Silicon Valley Roundtable Highlights AI, Access to Capital, and Post-COVID Recovery for Small Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder: efuder@nationalace.org
[March 28, 2025, Palo Alto, CA] – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) convened a Small Business Roundtable in Palo Alto to discuss pressing challenges faced by small business owners in Silicon Valley.
National ACE is dedicated to bridging the gap between policymakers, corporate partners, and community leaders to address the challenges faced by small businesses. Historically, small business owners and entrepreneurs have often been excluded from discussions when policies and legislation are developed, even though these decisions directly impact their ability to start, sustain, and grow their businesses.
The roundtable provided a platform for entrepreneurs to share their experiences and challenges. Conversations centered around the lasting impact of COVID-19, the rise of remote work as a new norm, and the hurdles startups continue to face—including securing funding, navigating complex tariff regulations, and integrating artificial intelligence into small business operations.
Notable participants included Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17); Mayor Gary Singh, Union City; Councilmember Jeff Wang, Union City; Councilmember Yan Zhao, City of Saratoga; Lily Mei, Former Mayor of Fremont; and Evan Low, Former California State Assemblymember.
Empowering Small Businesses Through AI Innovation
The discussion on artificial intelligence underscored both the promise and complexity of integrating emerging technologies into small business operations. Entrepreneurs recognized that AI tools can streamline workflows, automate customer service, and boost marketing strategies. Many pointed to the growing availability of affordable, small-business-friendly AI solutions as a major opportunity.
However, attendees also expressed concern over barriers to implementation, citing limited technical expertise and tight budgets. Still, the potential of AI-driven analytics to improve inventory management, pricing strategies, and customer engagement generated strong interest, particularly when paired with partnerships through AI startups and incubators.
Strengthening Access to Capital Through Collaboration and Innovation
Access to capital remains a central concern for many small businesses, and the roundtable facilitated a thoughtful dialogue on the evolving financing landscape. Attendees discussed the challenges some entrepreneurs face when navigating traditional lending processes, particularly early-stage businesses or those with limited credit history. However, participants also acknowledged the important role banks continue to play in providing stability, financial guidance, and long-term support to small business clients.
The conversation highlighted the growing interest in complementary financing models, such as revenue-based financing and crowdfunding, as part of a more diverse capital ecosystem. Investors at the roundtable emphasized the importance of preparing businesses for scalability and showcasing technology adoption—especially AI integration—as a way to attract both traditional and non-traditional investment.
AAPI Small Business Resilience and Recovery
The roundtable also highlighted the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AAPI-owned businesses, with closures, safety concerns, and disrupted supply chains causing long-term setbacks. Yet, stories of resilience echoed throughout the room, underscoring the determination of AAPI entrepreneurs to rebuild and innovate.
Attendees stressed the need for continued advocacy around grants, mentorship programs, and policy reforms to support recovery efforts. Many shared the importance of tapping into community networks for collaboration and mentorship and emphasized the value of consumer-led initiatives to uplift AAPI-owned enterprises.
This was National ACE’s first roundtable in 2025. This roundtable was part of National ACE’s ongoing commitment to support minority entrepreneurs and facilitate productive conversations around the unique challenges they face. National ACE continues to provide tailored resources and programs aimed at helping small business owners access funding and grow their operations.
National ACE offers the Capital Readiness Program to further support small business owners seeking funding to grow their businesses. Since 2023, National ACE has connected underserved small business owners to over $67M in funding. Programs are free of charge, and participants can connect to the next virtual accelerator at https://www.nationalace.org/accelerators
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About National ACE:
National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI and all small business interests and positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. National ACE strives to do this by supporting and promoting issues that impact the small business community, improving the economic development and impact of the AAPI community, advancing coalitions, enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs and all small businesses nationally. Learn more at www.nationalace.org.