ASIAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MEET WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN DENVER TO DISCUSS THE STATE AND FUTURE OF AAPI BUSINESSES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2022
Contact: Emily Fuder, efuder@nationalace.org
ASIAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MEET WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN DENVER TO DISCUSS THE STATE AND FUTURE OF AAPI BUSINESSES
[June 8, 2022 Denver, Colorado] – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), alongside affiliate partner, Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado hosted an AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners to discuss the current state of business in Colorado.
The AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable is an open forum for AAPI small business owners in the United States to connect with policymakers, corporate partners, and community members to find solutions for the barriers facing diverse-owned small businesses today. The Denver event is National ACE’s eleventh roundtable this year. Hosted at the Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado, participants discussed the unique challenges facing Colorado residents and small business owners. The conversation uncovered how Asian American small business owners were adaptive and resilient in the face of change during COVID-19, and what the small business community needs to move forward. 2022 has brought supply chain issues, increased inventory costs, high fees and taxes, and anti-AAPI hate in Colorado.
“Due to self-sufficiency of shared and trusted cultural traditions, sacrifice, and a disciplined pursuit for education, AAPIs are the most likely to own their own small business,” said Judge Joe Jefferson. “What does it mean to be Asian American, and not just an Asian in America? Most AAPIs face this issue: Am I Asian? Am I American? Or both? We have to reconcile these identities.”
Joining AAPI entrepreneurs at the event were Comcast Rise, who shared that nonprofits and small business owners can apply for free advertising support through Comcast’s resources. They offer short spots and assistance to elevate the AAPI entrepreneur.
“We need to protect & participate” said Judge Jefferson. “Protect each other to support justice, and understand your rights.”
“Our business community continues to face many challenges. The AAPI small business owners in Colorado have been hit hard by Covid-19. 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 the Asian American community so we can find solutions.”
###
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 Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado
The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is a membership organization based in Denver, Colorado. Its mission is to provide economic development and business opportunities for its members. ACC partners with community organizations and non-profits such as the Asian Pacific Development Center and the American Red Cross to help promote and cross-resource programs and initiatives.