National ACE Hosts Small Business Roundtable with Congressional Leaders in Washington, D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder: efuder@nationalace.org
National ACE Hosts Small Business Roundtable with Congressional Leaders in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. - On April 29, 2025, National ACE (Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship) convened a high-level Small Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C., bringing together key members of Congress and AAPI small business owners to discuss critical issues affecting the economic future of America’s small business community.
The roundtable featured remarks from Representatives Vince Fong (R-CA-20), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), who spoke candidly with business leaders about tariffs, workforce shortages, AI legislation, and the future of federal support for minority-owned enterprises.
“It was an honor to join National ACE for a meaningful discussion on how we can better support small businesses,” said Rep. Vince Fong. “Small businesses drive job creation, fuel innovation, and strengthen our local communities. We must continue advancing policies that empower entrepreneurs and ensure their success.”
“We are deeply grateful to Representatives Vince Fong, Judy Chu, Grace Meng, and Marilyn Strickland for joining us for a bipartisan discussion on behalf of small businesses to discuss critical issues, including taxes, tariffs, and trade,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “In a time of economic opportunities and challenges, as well as policy changes, it is more important than ever for leaders on both sides of the aisle to come together and listen to the voices of AAPI and all entrepreneurs. National ACE is proud to serve as a bridge between policymakers and the small business community.”
Tariffs and Economic Pressures
A central topic was the rising cost of doing business globally. One business owner shared how tariffs on imported medicinal oils from Asia skyrocketed shipping costs from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Rep. Judy Chu emphasized the importance of advocacy, saying, “When small businesses speak up, policymakers listen. We’ve already seen tariffs adjusted after national outcry.”
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but too many are facing uncertainty due to across-the-board tariffs," said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. "We need to support policies that will help small businesses grow, create jobs, and drive innovation. That includes increasing access to capital for minority-owned enterprises and ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed."
Concerns Over Federal Agency Cuts
Rep. Chu also addressed recent concerns about the dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the 43% downsizing of the Small Business Administration (SBA). “I am grateful for the work of the Small Business Administration and Minority Business Development Agency in providing loans, capital, and grants for millions of small businesses… I will continue to fight for the 3 million AANHPI small businesses nationwide in partnership with National ACE,” said Rep. Chu. She advocated for expanding the SBA’s 504 Loan Program, increasing funding to Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), and making the Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies program permanent.
Workforce and Immigration Policy
Rep. Vince Fong highlighted lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting, “We learned the hard way that our supply chain is too reliant on other countries.” He addressed visa challenges—including H1B and H2A programs—and called for a dual approach: training domestic talent while welcoming global expertise. “In regions like California’s Central Valley, there’s a labor shortage in every sector,” he said. “We need to attract talent to areas beyond major urban centers.”
Education and Community Support
Rep. Grace Meng underscored the importance of partnerships across minority communities and highlighted resources like the Small Business Development Council and new business programs at Queens College. “We are committed to ensuring that all communities have access to the tools needed to thrive,” she said.
Technology and AI
Rep. Marilyn Strickland discussed the growing influence of AI and the need for a well-prepared workforce. She pointed to AAPI-owned tech businesses as vital players in the Department of Defense’s procurement process and stressed the need for AAPI representation. On AI, she remarked, “We should train people to use AI as a complement: freeing up time for more strategic tasks. And we must establish safeguards to protect the public from AI-driven scams.”
DEI and Supplier Inclusion
Responding to concerns about pushback on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Rep. Strickland stated, “Supplier diversity is just smart business. Corporations know it’s good for the bottom line, even if the name changes, the value stays the same.” She urged small businesses to build relationships with local governing bodies, particularly in transportation hubs, to unlock new contract opportunities.
Community Feedback and Takeaways
Attendees voiced concerns about shifting tax policies, especially potential taxes on marketing expenditures. Others inquired how DEI could be framed as a driver for business growth. Across the board, participants expressed a desire to see jobs return to the U.S., emphasizing the need to invest in American workers while partnering with allies to meet labor demands.
National ACE thanks all participants and congressional leaders for engaging in this vital discussion and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for small business owners to thrive.
Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20), alongside distinguished leaders including Bill Imada, Garrett Gin, Grace Lee, Jimmy Ferguson, Michael Ty, Roberto Llames, Angel Pai, Edward Ip, Elliot Lum, Eugenia Henry, Karen Chong, Steven Moy, Joshua Wu, Jill Martin, and Yin Woon Rani.