National ACE and Asian Chamber of Commerce Host Houston Small Business Roundtable Focused on Trade, Growth, and Opportunity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2026
PRESS CONTACT
Phuong Nguyen
pnguyen@nationalace.org
National ACE and Asian Chamber of Commerce Host Houston Small Business Roundtable Focused on Trade, Growth, and Opportunity
[April 30, 2026, Houston, Texas] – The National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), in collaboration with the Asian American Chamber Houston (AAC), convened small business owners, policymakers, and community leaders for a Small Business Roundtable at Port Houston. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Houston’s dynamic small business landscape, with a particular focus on international trade and economic growth.
Houston’s diverse small business ecosystem is a critical driver of regional innovation and economic vitality. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs represent a significant and growing segment of this ecosystem, comprising approximately 9% of the Houston metropolitan population and contributing across industries ranging from logistics and trade to healthcare and technology. The roundtable highlighted the importance of strengthening access to resources, fostering collaboration, and ensuring small businesses are positioned to thrive in a global economy.
“Houston is one of the most globally connected cities in the country, with small businesses playing a critical role in driving trade, innovation, and job creation,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE. “Hosting this roundtable at Port Houston—an economic engine supporting over 1.5 million jobs and generating more than $439 billion in statewide impact—highlights the importance of connecting small businesses to global trade opportunities. Through direct dialogue with entrepreneurs and policymakers, we are working to address real-world challenges such as accessing capital, navigating international markets, and adopting new technologies to support long-term, sustainable growth.”
“We are proud to partner with National ACE to bring together Houston’s vibrant business community,” said Fan Chen, Board Chair of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. “When we create space for meaningful dialogue between entrepreneurs and leaders, we unlock new ideas and pathways for growth. Houston’s strength lies in its diversity, and today’s discussion reinforces how collaboration can drive long-term economic impact.”
The event featured participation from a range of government and economic leaders, including State Representative Gene Wu (District 137); Council Member Willie Davis, At-Large Position 2, City of Houston; Mark Winchester, 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.
Key themes raised by small business owners during the roundtable included navigating global trade opportunities, access to capital, and the strategic use of technology and social media.
“As an immigrant and minority small business owner, I do not take spaces, events, and communities like this for granted,” said Christeyne Phan, Chief Financial Officer of One Day Brakes & Vice President of Sales, Operations, and Strategy at PowerInc. “These roundtable discussions turn what can feel like an independent journey into a journey filled with connection, collaboration, and a celebration of our shared success.”
“This is my first time at this meeting, and I’m impressed to see so many questions and comments about key business topics, such as hiring and marketing,” said Michelle Y Wirrick, President of Bronco Energy Solutions, “These discussions are valuable to us owners because we’re usually focused on improving our own businesses– but from this roundtable, now I know I can reach out to all the resources that are available for help.”
This event is part of National ACE’s ongoing Small Business Roundtable series, which brings together local and national leaders to elevate the voices of entrepreneurs and advance policies that foster economic opportunity.
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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 ACC: The Asian Chamber of Commerce has been supporting the business community in Houston for over 35 years. We’re a diverse, multicultural group focused on increasing business with the Asian community locally and abroad for all Asian countries, as well as improving the overall economic prosperity of Houston. We host and support numerous activities around the city to encourage our members to develop lasting relationships. Learn more at https://asianchamber-hou.org/