHIPS and Science Act session will discuss the opportunities created from the CHIPS Act and how this legislation can fill structural gaps and foster equity. The CHIPS Act is a historic $280 billion in new funding to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States. The legislation provides $10 billion to create 20 geographically distributed “regional technology and innovation hubs” in areas that are not considered leading technology centers. Join us to learn more about this legislation to ensure that AAPI communities are not left behind in this crucial moment of investment.

Panel #1

Investing in AAPI Businesses 

This session on Investing in AAPI Businesses will bring together financial institutions and corporate leaders to discuss the various investments, commitments, and strategies they have undertaken to support and uplift AAPI small businesses and communities.  We will also hear from AAPI entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of these various investments to grow and scale their businesses and the barriers they faced. The discussion will focus on access to capital, plugging small business owners into resources for growth, and how AAPIs must be included in the narrative to enable them to start, retain, and grow.  

Panel #2

Staying Competitive in a Digital World

In the modern economy, access to capital and technology are intertwined. From broadband connectivity and quality, to e-commerce and digital literacy, AAPI small businesses must be fully incorporated into the digital economy in order to remain competitive and access the capital and resources necessary to start, retain, and grow their businesses. This panel will focus on opportunities in the shifting and growing technology landscape that entrepreneurs can capitalize on to revitalize and invigorate their local communities despite economic challenges.