Advocacy
Share your voice on the issues that impact your business.
We provide a platform where small business owners can influence civic, social, and economic policies across California.
Engage and Participate
We engage in policy issues that impact California’s business community and create opportunities for all small businesses.
Legislative Priorities
CalAsian’s advocacy advances smart, targeted policies that strengthen small and AAPI-owned businesses and expand affordability, access, and opportunity across California. With small businesses making up the backbone of the state’s economy, our 2026 policy agenda focuses on creating the conditions they need to grow, compete, and succeed.
- Small Business Utilization & TAP Protection: Enhance technical assistance, expand access to capital, and increase small and minority-owned business utilization.
- AI Readiness: Prepare communities and small businesses for the AI economy through aligned workforce training and AI literacy.
- Affordability & Accessibility: Build a policy environment that keeps small businesses competitive by simplifying regulations, lowering costs, and supporting innovation and technology adoption.
Small Businesses First in Economic Development
Objective: Advocate for policies that prioritize technical assistance, financial resources, and streamlined regulations.
Small Business First in Expanding Opportunities Through Education and Workforce Development
Objective: Improve access to quality education and career pathways for disadvantaged communities.
Small Business First in Energy & Environmental Transitions
Objective: Ensure small businesses are included in the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Small Businesses First in Improving Access to Healthcare
Objective: Improve healthcare access and affordability for small businesses owners and employees.
Small Businesses First in Infrastructure Projects
Objective: Position small business in statewide and local infrastructure investments that improve energy, telecommunications, and broadband affordability.
Small Business First in Advancing Technology Access and Innovation
Objective: Advocate for policies that help small businesses adopt AI platforms & other emerging technologies.
As the first-ever Asian American woman to represent the Sacramento region in the Legislature and the first Asian American woman to be elected to the Elk Grove City Council, I recognize the power of representing the AAPI community in all spaces. This mission is shared by the Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce, which I have witnessed in action for many years – as the former Executive Director at Asian Resources, Inc. and during my term on the Elk Grove City Council. Both Chambers were staunch advocates for disadvantaged communities, mobilizing resources and driving economic development across the state. Their work expands opportunities for small businesses through technical assistance and legislation which reflects California’s diversity. I look forward to working with both Chambers as an Assemblymember and member of the API Caucus.
Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen
California State Assembly, District 10
The CalAsian Chamber is an incredibly valuable partner to the API Legislative Caucus. The Chamber’s pulse on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and small business communities keep the Legislature and Caucus informed of on-the-ground needs to ensure these populations are heard in key policy discussions. I appreciate their leadership and look forward to our continued work together ensuring inclusive economic opportunities.
Former Assembly Member Evan Low
California State Assembly, District 28
2024 API Legislative Caucus Chair
Caucuses and Resources
Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
Get Involved in the API Caucus
Downloads
Press Release
Assembly member David Chiu introduces the Economic Equity First Act of 2021
Read the Full Bill
Assembly member David Chiu introduces the Economic Equity First Act of 2021
Coalition Letter
Assembly member David Chiu introduces the Economic Equity First Act of 2021
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