National ACE

“Trailblazers helped me see myself as a confident, capable founder whose story and perspective matter.” - Kanna Ecklunch, 2025 Trailblazers First-Place Winner

Last year, Kanna turned an idea into momentum. After receiving pitch coaching, mentorship, and funding through the program, her company, ASAICHI, is now patent pending, has completed florist pilot programs, and has raised more than $18,500 through pitch competitions.

If you're a visionary woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, there's still time to apply by June 25. Join us in Irvine, CA on August 20 for the opportunity to pitch live in front of investors, corporate leaders, and fellow innovators.

Apply by June 25: https://trailblazersinnovate.com/

California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce | ACE NextGen | Google | Walmart | Wells Fargo | PMI US | Southwest

Not all small businesses scale the same...and understanding the differences matters. 📈 Our latest infographic explores how Next Level and Emerging Scale AAPI businesses differ in employment, growth outlook, and long-term planning.

From succession planning to scaling operations, AAPI entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate resilience, ambition, and innovation. Read the full report: nationalace.org/research

NORC at the University of Chicago | IW Group |

A great evening at Dodger Stadium with the Bank of America, National ACE, and VENN communities. We celebrated Memorial Day, made new connections, and cheered on a Dodgers win against the Colorado Rockies. A big win on and off the field!

Garrett Gin | Bill Imada | Dennis Huang | Narumi Inatsugu | Dr. Karen Eng

Small businesses are a driving force behind Houston’s economy and America’s continued growth and innovation.

National ACE recently teamed up with the Houston Asian Chamber of Commerce for an incredible roundtable at Port Houston, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers for important conversations on access to capital, emerging technologies, and international trade opportunities.

When we equip our small businesses with the right tools, we can help strengthen local economies and position businesses to compete and thrive in a global marketplace. Thank you to everyone who joined us in shaping a prosperous business landscape!

The event featured notable attendees and speakers, including State Representative Gene Wu for State Representative 137; Council Member Willie Davis, At-Large Position 2, City of Houston; Mark Wi******er, Houston District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration; Dr. Steve Lawrence, Executive Director of the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC; and Christopher Schreck, Deputy Regional Executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch.

Read more: nationalace.org/news/2026-houston-roundtable

Congratulations to Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson on receiving the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Award!

This year marked one of our most impactful Capitol Hill Days yet as we continued to build formidable relationships with key congressional offices! On May 14th, we engaged with 40 congressional offices—including 21 direct meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives—to champion support for federal small business programs and to advance policies that empower small business communities. Throughout these conversations, we advocated for critical small business priorities, including expanding access to capital, creating guidance for artificial intelligence and emerging innovations, and driving comprehensive workforce development initiatives.

We were also incredibly honored to welcome distinguished guest speakers at our National Small Business Month Reception, honoring AAPI Heritage Month, including U.S. Senator Senator Andy Kim (NJ) and U.S. Representatives Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20), and Congressman Dave Min (CA-47). View more event highlights in our photo gallery: https://pskcreative.client-gallery.com/gallery/national-ace-capitol-hill-day-2026/my-photos

As part of National Small Business Month, AAPI Heritage Month, and our nation’s upcoming 250th Anniversary, National ACE was honored to host a White House Briefing celebrating the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and opportunity that continues to shape the American story.

We were privileged to hear important policy updates and remarks from key Administration leaders, including:
• Lynne Patton, Deputy Assistant to the President for Coalition Policy and Engagement
• Jenny Korn, Deputy Assistant to the President and Faith Director
• Kush Desai, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Deputy Press Secretary
• Brittany Baldwin, Senior Policy Advisor for America 250

As we recognize the contributions of small businesses across the country, we remain committed to advancing policies, partnerships, and opportunities that help entrepreneurs continue to grow, innovate, and strengthen communities nationwide.

Read more: nationalace.org/news/2026-white-house-briefing

National ACE and the National ACE Foundation recently partnered with Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance and Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce to host a dynamic Small Business Leadership Roundtable at Wells Fargo's corporate office in Charlotte.

The Carolinas’ small business community is a powerful driver of local jobs, innovation, and neighborhood growth. Through forward-looking conversations on key opportunities such as AI adoption, access to capital, and business expansion, we are connecting entrepreneurs to resources for growth.

The event featured notable attendees and speakers, including North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley; State Senator Brad Overcash for State Senate (District 43); State Representative Laura Budd for NC House (District 103); Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera Dimple Ajmera; Mark Jerrell for County Commission District 4, Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners; Mike Arriola, North Carolina District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration; and Melissa Lindler, South Carolina District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Read more: www.nationalace.org/news/2026-carolinas-roundtabl

Woah, this is huge: a $20k grant + FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final tickets?

⚽ Shoot your shot today and join Verizon Business' Digital Ready for a chance to win free FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final tickets, $20,000 for your business and more. But don’t wait, enter the Verizon Small Business Super Pitch contest before May 18th.

Learn more and apply here: bit.ly/4dezcXE