ASIAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MEET WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN ORLANDO TO DISCUSS THE STATE AND FUTURE OF AAPI BUSINESSES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[April 28, 2023]
Contact: Emily Fuder (efuder@nationalace.org)
ASIAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MEET WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN ORLANDO TO DISCUSS THE STATE AND FUTURE OF AAPI BUSINESSES
[April 20, Orlando, Florida] – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), alongside affiliate partners, Central Florida International Chamber of Commerce (CFICC), Preparing India's Leaders of Tomorrow, Inc. (PILOT), Kissimmee American Chinese Center, and Indian American Chamber of Commerce, hosted an AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable for Asian American small business owners to discuss the current state of business in Orlando.
The AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable is an open forum for AAPI business owners in the United States to connect with policymakers, corporate partners, and community members to find solutions for the barriers facing minority-owned small businesses today. The Orlando event is National ACE’s fourth roundtable this year.
April 20, 2023, AAPISTRONG Orlando Small Business Roundtable, Orlando, FL
With over 50 attendees, participants discussed the unique challenges facing Orlando’s residents and small business owners. The conversation explored access to capital, assistance with government contract acquisition, and inaccessible permitting language and procedures.
April 20, 2023, AAPISTRONG Orlando Small Business Roundtable, Orlando, FL
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe said, “I am a proud first-generation American. [My family has] been business owners for over 20 years. I always say you don't just have employees, you have spouses and children. Owners are the last paid. Going through covid and seeing who has been able to manage and accept it is huge. The government should be there to support you. Orange County has been given 10 million dollars to support you, but it's never enough. People think business people are rich, but small businesses are the number one employers in Central Florida. We need to make this an environment that's affordable to live in. I am a mother of two children, and the American dream is generational wealth. I am very proud to be a Hispanic woman. I encourage you all to get involved in government processes. We strive to be a government that is more inclusive and attentive to small businesses. We have to think of everyone.”
Anjali Vyas, President of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce, shared, “COVID-19 did a big number on Indian-owned businesses in multiple sectors. We had so many questions as soon as COVID-19 came in. The first was government support - will we be able to keep our doors open? The workforce still does not want to come to work, physically. Banks and office retail spaces are empty. We need to facilitate human interaction. It is challenging to find employees, whether it be in regard to payroll or losing people to other businesses like Uber.”
Stephanie Coueignoux, an Orlando small business owner, shared her thoughts on challenges faced by entrepreneurs: “I was inspired to start my own company to help others effectively communicate their messaging. It's hard for businesses to communicate their purpose. It is hard to stand out and shine. We took the opportunity to reflect inward during the pandemic. We dream but maybe are too scared to take the leap of faith.”
Farook Sait, Founder and President of PILOT, speaking at the small business roundtable
Joining AAPI entrepreneurs at the event were Commissioner Mayra Uribe, District 3, Orange County; Ben Raju, District Director, Los Angeles District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration; Ed Ramos, United States Small Business Administration, Senior Area Manager; Khalid Muneer, President, CFICC; Farook Sait, Founder & President, PILOT; Peida Yan, Kissimmee American Chinese Center; and Anjali Vyas, President, Indian American Chamber of Commerce.
“Our business community continues to face many challenges. From access to capital and contracts, to capacity building, maintaining sustainability, language accessibility, and discrimination, AAPI entrepreneurs must overcome many barriers when starting, retaining, or scaling their business. Our policymakers play a significant role in protecting our community, allowing our small businesses to operate safely, and creating prosperity,” said National ACE President and CEO, Chiling Tong. “This conversation will help policymakers to understand the unmet needs of our community so we can find solutions.”
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About National ACE:
National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI business interests and positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. National ACE strives to do this through supporting and promoting issues that impact the AAPI business community, improving the economic development and economic impact of the AAPI community, advancing coalitions and enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs nationally. Learn more at www.nationalace.org or www.aapistrong.com.
About Indian American Chamber of Commerce:
The Indian American Chamber of Commerce is one of Central Florida's chambers that represents over a billion dollars in economic activity. The chamber is focused on providing opportunities for local businesses, national corporations, and students to meet and network with our members of Asian Indian origin. We help facilitate strategic alliances with other Indian and Non-Indian business organizations that want to do business with the Indian American community. Our mission is to empower Indian American businesses with growth opportunities by increasing access with other business organizations and corporations. We strive to encourage the involvement of our Indian American community with Mainstream America.
About Preparing India’s Leaders of Tomorrow, Inc. (PILOT):
PILOT is the acronym for Preparing India's Leaders of Tomorrow. This denotes the ability to fly high. Our scholarship recipients excel and achieve, defying expectations and fulfilling dreams. PILOT seeks to increase its Endowment Fund beyond the current Rs. 51 lakhs. You can join as Volunteers, Supporters and Donors. When their voices are heard and their dreams valued, when we invest in their future, the World Changes. Let’s be Changemakers.
