National ACE Convenes White House Officials and Business Leaders to Advance Small Business Growth, Policy Engagement, and America 250 Initiatives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2026
PRESS CONTACT
Phuong Nguyen
pnguyen@nationalace.org
National ACE Convenes White House Officials and Business Leaders to Advance Small Business Growth, Policy Engagement, and America 250 Initiatives
[May 15, 2026, Washington D.C.] — The National ACE (Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship) held a high-level briefing with White House officials on May 13, 2026, at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The event underscored the administration's commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business community, focusing on economic development, policy engagement, and America 250 initiatives.
Briefing Highlights and Policy Discussions
The briefing featured senior administration officials who shared insights into current policy priorities and national programs. Each speaker addressed core pillars of engagement with the AAPI community and small business sectors.
Lynne Patton (Deputy Assistant to the President for Coalition Policy and Engagement) outlined strategies for fostering public-private partnerships to support communities. She noted that small businesses and entrepreneurs are well-positioned to drive innovation through these collaborations. Patton also discussed economic engagement in Asia and how local small businesses can leverage trade relations to contribute to domestic growth.
Jennifer (Jenny) Korn (Deputy Assistant to the President and Faith Director) discussed the role of faith-based organizations in domestic policy. She emphasized how these organizations can serve as support networks for all small business owners. Korn highlighted the importance of addressing global humanitarian concerns to ensure perspectives are reflected in international engagement.
Kush Desai (Special Assistant to the President and Senior Deputy Press Secretary) reaffirmed the administration’s focus on small businesses as a cornerstone of the economy. Desai discussed efforts to support job creation, expand access to healthcare, reduce regulatory burdens, and provide technical assistance to help AAPI-owned businesses compete and grow.
Brittany Baldwin (Senior Policy Advisor for America 250) presented cultural and educational initiatives for the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Baldwin detailed the "Freedom Trucks" school tour, the America 250 Grand Prix, and local events designed to promote national unity. She encouraged National ACE partners to participate to showcase the historical impact of entrepreneurs on American prosperity. Learn more at america250.org.
“Providing our entrepreneurs with a direct line to federal leadership is essential for ensuring our community’s voices, challenges, and contributions are recognized at the highest levels of government,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE. “This briefing created meaningful opportunities for dialogue on issues ranging from international trade and small business resources to America 250 initiatives and economic growth. National ACE looks forward to continuing our collaboration with policymakers and partners to help shape a stronger, more innovative future for small businesses across the country.”
The dialogue established a clear framework for continued collaboration between the White House and National ACE to ensure that policy outcomes remain aligned with the lived experiences of AAPI and all small business owners.
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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.