Economic Development Hub Opens in East Coast to Connect Entrepreneurs to Funding
June 7, 2024
PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder: efuder@nationalace.org
Economic Development Hub Opens in East Coast to Connect Entrepreneurs to Funding
[May 31, Alexandria, Virginia] National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), alongside affiliate partner, The Outpost, hosted the inaugural East Coast Hub Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners to celebrate the officially launching of the East Coast Hub (Capital Readiness Program) - a key initiative aimed at enhancing regional economic development for socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
National ACE President & CEO Chiling Tong, “National ACE is dedicated to connecting Minority Business Enterprises with funding, networks, and tools to grow their business through the Capital Readiness Program. The Outpost is working alongside us to empower entrepreneurs to get access to funding and contracts that can change the trajectory of their lives and communities for the better.”
Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Acting Chief, Office of Business Centers’ Cara Morris addressed attendees and discussed the crucial role that small businesses have in growing the economy. Morris shared that MBDA’s programs, business centers, and research programs help entrepreneurs overcome barriers and achieve their business goals.
Linh Hoang and Joey Arora, Managing Partners at The Outpost echoed, “We have the resources for small businesses to get access to funding. These opportunities are available at the national and state level. We encourage all entrepreneurs to take full advantage of these opportunities. The East Coast Hub is here to support you, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas and businesses that will emerge from this program.”
The Outpost and National ACE are strategic partners in driving the East Coast Hub to empower socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential resources and support to expand their business capabilities and secure capital. Funded by a significant grant from the
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the Capital Readiness Program includes a comprehensive 8-week virtual accelerator focusing on workshops, mentoring, and networking that
concentrate on business model refinement, expansion strategies, and improving access to funding. Additionally, the program offers personalized business coaching in multiple languages and facilitates connections with corporate leaders and technical assistance programs, helping participants secure grants, loans, and other expansion opportunities.
###
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 by supporting and promoting issues that impact the AAPI business community, improving the economic development and economic impact of the AAPI community, advancing coalitions, 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 The Outpost:
The Outpost is mission-focused on DOING GOOD. We were founded on the urgent need to find and get tech to our nation quicker. As a boutique advisory & technology accelerator, The Outpost specializes in helping companies hop the valley of death by advancing next-generation technologies at the intersection of national security and commercial verticals. By working to redefine the next generation of public-private partnerships, we believe this will be the key movement in building a future with shared values.
We help businesses grow and scale in the government space. We help make connections to the right government stakeholders, identify opportunities to pursue, help write proposals, and build a winning government strategy. We help companies win government contracts and drive innovation for the United States.
