NATIONAL ACE LAUNCHES CAPITAL READINESS PROGRAM WITH AN 8-WEEK SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2023
Press Contact:
Emily Fuder, efuder@nationalace.org
NATIONAL ACE LAUNCHES CAPITAL READINESS PROGRAM WITH AN 8-WEEK SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
[January 9, Washington, D.C.] – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is pleased to announce the Capital Readiness Program, made possible by a $2.65 million grant from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), will be kicking off its programming with an 8-week small business virtual accelerator starting January 23. The program, which is funded by the MBDA, is the most significant investment to support the growth of underserved businesses and entrepreneurs in the agency’s history.
The 8-week webinar series will put Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners from across the country in contact with other AAPI entrepreneurs and industry leaders. 180 attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about access to capital, capacity building, and access to networks. National ACE is working to empower AAPI small business owners with the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed. By addressing these critical issues, we are providing a vital support system for AAPI entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
“With the support of the MBDA’s Capital Readiness Program, we’re excited to build on our work to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander entrepreneurs through our SEDI Ready To Grow Program”, said National ACE President and CEO Chiling Tong. “The investment made through the Capital Readiness program validates the importance of the contributions made to economic growth by the AANHPI business community. We’re encouraged by the ongoing, positive economic trends of the last three years as a result of crucial investments such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act. These continued investments help business owners to become more successful, and generate significant opportunities for our Next Generation entrepreneurs.”
AAPI-owned businesses make up almost 10% of all enterprises in the United States, with 2.65 AAPI-business owners employing 5.1 million people. In 2021, AAPI contributed over $1 trillion in economic output. National ACE serves as the voice of these AAPI entrepreneurs, representing their business interests and working to improve their economic and social well-being.
To learn more, visit nationalace.org/capital-readiness-program and register for the first accelerator.
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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.
