Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Renewal, Resilience, and Cultural Pride in California
As the new moon ushers in the Lunar New Year, we not only welcome a fresh zodiac cycle but also honor a tradition that has profoundly shaped California’s cultural and economic landscape. Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, family togetherness, and gratitude, with roots that span over 4,000 years. Its celebration in California reflects the state’s vibrant diversity and the enduring contributions of Asian-owned businesses to its communities.
Welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake
This year, we step into the Year of the Wood Snake, a symbol of strength, creativity, and rebirth in the Chinese zodiac. The Snake, revered for its wisdom, is often associated with courage, and transformational energy.
The Wood element adds a unique layer of vitality and growth, signifying a year ripe with potential for new beginnings and collective progress. For Californians, the Year of the Wood Snake serves as an inspiration to embrace challenges with confidence and to foster innovation and community building.
The Significance of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions around the world, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar. The festivities emphasize themes of hope, prosperity, and unity. Across Asian cultures, traditions such as grand feasts, red envelopes symbolizing good luck, and ancestral rites highlight the importance of heritage and family.
California, with its rich tapestry of Asian American communities, has embraced Lunar New Year as a vital cultural event. From San Francisco’s iconic Chinatown parades to Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo festivals, the celebration brings together people from all backgrounds, fostering understanding and cultural appreciation.
A Historical Perspective: Lunar New Year in California
Asian immigrants began arriving in California during the mid-19th century, bringing with them their traditions and customs, including Lunar New Year. Initially celebrated within tight-knit communities, the holiday has since grown into a prominent statewide observance.
San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, for instance, dates back to the 1860s and is now one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia. These events have evolved into platforms for showcasing Asian culture and heritage, drawing tourists and media attention while strengthening the visibility of Asian American communities.
Economic and Social Impact of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year has become an economic driver in California, benefiting small businesses and large enterprises alike. Asian-owned businesses, from family-run restaurants to specialty gift shops, see increased demand for traditional foods, decorations, and gifts during this period. The vibrant markets, events, and performances that accompany the holiday bring a surge in tourism, retail spending, and local engagement.
Lunar New Year celebrations in California generate millions of dollars in revenue, with significant contributions from Asian-owned businesses. Restaurants offering symbolic dishes like dumplings and whole fish report record sales, while stores see spikes in purchases of traditional clothing, red envelopes, and festival supplies.
Socially, Lunar New Year underscores the importance of cultural heritage and inclusivity. It provides an opportunity for Californians of all backgrounds to learn about and celebrate Asian traditions. Schools, libraries, and community centers host educational events, fostering intergenerational and cross-cultural connections.
The Role of Asian-Owned Businesses
Asian-owned businesses in California have long been at the forefront of the state’s economic and cultural evolution. They contribute not only to the economy but also to the social fabric of their communities.
During Lunar New Year, these businesses play a pivotal role in ensuring the holiday’s vibrancy. Bakeries prepare elaborate mooncakes and sweets, florists sell lucky blooms like peonies and orchids, and grocers stock up on specialty ingredients for celebratory feasts. Beyond the holiday, many Asian-owned businesses serve as cultural ambassadors, offering products and services that keep traditions alive while adapting to modern tastes.
These businesses also exemplify resilience and innovation. For instance, Asian entrepreneurs in California have championed sustainable practices, such as refillable packaging or eco-friendly farming methods, aligning with the broader goals of environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating Lunar New Year’s Legacy
As California continues to embrace its role as a global cultural hub, the significance of Lunar New Year grows stronger each year. The holiday not only celebrates heritage but also highlights the contributions of Asian-owned businesses and communities that make California a more vibrant and inclusive state.
This Lunar New Year, as we welcome the transformative energy of the Wood Snake, let us reflect on the values of wisdom and resilience that define the celebration. By supporting Asian-owned businesses and participating in local festivities, we honor a tradition that enriches all of California—economically, socially, and culturally.
Here’s to a prosperous year ahead, filled with unity, understanding, and growth for all.
Press Release: New Report Reveals Systemic Barriers Holding Back California's Diverse-Owned Small Businesses
New Report Reveals Systemic Barriers Holding Back California's Diverse-Owned Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, CA (September 18, 2024) — A new research report commissioned by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and California African American Chamber of Commerce highlights significant challenges faced by small enterprises in California owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. Despite their substantial presence—making up nearly half of California’s 4.1 million businesses—the research found that Diverse-owned Small Businesses (DSBs) face barriers such as limited access to capital, high barriers to entry to lucrative sectors, and challenges to scaling and growth. As a result, DSBs contribute less than their proportionate share of California’s economy, and the number of minority-owned firms lags other states, when measured relative to population.
The new report, completed by Beacon Economics and funded by Southern California Gas, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Kaiser Permanente, is the second in a pioneering series launched by the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) in 2023. The report uses comprehensive datasets from the American Community Survey and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to assess the economic, fiscal, and community impacts of DSBs. It identifies systemic barriers that hinder the growth and potential of these businesses, a problem aggravated but not solely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The findings indicate that DSBs face unique challenges that require tailored investments, technical assistance, and policy interventions to unlock their full economic potential,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce – one of the three project conveners. “The new report underscores the need for targeted strategies to address the diverse needs within this vital segment of California’s business community.”
“Our research has shown that the same employment barriers that disadvantage many marginalized communities often prevent minority businessowners from being able to scale up their businesses,” said Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. “To effectively address these barriers and ensure long term success, it is critical to root future public policies and initiatives in data and research.”
A sample of the key findings from the 2024 report:
- DSB’s economic contribution was approximately half of its employment figures. In 2019 and 2020, California's minority-owned small businesses contributed $443 billion and $414 billion, respectively, to the state's economy, representing 8% of its total output. These businesses support 3.6 million jobs annually, equating to 15% of state employment, and their contribution to GDP in 2020 surpassed the economic output of 23 other U.S. states.
- DSB’s remain a source of untapped potential for California. Supporting their growth would translate into significant new job, business, and tax growth across the state. However, this report shows diverse small businesses are having a difficult time scaling and growing when compared to other US states. For instance, California has fewer minority-owned small businesses relative to its population than Florida, New York or Texas.
- There is significant potential for DSBs to boost their revenues and economic impact by integrating into the government procurement supply chain. Aligning state policies with DSB sectors can create mutual benefits, enhancing both business growth and overall economic development;
- Addressing the significant data gaps that exist about DSBs through direct surveys and systematic monitoring will enable effective policy development and enhance DSBs' economic impact.
“This very detailed health check on diverse small business provides clear evidence that these firms face persistent systemic barriers, including limited access to capital and high entry barriers in lucrative sectors, which hinder their growth,” said Julian Canete, President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “Despite these challenges, this research shows that DSBs demonstrate significant entrepreneurial drive crucial for California’s economic vitality and diversity.”
“We are extremely grateful to the leaders of Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Gas, and San Diego Gas and Electric for their financial and technical support that enabled us to unpack the widespread impact that our diverse small businesses are having in California. This work would be impossible without them,” said Ahmad Holmes, President and CEO of the California African American Chamber.
To obtain a copy of the full report, click here.
Business: Flawless Boxing & Fitness
Owner: Janelle and Brandon Gonzales
Location: Long Beach, CA
Video created by Arche Studios
In the city of Sacramento, a unique vision took shape in the form of Flawless Boxing & Fitness. Founded by Janelle and Brandon Gonzales, this gym emerged not just as a boxing training facility, but as a beacon of community, strength, and empowerment.
The Founders’ Journey
Brandon 'Flawless' Gonzáles, a former world-class professional boxer, and Janelle Gonzales, an accomplished boxer and social work professional, combined their passions to create a space that transcends the conventional gym experience. Brandon's storied career in the ring and Janelle's dedication to social work and boxing shaped their approach to Flawless Boxing & Fitness, envisioning it as a hub for personal growth and community development.
Services and Impact: Beyond Boxing
Flawless Boxing & Fitness offers diverse programs, including group sessions, individual training, and competitive boxing, all underpinned by a commitment to youth development and community support. Their programs are designed to empower individuals from all walks of life, building resilience and fostering a sense of belonging.
Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Sacramento MBDA Business Center
Initially, Flawless Boxing & Fitness grappled with typical startup challenges such as funding and establishing meaningful partnerships. A critical point in their journey was the collaboration with the CalAsian Chamber-operated Sacramento MBDA Business Center. This partnership not only provided connections to grant funding that enabled them to purchase resources, equipment, and protective gear for its youth programs, but offered a network of support and training, helping the gym to overcome its early obstacles and grow into a thriving community pillar.
Flawless Boxing & Fitness stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the impact of strategic partnerships. The collaboration with the CalAsian Chamber and Sacramento MBDA Business Center has been pivotal in transforming challenges into opportunities, reinforcing the gym’s role as a cornerstone of community strength in Sacramento.
Stay Connected: Follow Brandon and Janelle’s inspiring journey:
Website: https://www.flawlessboxingfit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Flawlessboxing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flawlessboxingandfitness/
Press Release: Governor Newsom Signs Assembly Bill 258 into Law
Democratizing State Resources to Empower Minority-Owned Businesses in California
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 11, 2023) — The California Asian Pacific, African American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce celebrated a significant legislative win for California’s small business community – the Small Business Information Act, Assembly Bill (AB) 258, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Reyes, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom over the weekend.
“I introduced AB 258 after listening to my local small businesses to understand how to best serve them. We heard loud and clear that streamlined access to resources like state grants are a priority, and I'm thrilled that Governor Newsom agreed, signing legislation into law that will create the Small Business Portal to support small businesses in the Inland Empire and across California," said Reyes. "I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues in the Legislature and the California Asian Pacific, African American, and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce for their unwavering support in this effort.”
“Small businesses need to have information easily accessible and know what tools may be available to them - information that can help small business owners make decisions to be successful and grow” said Julian Cañete, President of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “Creating easier access to these various vital tools is what AB 258 will do. Thank you to Governor Newsom for your signature.”
AB 258 will make necessary improvements to support minority-owned businesses and will improve accessibility to state resources for the communities that need it most. Many small businesses in California who are looking to partner with the state do not have the technical expertise to navigate the necessary state processes such as access to technical assistance, the procurement process, and locating grants. Democratizing and illuminating state processes will provide small businesses more opportunities to grow and ensure public resources are reaching the hardest-hit communities.
"We commend the Governor's approval of AB 258, a crucial step to support small businesses” said Ahmad Holmes, Chief Operating Officer at the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC). “As co-sponsors, CAACC is proud to unite with our partners in creating a more accessible business environment. AB 258's Go-Biz web portal will benefit minority entrepreneurs by streamlining access to essential resources. This legislation highlights our commitment to economic growth and equity in California. We thank Assemblywoman Eloise Reyes for her leadership and look forward to empowering businesses and promoting economic equity."
Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the CalAsian Chamber shared, “Our deepest gratitude and appreciation go out to Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Reyes, for her commitment in ensuring that California’s small businesses have an equal seat at the table. And to our partners at the California African American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce - our collective voices have truly made a difference and small businesses up and down the state will have unprecedented opportunities.”
“We applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 258 and recognizing the small business owners that play a critical role in our economy” said Kushida. “This bill will bring us one step closer to eliminating the accessibility gap and providing the diverse small business community with equal opportunities.”
###
About the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) was founded in 2010 to give a voice to the more than 754,000 AAPI- owned businesses in California. Today, CalAsian is the largest statewide ethnic chamber in the state and operates three federal business centers, dozens of programs providing technical and financial assistance to small businesses, and a foundation offering leadership and workforce development programs. Learn more at calasiancc.org
About the California African American Chamber of Commerce
As California’s largest statewide African-American Chamber organization, the California African-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) aims to drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African-American businesses. We aim to connect and harness the collective strength of our statewide network of member organizations to elevate our fiscal health, fostering growth and prosperity for all. Learn more at calaacc.org
About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) represents over 815,000 Latino-owned businesses in California generating over $100 billion in annual revenue, over 670,000 jobs, and $25 billion in payroll income for the state of California. Learn more at cahcc.com
Press Release: CA's Minority Entrepreneurs to Receive Millions in Investment Capital to Support State’s Move to a Low Carbon Future
Electrify California Program” Funding Announcement Part of Historic Investment by Biden-Harris Administration to Help Disadvantaged Entrepreneurs
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 9, 2023) — Minority entrepreneurs in California will soon have access to millions of dollars in U.S.-backed investment capital to support their growth in California’s low carbon economy thanks to a new business incubator and accelerator program run by the CalAsian Chamber in partnership with the Fresno Metro Black Chamber, and the Northern California Small Business Development Center.
The “Electrify California” Partnership, spearheaded by the CalAsian Chamber, was announced on August 4th as one of 43 national awardees to the new U.S. Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Capital Readiness Program, a $125 million technical assistance program to help minority and other underserved entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses – the largest investment of its type in history. Awardees will help entrepreneurs secure capital from the $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and other capital sources.
“We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration has selected the Electrify California business incubator and accelerator program as an effective way to help minority and disadvantaged small businesses gain entry to the massive market transition underway to a low carbon future,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian), who was in Washington, D.C., for the awards announcement with Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Department of Commerce officials. “This federal program allows us to respond directly to what minority and underserved entrepreneurs tell us they need most –access to capital and critical networks as well as high-value technical support.”
"We are humbled and thrilled to partner with the CalAsian Chamber in its efforts to Electrify California,” said Dr. Cassandra Little, CEO of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber Commerce. “We recognize that diversity and inclusion are integral to unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy solutions. We aim to build an equitable, cleaner, and more vibrant future for our state and beyond through our Transform Fresno - Bizwerx Clean Shared Mobility Network EV Accelerator to reinforce our commitment to revolutionize California's electric vehicle landscape."
“We are extremely excited to work with CA Asian Chamber of Commerce and provide business loan advice to minority and underserved businesses focusing on connecting them to SSBCI lenders,” said Kristin Johnson, Executive Director of Norcal Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).
Electrify California is a fully integrated finance and technical assistance program providing both early-stage incubator services and emerging company accelerator services to socially and economically disadvantaged individual (SEDI) entrepreneurs, with plans to assist over 1,200 entrepreneurs over four years with credit and capital access combined with hands-on business support to enter and expand in low carbon economy growth industries.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 re-authorized the Department of Treasury’s SSBCI program to help revive entrepreneurship in America after the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. SSBCI provides a combined $10 billion to empower small businesses to access capital, including credit and investment programs for existing small businesses and start-ups and technical assistance to small businesses applying for SSBCI funding and other government small business programs.
To learn more about the MBDA Capital Readiness Program, click here.