Advocacy
Advancing policy solutions informed by real business experience.
We connect small business insight to the policy decisions shaping California’s economy.
Through direct engagement with entrepreneurs and employers statewide, CalAsian ensures real business experience informs civic, economic, and workforce policy conversations.
Engage and Participate
CalAsian creates structured pathways for businesses, partners, and stakeholders to engage in the policy issues shaping California’s small business environment. Through direct business insight, policy updates, and targeted advocacy efforts, we help ensure real-world perspectives inform key decisions.
Advocacy Impact
In recent years, CalAsian has helped advance and support policy and legislative efforts that strengthen the operating environment for small and diverse businesses across California.
- Sponsored and advanced AB 2019 (2022), signed into law to strengthen small business participation and transparency in California’s procurement system
- Supported passage of AB 258 (2023), signed into law to expand support and resource access for small businesses statewide
- Successfully advanced TAP access language in AB 137, signed into law to reinforce technical assistance pathways
- Engaged legislative leaders and coalition partners to elevate small business priorities across California
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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Stay up-to-date on California legislation, chamber advocacy efforts, and learn how to get engaged.
