WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 6-8, 2021, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) will present its inaugural AAPISTRONG Legislative Conference.This virtual conference will work to improve the small business and entrepreneurial environment by empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business communities with “a seat at the table.” This is an opportunity to listen and learn from congressional leaders and officials in the Biden Administration – and, more importantly, to be heard.
The AAPISTRONG Legislative Conference will reveal how public policy, advocacy, procurement, and equitable access to resources will make us #StrongerTogether. We will feature a series of speakers and educational panels on best practices for small business owners to recover from the pandemic, gain access to capital, and empower businesses to create a path forward together.
AAPI businesses make significant contributions to American society in the form of strong economic output, productivity, ingenuity, and job creation. The COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp spike in xenophobic attacks against the AAPI community have hit AAPI business owners particularly hard. Without equitable relief and solutions, we risk lessening or losing the contributions and gains of the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. The resilience and strength of the AAPI business community will be key drivers to restoring our economy.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021: 1-3pm EDT
Access to Capital Day: Recovering Together:
AAPI businesses face unique challenges accessing capital to start and grow their businesses. Learn from leaders at Wells Fargo, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the NMSDC Business Consortium Fund as we discuss public and private funding opportunities for AAPI businesses. We will also hear from congressional leaders about the importance of equitable access to contracting opportunities, which remain low for small, AAPI-owned businesses.
Thursday, October 7, 2021: 1-3pm EDT
AAPISTRONG Day – Finding Our Voice
Join us for panel discussions on the importance of strong diversity, equity and inclusion policies; the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act; and policies that promote AAPI businesses and economic inclusivity. We will also discuss the importance of collecting meaningful, disaggregated data and the role it plays in better understanding how the pandemic has challenged and changed minority business communities throughout the country.
Friday, October 8, 2021: 1-3pm EDT
Entrepreneurship Day: Creating a Path Forward
Now more than ever, a business’s online presence is crucial to its success. Hear from industry and AAPI next-generation leaders on the importance of and tips to create inclusive, sustainable digital businesses. We’ll also hear from senior leadership at the U.S. Small Business Administration and additional efforts being made to to help small businesses recover from the COVID pandemic.
To register for National ACE’s AAPISTRONG Legislative Conference, please visit www.aapistrong.com/leg-conf. All events will be streamed and will use the event hashtag #AAPISTRONG, Additional details and information will be updated at www.aapistrong.com/leg-conf.
About National ACE
National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI business interests and effect positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. With over 70 affiliate chambers of commerce and minority business organization partners throughout the country, National ACE strives to support and promote issues that impact the AAPI business community by improving economic development and impact, 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
