National ACE Connects Entrepreneurs, Policymakers, and Creators Together at TikTok to Explore the Future of Small Business Marketing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2026
PRESS CONTACT
Phuong Nguyen
pnguyen@nationalace.org
National ACE Connects Entrepreneurs, Policymakers, and Creators Together at TikTok to Explore the Future of Small Business Marketing
[June 24, 2026, Washington D.C] – The National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), in collaboration with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and ACE NextGen’s DC Chapter, convened entrepreneurs, policymakers, content creators and business leaders for a Small Business Roundtable hosted at TikTok’s DC office. The event explored how digital storytelling is transforming the way small businesses build brands, engage customers and grow.
The event featured an interactive fireside chat with Tiktok creators Brian Chen (@abangbrian) and Marjanne Suarez (@marjannesuarez), who shared practical strategies for turning authentic content into measurable business growth. Attendees also had the opportunity to create content on-site with guidance from experienced creators, transforming the discussion into a hands-on learning experience.
“We are incredibly grateful to TikTok for hosting this important dialogue. For today’s entrepreneurs, digital storytelling is no longer optional - it is a competitive advantage,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO, National ACE. “Social media platforms like TikTok are helping small businesses reach customers, build trust and authentic connections, and compete in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Mastering digital marketing is critical to the future of small business resilience and growth.”
"Collaborating with National ACE and ACE NextGen allows us to provide our regional entrepreneurs with high-level new marketing strategies and the robust professional networks essential for today’s competitive environment," said Cindy Shao, President of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. “Critically, this roundtable also gave elected officials firsthand insight into how vital these digital platforms have become, which is paramount as they work to craft policies that support the modern and ever-changing small business ecosystem."
"Moderating today’s TikTok fireside chat was a powerful reminder of how critical it is for entrepreneurs to strategically leverage social media platforms to expand their businesses. Beyond the discussion, this was a unique opportunity for attendees to create their own TikTok content with the direct, real-time guidance of the influencers in the room,” said John Victoria, Founder of the ACE NextGen DC Chapter. “This hands-on experience, combined with the dialogue between small business owners and policymakers, gave our young entrepreneurs practical, real-world marketing lessons that will help them to reach new audiences."
The event also featured participation from government and economic leaders, including U.S. Representative Vince Fong (CA-20); District Director Larry G. Webb, U.S. Small Business Administration – Washington Metropolitan Area District Office; Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam (District 12); Maryland State Delegate Lily Qi (District 15); Nicole Nason, Head of Public Policy at TikTok U.S.; and Caroline Kitchens, Head of Public Policy Third Party Engagement at TikTok U.S.
"At TikTok, we're committed to providing a platform where businesses can reach new audiences, build meaningful connections, and thrive in the modern economy," said Nicole Nason, Head of Public Policy for TikTok U.S. "We're honored to partner with National ACE to empower the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs as they drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities."
Key themes discussed by small business owners during the roundtable included strategies for crafting and elevating authentic personal and brand narratives, the importance of translating social media engagement into actionable business metrics, and utilization of digital trends to reach and retain diverse customer audiences.
As technology continues to reshape the small business landscape, National ACE remains committed to connecting entrepreneurs with the tools, insights, and relationships they need to compete, innovate and grow in an increasingly digital economy.
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About National ACE:National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI and all small business interests and positive change on issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. National ACE supports policies and programs that strengthen small businesses, expand economic opportunity, and foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives. Learn more at www.nationalace.org.
About the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC): The Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) is dedicated to improving economic development for Asian Pacific American owned businesses across the Virginia, DC, and Maryland region. We're a multicultural organization that serves as a vital link between the Asian and Pacific business communities and the D.C, Maryland, Virginia area, helping members grow through networking programs, business expos, development workshops, and seminars. We provide a powerful platform for businesses to market their products and services while connecting corporations with the thriving local Asian and Pacific marketplace. Learn more at www.asian-americanchamber.org.
About ACE NextGen: ACE NextGen was founded to connect, elevate, and empower the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs. With over 2,000 members across 10 chapters nationwide, we're a vibrant community focused on building lifelong relationships that drive business growth, create wealth, and strengthen the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We host conferences, accelerators, retreats, and networking events to help entrepreneurial-minded members learn, connect, and give back. Learn more at www.acenextgen.org.