National ACE Conference Recap: Why Energy Literacy Matters for Small Business

At the 2025 National ACE Conference in New York City, business leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered for an insightful discussion on how energy awareness can drive small business growth. The session, “Powering Prosperity: Why Energy Literacy Matters for Small Business,”—presented in partnership with Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future—explored how understanding the nation’s evolving energy mix can help entrepreneurs navigate rising costs, strengthen resilience, and seize new opportunities in the clean energy transition.

Moderated by Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Principal at Public Private Strategies, the panel featured Mike DuHaime, CEO of MAD Global Strategy Group; Dr. Chao Yan, CEO of Princeton NuEnergy; and John Victoria, Founder of Polianna. Together, they discussed the economic and policy impacts of energy choices on small and AAPI-owned businesses, highlighting how energy literacy is becoming essential for long-term competitiveness.

Panelists emphasized that energy affordability, reliability, and innovation are directly linked to small business success. DuHaime underscored the importance of bipartisan approaches to energy policy, noting that an “all-of-the-above” strategy—including natural gas—can help stabilize costs and ensure reliability during the clean energy transition. Yan shared how technology partnerships between traditional energy providers and clean-tech startups can advance sustainable solutions, while Victoria reflected on how younger entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking practical, affordable, and sustainable energy options to power their businesses–noting that affordable and reliable energy is essential for innovation and long-term success.

The discussion reflected the strength of the ongoing partnership between National ACE and Natural Allies, which continues to amplify AAPI business voices in national energy policy conversations. Together, the organizations are committed to helping small business owners better understand how energy choices impact their bottom line—and how a balanced, reliable energy mix—including both renewables and natural gas—can support both economic opportunity and sustainability.

The National ACE and Natural Allies partnership continues to foster conversations like these, bringing small business voices to the forefront of national energy and economic policy discussions.