As May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and we are looking ahead to lunchtime, we wanted to take a moment to ask you: what is your favorite local AANHPI restaurant? Our team enjoys everything from sushi, pho, pork bulgogi, poke bowls, and of course, malasadas; and we are always looking to expand our palate. Where do we have to go next?
The history of AANHPI Heritage Month can be traced back to the late 1970s when a congressional bill was introduced to create a week-long celebration of these communities’ achievements. In 1992, it was expanded to a month-long celebration, and since then, every May recognizes the unique cultural and commercial impact of these communities in the United States.
Speaking of AANHPI contributions, did you know that in Alaska, these communities play a significant role in the business landscape? AANHPI business owners have made important contributions to the state’s economy by creating jobs, generating revenue, and driving innovation across various industries.
The Alaska SBDC offers an array of resources and tools that can help AANHPI business owners thrive including access to:
Experienced Business Advisors (no-cost one-on-one advising)
Working with an Alaska SBDC advisor can provide AANHPI business owners with a valuable sounding board, insights into industry trends, and help with developing marketing strategies. Alaska SBDC Advisors further assist clients with identifying opportunities for growth, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and financial planning.
Low-cost Tools & Resources (from start-up and growth, to exit)
The Alaska SBDC website provides no-cost online business plan templates, market research tools, financial spreadsheets, and other essential resources for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. The website also provides access to small business workshops, events, and networking opportunities that can help businesses owners establish relationships with their community and source new clients. For AANHPI entrepreneurs starting a business or choosing to expand, the Alaska SBDC can provide insights and information to help navigate financial literacy and access to capital barriers.
In-person & Virtual Training (no-cost and low-cost. 25% client discount available)
Utilizing Alaska SBDC workshops can be an incredibly valuable resource for AANHPI entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to enhance their existing knowledge or acquire new business skills.
Our no-cost and low-cost workshops cover an array of important topics, from start-up basics to exit strategies, and are available in both on-demand and live webinar formats. These workshops offer an opportunity for business owners to learn about critical business strategies by industry experts and share experiences with other entrepreneurs. And, we’re proud to offer a 25% workshop discount to Alaska SBDC clients, connect with an Advisor for information!
Additional Resources
The BuyAlaska Program also hosts a growing Small Business Directory where you can search for or sign-up as an AANHPI business across wide-ranging industries. Check it out!
To provide the best possible resources to AANHPI-owned businesses, the Small Business Administration (SBA) collaborates with its federal and non-federal partners to help small businesses grow and recover.
Further, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) 2023 Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program offers opportunities for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and intellectual property (IP) professionals to learn about resources available to the AANHPI innovation community. Get inspired by stories of excellence from AANHPI leaders in innovation and learn how you can find support and secure funding by registering today for this virtual event scheduled for Wednesday, May 31 from 11am – 12:15pm AKDT. During this program, you can:
- Learn about best practices from accomplished innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners
- Discover helpful resources available to innovators
- Get practical tips on obtaining and protecting your IP
This May, join us in reflecting on the contributions and accomplishments of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in building the culture, history, and economy of Alaska. Whether you’re starting or growing a business, the Alaska SBDC has a range of resources, tools, and expert advice that’s available at no cost to business owners to help you succeed. Let us be your partner in business.