New National ACE Survey Reveals What Sets High-Growth AAPI Small Businesses Apart
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2026
PRESS CONTACT
Laura DiCaprio, Senior Counselor
McDougall Communications for National ACE
Laura@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2153
New National ACE Survey Reveals What Sets High-Growth AAPI Small Businesses Apart
Findings highlight the role of technology adoption, workforce investment, and community networks in driving long-term success
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 13, 2026—The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) today released survey results providing one of the most comprehensive looks to date at Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) owned small businesses in the United States, revealing the strategies, investments, and cultural factors associated with long-term success.
Resilient, Rooted, and Rising: The Growth and Economic Impact of AAPI Small Businesses is now available as a free download at NationalACE.org.
“We conducted this survey because we wanted to hear directly from AAPI entrepreneurs about what it really takes to build a successful business today,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “With insights from business owners from across the country, the survey’s results gave us a clearer picture of how they’re navigating growth, adopting new technologies, building their workforce, and accessing capital—and where we can better support their continued success.”
Key insights from the survey include:
77% of AAPI-owned businesses operate with four or fewer employees, underscoring the prevalence of micro-scale enterprises.
50% of entrepreneurs are sole proprietors, further highlighting the steep challenge in initial business growth.
Businesses that have moved beyond sole proprietorship and built teams are far more likely to invest in digital systems, analytics, and workforce infrastructure.
53% of owners are first-generation entrepreneurs, often building businesses without inherited assets or established networks.
42% expect revenue growth in the next three years, signaling cautious optimism across the sector.
The survey also examined how AAPI entrepreneurs are leveraging new technology, from artificial intelligence (AI) to financial and operational software, and demonstrated how culture and community networks help guide their decisions. In sectors like manufacturing, where processes can be more complex, technology adoption is particularly strong, supporting risk management, operational coordination, and long-term business resilience.
“AAPI-owned businesses generate jobs, anchor neighborhoods, and contribute significantly to the American economy,” Tong said. “This research goes beyond the numbers to show how we can strengthen the systems that support these entrepreneurs by expanding access to technology, providing mentorship and leadership training, improving engagement with financial institutions, and celebrating businesses as they hire their first employees. Focusing on these areas turns insight into action and creates real opportunities for growth.”
To read the full report, visit this webpage.
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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.