Founding Partnership Spotlight: Wells Fargo – Strengthening Small Businesses & Communities
As we celebrate 15 years of advocating for AAPI businesses and driving economic growth, we recognize the partners who have been with us every step of the way. Wells Fargo has been a steadfast supporter of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) since our founding in 2010, playing a critical role in ensuring that underserved small businesses have access to the financial resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
A Partnership Built on Economic Empowerment
From day one, Wells Fargo has recognized the power of small businesses to fuel local economies and create jobs. As one of our founding partners, they understood that small businesses often face unique barriers, from access to capital to navigating complex regulatory landscapes. By supporting the Chamber, Wells Fargo has helped ensure that small business owners in underserved communities have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
“Wells Fargo is committed to building and growing small businesses,” said Kären Woodruff, Senior Vice President of Community Relations, Philanthropy, and Community Impact for Northern, Central, and Coastal California. “With nearly half of all Americans employed by a small business, entrepreneurs are essential to a vibrant economy and local jobs. We strengthen communities and help create local jobs by investing in underserved small business owners.”
This shared commitment has helped the Chamber expand its technical assistance programs, strengthen supplier diversity initiatives, and provide leadership training that empowers small business owners to scale and thrive.
Driving Impact Through Collaboration
Throughout the years, Wells Fargo has continued to support the Chamber’s ability to deliver meaningful support to underserved small businesses. Their ongoing commitment has allowed us to develop programs that address the evolving needs of entrepreneurs, from adapting to new environmental regulations to accessing new market opportunities.
“Wells Fargo supports strong organizations that provide results for economic development across the state,” Woodruff shared. “The CalAsian Chamber continues to demonstrate their ability to deliver results to small businesses—whether it is technical assistance, supplier diversity, training for environmental requirements, or creating access to new pathways to expand the power and impact of small businesses on the local and regional economy. They have a proven record of impact and collaboration that aligns well with our strategy of creating a vibrant community.”
One of the most significant ways Wells Fargo has helped amplify the Chamber’s impact is by supporting efforts to bring together diverse stakeholders. The Chamber has been instrumental in convening state and regional business organizations to develop solutions that advance economic growth, and Wells Fargo’s investment has been a driving force behind these initiatives.
“The CalAsian Chamber was instrumental in bringing all statewide chambers together to find ways to partner on larger initiatives and provide additional access pathways to those who need it most,” said Woodruff. “Helping others better understand where gaps and opportunities exist is a critical component of serving more small businesses and strengthening the economy for all.”
A Lasting Commitment to AAPI Communities
Beyond supporting small businesses, Wells Fargo has demonstrated a deep commitment to the broader AAPI community. Their work extends beyond financial services—they are dedicated to preserving the traditions, cultures, and economic contributions of AAPI communities across the country.
“Wells Fargo values the traditions of the Asian community and is committed to helping Asian customers, communities, and nonprofit organizations achieve financial success and create long-term economic growth,” Woodruff emphasized. “We strive to be a leader in every community we serve, including the very important and growing Asian community—the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States.”
Looking Forward: Building on 15 Years of Impact
As we look to the future, Wells Fargo remains a key partner in advancing economic opportunity for underserved small businesses. Their commitment to financial empowerment, advocacy, and entrepreneurship ensures that the Chamber can continue creating lasting impact for generations to come.
With dedicated partners like Wells Fargo, the Chamber’s mission remains strong: to support, uplift, and empower the underserved small businesses and the AAPI community across California. As we celebrate 15 years of success, we are grateful for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing our work together to build a more equitable and prosperous economy.
Founding Partnership Spotlight: Comcast – Empowering the CalAsian Chamber Since Day One
Since its inception, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce has been built on strong partnerships that drive innovation, inclusion, and growth within the AAPI business community. One of our founding organizations, Comcast, has played an integral role in our journey from the very beginning. Their enduring commitment has helped shape the Chamber into the vibrant, influential organization it is today.
A Legacy of Partnership
Comcast’s relationship with the CalAsian Chamber dates back to our earliest days. When the Chamber was established, Johnnie Giles, our first Board Chair, helped lay the groundwork for our mission to empower AAPI entrepreneurs and leaders. Comcast, already a key player as a cable and broadband provider in Northern California, recognized the opportunity to expand its community engagement by partnering with the Chamber. Their involvement was seen as a natural extension of their commitment to connect with and support the AAPI business community.
Why Comcast Continues to Support the Chamber
Comcast’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for California, John Gutierrez, explains that the company’s continued support is rooted in its core values. Comcast’s dedication to empowering all entrepreneurs, especially small and diverse businesses, aligns seamlessly with the Chamber’s mission. “Our diverse Board of Directors represents a wide range of business interests, and that’s why we believe in equal opportunity for all—and that is why we support groups like the CalAsian Chamber,” said Gutierrez.
Over the years, Comcast has not only maintained its membership but has actively engaged with the Chamber, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating opportunities and driving success in our community.
Impact Beyond Boundaries
Supporting organizations like the CalAsian Chamber is crucial for fostering growth that benefits more than just one group. As John Gutierrez notes, the Chamber empowers businesses and future leaders from a wide range of backgrounds. “Supporting organizations like the CalAsian Chamber is important because the Chamber empowers businesses and future leaders beyond just the AAPI community.”
A shining example of this impact can be seen in the Chamber’s CalAsian Foundation leadership programs, such as Catalyst, NextGen Empower U, and NODE. These initiatives have provided essential pathways for emerging leaders, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment. Comcast’s support has been instrumental in sustaining these programs, which continue to produce transformative results for the next generation of AAPI leaders.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate 15 years of the CalAsian Chamber’s success, Comcast’s partnership remains as vital as ever. Their support is a testament to the belief in equal opportunity for all, a philosophy that drives both Comcast and the Chamber. Looking ahead, Comcast is committed to continuing its support, ensuring that the Chamber can keep fostering innovation, advocating for change, and empowering the diverse entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow.
Join Us in Celebrating Our Journey
We invite you to explore the incredible impact that our partnerships have had on the community. Together, with the support of Comcast and other dedicated partners, we are building a future where every AAPI business and leader can thrive.
Comcast’s long-standing partnership is more than a business relationship—it’s a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future for all. We are proud to honor Comcast’s commitment to our community as we continue to drive progress and empower change.
Balancing Sustainability and Economic Viability: Our Perspective on Senate Bill 54
At the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, our commitment to supporting AAPI-owned businesses means we must continuously engage with policies that impact our community’s economic landscape. Recently, we have been closely monitoring Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) regulations, a law aimed at driving California toward a circular economy by mandating that all single-use plastic packaging and food service ware be recyclable or compostable by 2032.
We wholeheartedly support the vision behind SB 54 regulations. A sustainable future is essential for our planet, and the goal of reducing waste through innovative practices is a step in the right direction. However, as highlighted in a recent article by the Sacramento Bee, the current regulatory framework proposed by CalRecycle presents significant challenges for businesses. The article notes that the agency’s implementation plan could impose a direct estimated cost of $36 billion over ten years, making it an annual burden of roughly $3.6 billion. Even more concerning is that 5,741 companies could face compliance costs as high as $790,248 per year, a financial strain that is unsustainable for many small and mid-sized businesses in our state.
Our stance has always been to advocate for a balanced approach—one that ensures environmental responsibility without undermining economic stability. We urge CalRecycle to refine their regulatory framework with data-driven insights that truly consider the challenges faced by small businesses. By doing so, we can develop a regulatory model that protects the environment and supports job creation, business growth, and community resilience.
We would also like to sincerely thank the Sacramento Bee for their comprehensive coverage of SB 54 regulations and our support for the law’s sustainable vision. Their thoughtful analysis brings much-needed attention to the critical balance between environmental progress and economic viability.
Additionally, we are grateful to the current administration for recognizing the substantial challenges small businesses face. Their decision to pause the rule-making process on SB 54 regulations shows a commendable commitment to working with all stakeholders to create a more manageable and effective policy framework.
As we continue to champion the interests of AAPI-owned businesses and other small enterprises throughout California, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our community’s economic future is as sustainable as it is prosperous. With thoughtful revisions and ongoing collaboration, we believe SB 54 regulations can become a model for how state policy can simultaneously drive environmental progress and economic empowerment.
With the support of our community, partners, and advocates, we will continue to break barriers and foster an inclusive and resilient economy for all Californians.
Celebrating 15 Years of Breaking Barriers: The Journey and Future of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
In 2010, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) was founded to fill a critical gap in statewide AAPI business and political representation. Over the past 15 years, our journey has been defined by bold vision, transformative partnerships, and relentless advocacy for our community. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor our achievements and look forward to a future of even greater impact and growth.
“There was no voice at the state level to Asian Pacific Islander owned businesses and so we thought it was really critical,” said Pat Fong Kushida, CEO & President of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. “We had started a local chamber and we’re very successful here in Sacramento because obviously this is the capital, and so I realize there was an opportunity to really give voice to all of the businesses here in California.”
A Foundation Built on Vision and Partnership
From our very inception, we recognized that empowering AAPI-owned businesses requires more than just support—it demands strategic collaboration. Comcast, one of our founding sponsors, was there from day one. As John Gutierrez explains, “Comcast has been a member of the CalAsian Chamber since its inception. Johnnie Giles was the Chamber’s first Board Chair, and we have maintained our membership throughout its history.”
Comcast’s early and continued involvement set the stage for our growth, demonstrating a commitment to expanding community engagement and supporting diverse entrepreneurs. Alongside Comcast, our foundational support from industry leaders like PG&E, Verizon, Wells Fargo, and AT&T has been instrumental in our journey, allowing us to develop programs that truly make a difference.
Milestones That Define Our Impact
Over the last 15 years, we have reached several key milestones that showcase our ability to drive change and empower the AAPI business community:
Federal Centers and Strategic Initiatives:
- The U.S. Department of Transportation SBTRC (Southwest Region) opened in 2011.
- The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s San Joaquin Region SBDC have supported our mission, with the latter launching in 2022.
- In 2024, our Electrify CA program, part of the MBDA Capital Readiness Program, further bolstered our strategic initiatives.
Policy Wins That Pave the Way:
With the help of our Political Action Committee, we have championed critical legislation such as AB 2019 (signed in 2022) and AB 258 (signed in 2023), which support small business certification and improve access to state resources for minority-owned businesses. These policy victories reflect our commitment to creating an equitable economic landscape in California.
Data-Driven Impact:
Our partnerships with the California African American and Hispanic Chambers have enabled us to launch data research initiatives that inform and amplify the diverse needs of small businesses. Our 2024 report stands as a testament to the growing impact of our work.
Expanding Our Partner Network:
Our robust MOU partner network, which includes the Asian Business Association Los Angeles, Asian Business Association San Diego, Asian INC., the Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, and the California Hmong Chamber of Commerce, has been key in ensuring that small businesses across California have a powerful, statewide voice.
Celebrating Our 15-Year Legacy and Looking Ahead
Today, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is the largest statewide ethnic chamber of commerce in California and the second largest chamber in the state overall. Our dedicated team of over 30 employees, along with our growing board and sponsorshipnetwork—including long-standing support from Comcast, Wells Fargo, PG&E, Verizon, and AT&T—reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving business ecosystem.
Our CalAsian Foundation programs and workshops, such as Catalyst, NextGen Empower U, and AAPI Lift, have opened new pathways for AAPI entrepreneurs, preparing them to lead, innovate, and drive change. As we celebrate 15 years of impact, we remain focused on breaking barriers and building a future where every AAPI business and leader has the opportunity to succeed.
Join Us in Celebrating the Future
We invite you to explore our journey, learn more about our initiatives, and join us as we continue to empower the AAPI community and advance small business success throughout California. Together, with our visionary partners and dedicated supporters, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Here’s to 15 years of impact and to many more years of breaking barriers and growing stronger together.
Top 5 Website Must-Haves for Success: Your Guide to a High-Performing Website
In today’s digital-first world, your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or managing an online store, your website must be designed for both user experience and performance. Here are the top five must-haves to ensure your site drives engagement and conversions.
1. Clear Navigation
Your website should be easy to navigate, guiding visitors to essential pages like “About Us,” “Products/Services,” and “Contact Us.” A seamless user experience keeps visitors on your site longer and encourages them to explore your offerings.
- Best Practices for Website Navigation: Learn how to structure intuitive menus and user-friendly layouts.
2. Mobile-Friendly Design
With over 60% of users browsing on mobile devices, having a mobile-optimized site is essential. A responsive design ensures your website adapts to different screen sizes, providing a smooth experience across devices.
- Test Your Website’s Mobile Responsiveness: Use a mobile-friendly test to check how well your site performs on mobile.
- Guide to Responsive Web Design: Explore for expert insights on creating a mobile-friendly site.
3. Fast Load Time
Did you know 40% of visitors leave a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load?
A slow site can drive potential customers away before they even see your content. Optimize load times by compressing images, minifying code, and choosing a reliable hosting provider.
- Check Your Site Speed: Use PageSpeed Insights to analyze your website’s loading time and get recommendations for improvement.
- How to Speed Up Your Website: This guide from Moz covers essential strategies to improve website performance.
4. Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your website should drive action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or booking a consultation. Effective CTAs are clear, visible, and action-oriented (e.g., “Shop Now,” “Get Started,” or “Download Free Guide”).
- CTA Best Practices: Learn how to craft high-converting calls-to-action with this in-depth guide from Unbounce.
5. SEO Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher on Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Using relevant keywords, writing compelling meta descriptions, and adding alt text to images are all key tactics.
- SEO Basics for Small Businesses: Check out this beginner-friendly SEO guide to learn how to optimize your website effectively.
- Keyword Research Tools: Use Google Keyword Planner to discover relevant keywords for your business.
Pro Tip:
Test your website regularly! Ensure all links work, your content is fresh, and your design stays modern. Use tools to track user behavior and make data-driven improvements.
By implementing these five website must-haves, you’ll create a digital presence that attracts visitors, enhances user experience, and drives conversions. Is your website set up for success? Start optimizing today!
Looking for More Small Business Support?
At the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to helping small businesses and organizations strengthen their marketing strategies and build impactful brands. As part of our 2025 objectives, we’re offering resources, workshops, and expert guidance to support your growth.
Keep an eye out for upcoming webinars and help guides designed to help business owners like you enhance their marketing efforts and reach their full potential. If you're looking for personalized support in developing your brand, reach out to us today!
Contact Lauren Akabori at lakabori@calasiancc.org to learn more.