National ACE Applauds the White House National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities
On January 17, 2023, the White House announced its inaugural National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPIs). The White House Initiative on AA and NHPIs (WHIAANHPI) released its first-ever report detailing the Biden-Harris Administration’s achievements over the last two years in serving AA and NHPI communities, as well as the equity action plans of 32 federal agencies.
The report highlights the accomplishments in representation. As of December 2022, 14% of candidates appointed or nominated to positions within the Administration identified as AA and NHPI, and 17 federal judgeship nominees—representing 17% of all confirmed federal judges—were AA and NHPI. During the pandemic, the American Rescue Plan reduced poverty in AA and NHPI communities by nearly 22%. National ACE is pleased and encouraged to hear these developments.
We see several strategies that will foster a conducive business environment for AAPI small business owners. There are increased commitments to expanding access to capital for AA and NHPI small business owners through investing in additional technology to match underserved borrowers with Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). For borrowers, application requirements will be simplified, data will integrate automatically, a high-quality customer service support system will be available, and the process will be mobile-friendly. The Small Business Administration will enroll more small, disadvantaged businesses into SBA’s business development and contracting programs
There are also goals to expand procurement opportunities for AA and NHPI entrepreneurs. This is very important for entrepreneurs to access contracts that will allow them to grow and scale their businesses. Lastly, several federal agencies are expanding data disaggregation and language access in AA and NHPI languages, which will enable proper representation and equitable access to federal resources.
National ACE praises the White House and WHIAANHPI for its commitment to removing structural barriers and improving safety and quality of life for the AA and NHPI small business community. We look forward to working with the Administration, federal agencies, and public and private sectors to foster a healthy and fruitful environment for AA and NHPI entrepreneurs.