Save Big on Energy-Efficient Cooking Equipment Through the California Foodservice Instant Rebates Program
The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is excited to share an opportunity to help your small business reduce overhead costs and become more energy efficient. We’re spreading the wordabout the California Foodservice Instant Rebates Program. To qualify, your business must be located in a commercial space served by Southern California Gas Company, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric.
Instant rebates up to $3,000 per unit on qualifying commercial cooking equipment from fryers to freezers to refrigerators to rotisseries are automatically applied at the time of purchase when you shop at a participating dealer. No paperwork, no waiting—just instant savings.
If you operate a business with a commercial kitchen—such as a restaurant, bakery, school, convenience store, or catering company—this program is for you. Kitchen equipment is a huge driver of energy use, with cooking appliances responsible for nearly 35% of the average restaurant’s energy expenses.
Here’s why upgrading makes sense:
- Energy Savings: High-efficiency appliances can cut energy use by up to 75%.
- Improved Operations: Newer models perform better, cook faster, and emit less heat.
- Cost Reduction: Lowering your energy use can lower your utility bills which means more money hitting your bottom line every month.
- No Hassle: The rebates apply instantly at checkout—no extra forms or applications.
Business owners know that staying competitive means staying efficient. Equipment that uses less energy not only saves you money but can also qualify your business for future sustainability grants, certifications, and recognition. It’s an investment in long-term operational health.
With inflation and supply chain challenges still affecting the food industry, every dollar saved counts. This program helps business owners like you invest in high-quality, energy-saving equipment that pays for itself over time.
Getting started is easy:
Step 1: Visit caenergywise.com/instant-rebates and confirm your eligibility
Step 2: Find a participating dealer
Step 3: Choose eligible equipment
Step 4: Receive your Instant Rebate at the time of purchase
To qualify, your business must be located in a commercial space served by Southern California Gas Company, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric. Let’s continue supporting small businesses in building sustainable, profitable operations.
A Pathway to Victory for Small Businesses and the CalAsian Chamber: SB 781 Offers a Path Toward Equitable Growth in California
At a time when many small businesses are still finding their footing after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, SB 781 represents a significant step forward in restoring equity and opportunity for business owners across California—especially for our members here at the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber).
Passed unanimously by the Senate Committee on Local Government, this important bill lays the groundwork for stronger local economies by giving small businesses the tools they need to thrive. We were proud to join Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes and fellow small business advocates in supporting this legislation and celebrating its early success.
Why SB 781 Matters
SB 781 is a pivotal California bill designed to boost small business participation in local government contracting. The bill creates the "Small Business Utilization Act," empowering local agencies to establish Small Business Utilization Programs (SBUPs) that expand procurement opportunities for small businesses and help level the playing field in public contracting.
More than 4 million small businesses in California—those with fewer than 500 employees—power over half of the state’s private sector workforce. From neighborhood contractors and family-run restaurants to home care providers and tech startups, these businesses are the backbone of our communities and the lifeblood of innovation.
Access to capital remains one of the most significant barriers for small businesses—especially for entrepreneurs of color. National data shows that while 1 in 4 (25%) small business owners have received less financing than they applied for, that figure jumps to 32% for business owners of color, compared to 18% for white business owners. The disparity is just as stark when it comes to loan denials: 32% of entrepreneurs of color have been denied a loan, nearly double the 17% denial rate for white entrepreneurs. On top of these challenges, state and federal policy realignments have created further uncertainty for organizations trying to support small business growth, particularly those focused on underserved and diverse communities.
SB 781 addresses these inequities by helping small businesses, particularly those from underserved communities, gain access to public contracting opportunities that can provide the financial stability and long-term growth often out of reach through traditional capital channels. “SB 781 addresses a long-standing disconnect between state-level funding requirements and the real-world limitations local governments face in supporting small businesses,” said Chris Bollinger, VP of Public Policy, CalAsian Chamber. “By eliminating the federal match requirement and authorizing local Small Business Utilization Plans, this bill not only removes bureaucratic barriers but actively empowers cities and counties to invest in small business ecosystems. It’s a game-changer for equitable procurement and long-term small business growth.”
Key Provisions of SB 781
This bill proposes a comprehensive framework to help local governments develop Small Business Utilization Plans, which aim to:
- Set a minimum 25% small business procurement participation goal
- Offer procurement incentives and local contracting preferences
- Provide flexibility in solicitation requirements
- Train local government staff to implement programs effectively
In addition, SB 781 authorizes the California Office of the Small Business Advocate to mentor local governments in growing these initiatives—ensuring that communities have both the guidance and infrastructure needed to execute effectively.
Critically, the bill also removes the requirement for small business grant programs to secure federal matching dollars, freeing them from the unpredictable swings of national policy. This change is significant for programs that uplift disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs).
What This Means for Small Businesses in California
For our members and all small businesses around the state, SB 781 is more than just a policy win—it’s an economic lifeline. “SB 781 is a major win for our members and small businesses across California,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO, CalAsian Chamber. “This legislation opens the door to meaningful local contracting opportunities and creates a sustainable model for supporting entrepreneurs in communities that have historically been left out. It’s about ensuring that the small, family-run businesses we represent—from restaurants and retail to healthcare and construction—have a fair shot at public contracts and the resources to grow and thrive.”
Whether you're a food truck owner in Sacramento, a home health provider in San Diego, or a micro-retailer in Stockton, this bill:
- Opens up new public contracting opportunities
- Levels the playing field for small and diverse businesses
- Supports capacity-building through local partnerships and training
- Reduces dependency on volatile federal funding requirements
With SB 781, the state is making it clear: local economies matter, and small businesses deserve a fair shot at growth.
Looking Ahead
We are proud to have joined under Senator Reyes' leadership and our co-authors—California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, California African American Chamber of Commerce, and other advocacy partners—in championing this important legislation.
This win reflects what’s possible when we work together across sectors and communities. We’ll continue to monitor SB 781 as it moves through the legislative process, and we encourage our members to stay engaged and raise their voices in support.
Together, we can build a California where all small businesses—not just the big ones—have the resources and recognition to succeed.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Honoring Our Legacy, Building Our Future
This May, we proudly join Governor Gavin Newsom in recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to reflect on the strength, resilience, and contributions of AAPI communities that have helped shape California’s identity, culture, and economy.
California is home to more than 6 million Californians of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, and each individual is an integral part of our state’s vibrant social fabric. From bustling cultural neighborhoods like Little Saigon and Japantown, to the thousands of AAPI-owned small businesses driving innovation and economic growth, our communities represent the heartbeat of a thriving, diverse California.
Yet, this month also reminds us of the longstanding struggles AAPI communities have endured. These aren’t just chapters in history books—they are lived experiences that continue to reverberate today. The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, and CalAsian Foundation stands with our communities in rejecting hate, uplifting our shared stories, and advocating for our community at all levels.
Governor Newsom’s proclamation acknowledges this complex legacy—one marked by both hardship and hope. It also highlights the power of AAPI leadership, from fighting for labor rights to creating change in education, arts, healthcare, and business. California’s transformation into a global innovation and cultural leader is directly tied to the sacrifices and contributions of AAPI individuals and families.
As two chambers and a foundation dedicated to empowering underserved small businesses and advocating for economic opportunity, we are especially moved by the proclamation’s recognition of our community’s resilience and drive. Despite historic barriers, AAPI small business owners continue to lead with creativity and determination. Our Chamber is proud to support them—not just during AAPI Heritage Month, but year-round—through programs, partnerships, and advocacy that help level the playing field.
“We proudly stand with Governor Gavin Newsom in recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and each year we host our Annual AAPI Night Market in Sacramento where we bring out several AAPI-owned businesses and music artists to celebrate our community and rich heritage,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO. “We remain deeply committed to uplifting our AAPI small business owners and community leaders who are helping drive California forward—this month and every month.”
Let this month serve as a celebration of all that our communities have overcome and achieved, and a recommitment to building a future where every AAPI in California can thrive. This May and beyond, we honor the past, empower the present, and invest in the future.
Leading with Purpose: Lambert Hsu’s Strategic Vision for the CalAsian Chamber
Lambert Hsu, founder and CEO of Benefit Pro Insurance Services in San Diego, has worn many hats over his professional journey—engineer, entrepreneur, advocate—but today, he wears one with particular pride: Board Chair of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber).
His path to this leadership role was shaped by years of service and collaboration with organizations dedicated to uplifting small businesses, particularly in California’s diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. “I believe it was 14 years ago,” Hsu recalls. “Initially I was working with the CalAsian Chamber while I was involved with the Asian Business Association of San Diego (ABASD). We did a small business expo in San Diego and worked closely with the CalAsian board and leadership. That’s when I really became exposed to the chamber’s mission.”
With over a decade of board experience, including roles as Chair of both ABASD and the San Diego Association of Health Underwriters, Hsu felt called to deepen his commitment. “It was a real honor to be asked to join the CalAsian board. I saw it as an opportunity to leverage my background and experience in association leadership, especially in such a pivotal time for small businesses.”
That sense of timing and responsibility guides his leadership today. Known in his office for being both strategic and caring, Hsu brings a blend of foresight and empathy to his role. “We’re a small business just like the clients we serve,” he explains. “So I understand the challenges firsthand—hiring, regulations, budgeting, marketing. It allows me to see the world through the eyes of the people we aim to support.”
As founder of San Diego’s largest independent benefits-only brokerage firm, Hsu’s entrepreneurial journey offers unique insight into the struggles—and triumphs—of small business ownership. “I actually majored in electrical engineering,” he says with a laugh. “But my true calling was to be an entrepreneur. I took a risk, and today Benefit Pro is a leader in the employee benefits space.”
That risk-taking spirit fuels his passion for CalAsian’s mission. “It’s really competitive for small businesses, especially against large corporations. CalAsian provides the resources and roadmap—from hiring and compliance to securing loans and contracts. Sometimes, small businesses just don’t know where to turn. We help them find their way.”
Under Hsu’s leadership, the Chamber has continued to grow its impact, particularly in times of crisis. Two initiatives stand out in his mind: the Chamber’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic and its work supporting the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. “During COVID, we worked with the federal government to promote Paycheck Protection Program loans. That outreach helped many small businesses survive the shutdown. And with the Affordable Care Act, we led a navigator program that significantly increased enrollment across California—again, showing how effective collaboration can make a real difference.”
Looking forward, Hsu is energized by the Chamber’s momentum. “CalAsian has a long history of success in execution and results. What excites me most is the chance to keep making a real impact in our communities. That’s what we’re all striving for.”
His commitment doesn’t stop with policy or programs—it extends to people. “I recognize our time here is limited,” Hsu reflects. “So any opportunity to make a difference for the next generation—whether it’s sharing experience, inspiration, or guidance—means a lot to me. They’re the ones who will carry our work even further.”
It’s a worldview shaped not only by business but by life experience. Hsu spent his early years in Okinawa, Japan, where his father worked for the U.S. State Department. “Growing up on a U.S. Air Force base with military kids, but immersed in a foreign culture—it was a special time. It taught me how to see the world from different perspectives.”
That perspective is now central to his leadership. Whether steering a company or a chamber, Lambert Hsu brings clarity, compassion, and a commitment to community—a combination that makes him the right leader at the right time for the CalAsian Chamber.
7 Content Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Content marketing has plenty of benefits: It increases website traffic, qualifies leads, and brings in more customers. However, with millions of blogs, checklists, and videos competing for attention, standing out requires more than just publishing content. To maximize your efforts, here are six common content marketing mistakes to avoid, AND what you should do instead.
1. Starting Without Strategy & Research
Behind every great content marketing plan is a sound strategy. Writing a blog just for the sake of it won’t yield results. Instead, focus on understanding your target audience: their challenges, preferences, and the type of content they engage with.
What to do instead:
- Identify your audience’s pain points and create content that solves their problems.
- Conduct keyword research to optimize for SEO and increase visibility.
- Develop a content calendar to ensure consistency and relevance.
2. Ignoring Your Customers’ Emotions
Customers make decisions based on emotions first, then justify with logic. If your content focuses only on your business’s achievements rather than addressing customer pain points, it will fail to connect.
What to do instead:
- Use storytelling to create an emotional connection.
- Show empathy by acknowledging customer struggles before offering solutions.
- 70% of emotionally engaged customers spend twice as much on brands they trust. So, build a trustful relationship with your customers.
3. Producing Low-Quality Content
Prioritizing quantity over quality can lead to content that fails to provide value, diminishing audience trust and engagement.
What to do instead:
- Focus on creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that addresses your audience's needs and questions.
- Invest time in research, writing, and editing to ensure your content stands out and offers genuine value
4. Not Creating Evergreen Content
Trendy topics can generate temporary traffic, but evergreen content continues to drive engagement and leads over time. What is evergreen content? Evergreen content is content that stays relevant and interesting over time. It's not based on current events or trends, and it can continue to grow traffic over time.
What to do instead:
- Create content that remains relevant, such as “How-To” guides, FAQs, and industry best practices.
- Repurpose evergreen content into different formats like videos, infographics, or webinars.
- 75% of blog traffic comes from old posts, proving the value of evergreen content.
5. Making the Piece a Sales Pitch
Customers seek content that educates and informs—not an overt sales pitch. If your content feels too promotional, it will lose credibility and engagement.
What to do instead:
- Provide actionable insights that solve customer problems.
- Use a soft-sell approach by including a call-to-action (CTA) at the end.
- Content marketing generates three times as many leads as traditional marketing while costing 62% less.
6. Publishing Without Promoting
Creating high-quality content is only part of the equation—if you don’t distribute it effectively, it won’t reach your audience.
What to do instead:
- Share content across multiple platforms, including social media, email newsletters, and industry forums.
- Use the 80-20 rule: Spend 20% of your time creating content and 80% promoting it.
- Studies show that brands that distribute content strategically achieve a 13x higher ROI.
7. Not Analyzing Content Performance
Without tracking performance, you won’t know if your content strategy is effective. If you’re not measuring key metrics, you risk repeating ineffective tactics.
What to do instead:
- Use tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, or HubSpot to track engagement metrics (page views, bounce rates, social shares, and conversions).
- Identify top-performing content and repurpose it into new formats.
- Adjust your strategy based on data insights to optimize future content efforts.
Final Thoughts
By avoiding these common content marketing mistakes, you can create high-value, customer-focused content that builds trust, enhances engagement, and drives long-term growth. Investing in strategic, emotion-driven, evergreen content—while also analyzing and promoting it effectively—will set your business apart in today’s crowded digital landscape.
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.