Helping Growth-Stage Small Businesses Build Capacity, Compete, and Scale
Empower is a multi-state small business development program designed for growth-stage founders and business owners who are ready to strengthen operations, pursue contracting and growth opportunities, and scale with intention.
Led by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CAPCC), Empower provides high-value business development services and individualized technical assistance to eligible small businesses operating across 21 states. The program is funded through the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program (CRP) and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).
Ecosystem Partners:
Who Empower Is Designed For
Empower supports small businesses that are actively operating and ready to strengthen their foundations for growth.
The program is best suited for businesses that:
- Are operational, with at least some business activity or revenue
- Are looking to strengthen internal systems and core operations
- Are preparing to pursue growth, contracting, or institutional opportunities
- Would benefit from structured guidance and hands-on technical assistance
Empower serves businesses at different stages of development. Some participants may be in an earlier phase of growth, while others may be more established and preparing to scale. The common thread is readiness to move beyond ideas and into focused execution.
A Note on Fit
Empower is designed to support businesses that are ready to act. While the program does not focus on idea development alone, early-stage businesses with at least one year of operation or initial revenue may still be a good fit.
Businesses that are still in the concept or planning phase may be encouraged to explore other Chamber resources before applying.
What You’ll Get
Empower combines structured learning with tailored, hands-on support to help businesses build real capacity.
Program offerings include:
- Structured learning focused on business readiness, competitiveness, and execution
- One-on-one technical assistance aligned to your business stage, goals, and opportunities
- Curated tools, templates, and resources to support implementation, contracting, and growth
Services are provided at no cost to participants, ensuring access to rigorous, results-driven support without compromising quality.
How the Program Works
Empower supports businesses as they:
- Strengthen core business systems
- Improve readiness for growth and contracting opportunities
- Build the operational capacity needed to compete in public and private marketplaces
Support is practical, targeted, and designed to produce measurable progress, not just information.
Program Scope
- Operates across 21 states
- Delivered by CAPCC in partnership with experienced ecosystem and delivery partners
- Structured as a flexible framework
Ready to Learn More?
Participation in Empower begins with a short intake form that helps us understand your business, your goals, and your readiness for program support.
The intake process allows the CAPCC team to:
- Confirm eligibility and program fit
- Align businesses with the appropriate program track or level of support
- Ensure participants receive targeted, high-value technical assistance
Completing the intake form does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All submissions are reviewed to ensure alignment with program goals and available resources.
Am I Eligible for Empower?
(Quick Self-Check)
Empower is a good fit if most of the following are true:
☐ My business is actively operating (not just an idea)
☐ I have at least one year of operation or some revenue activity
☐ I am looking to strengthen systems, operations, or readiness for growth
☐ I am interested in contracting, institutional, or next-phase growth opportunities
☐ I am prepared to engage in structured learning and hands-on technical assistance
If you checked most of these boxes, Empower may be a good fit for your business.
What Happens After I Submit?
After you submit the Empower intake form, here’s what to expect:
Application Review
The CAPCC team reviews your submission to assess eligibility, readiness, and program fit.
Program Alignment
If your business is a good fit, you may be aligned to the appropriate program track or level of support based on your needs and goals.
Next Steps Communication
You’ll receive follow-up communication outlining next steps, timelines, or additional information needed. Not all applicants will be accepted.
Timeline: Intake submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Most applicants can expect to hear from the CAPCC team within 2 weeks, depending on volume and available program capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Empower is designed for businesses that are actively operating and ready to strengthen their operations and pursue next-phase opportunities. Early-stage businesses with at least one year of operation or initial revenue may still be considered.
Yes. Empower services are provided at no cost to participants through public funding and partner support.
No. Empower operates across 21 states:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.
No. All submissions are reviewed to ensure alignment with program goals, eligibility requirements, and available capacity.
Program length and level of engagement vary depending on the track and the type of support provided. Details are shared with accepted participants.
Yes. Participation in other programs does not automatically disqualify you, though overlap and eligibility will be reviewed during intake.
If Empower isn’t the right fit at this time, CAPCC may recommend other Chamber or partner resources that better align with your current stage.
Get Started Today
Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
Apply now to become part of Empower.
For any questions, please contact skushida@calasiancc.org