National ACE, Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston, and Houston’s MBDA Gather 75 Asian American Small Business Owners to Push for Equity in Contracting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[February 29, 2024]
PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder: efuder@nationalace.org
National ACE, Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston, and Houston’s MBDA Gather 75 Asian American Small Business Owners to Push for Equity in Contracting
[February 23, Houston, Texas] National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), alongside affiliate partner, Asian Chamber of Commerce-Houston (ACC), hosted an AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners to discuss the current state of business in Houston.
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 Houston event is National ACE’s third roundtable this year.
With over 75 attendees, participants discussed the unique challenges facing Houston’s residents and small business owners. The conversation explored inaccessible permitting language and procedures, MBE contracting opportunities, high taxes/interest and fees, and access to capital.
Marshette Turner Ray, Director of Houston MBDA Small Business Center, addressed her commitment to Houston’s AAPI small business community: “The resources MBDA has here in Houston are here for you. We are listening today and look forward to working towards implementing much of what we have discussed, from opportunities for thriving new industries to easier access for small business owners trying to get on their feet. We want to be partners with you in your endeavors - let’s support this city together.”
Pitsami Norm, CEO & Co-Founder of Houston Pallets & Crates, said, “Inflation and fuel costs are exacerbating the lumber supply chain - an already complicated system. We would like more transparency from local and state governments on ways to mediate the impact on small businesses.”
Yo Shimizu, President of Tokyo Story, also shared concerns regarding accessibility to importing materials. High taxes, inspections, customs, and permits all present challenges to small businesses trying to operate out of Houston’s port, the largest in the country. More manageable expectations and less financial burden on importers will help assist these businesses thrive as they utilize international commerce to help Houston’s economy thrive.
Joining AAPI entrepreneurs at the event were Marshette Turner Ray, Director of Houston MBDA Small Business Center; Mark Winchester, Deputy District Interim Houston Director, U.S. Small Business Administration; Chris Law, UnitedHealthcare, National ACE Board Member; Vivian Young, JP Morgan Chase, National ACE Board Member; Jason Chan, AT&T, National ACE Board Member; Garrett Gin, Bank of America, National ACE Board Member; and Bin Yu, Utegration, National ACE Foundation Board Member.
“Even when faced with barriers, from access to capital to capacity building, AAPI entrepreneurs have one of the highest rates of business ownership and employ over 5 million people, enriching their local neighborhoods and fostering an overall estimated buying power of $1.6 trillion," said National ACE President & CEO, Chiling Tong. "Our policymakers play a significant role in creating an environment in which our entrepreneurs and job creators can continue to thrive. We look forward to more conversations to understand the needs of our community and strengthen the resilient AAPI entrepreneurs across the country."
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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 Asian Chamber of Commerce-Houston:
The Asian Chamber of Commerce fosters economic and business development through civic advocacy, networking, collaboration, and connections in the Houston Asian American communities and promotes trade between Houston and Asian countries.
