The following are ten great resources for Asian women entrepreneurs.
1. Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC)
AABDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1994. Their mission is to assist Asian-owned businesses to compete in the mainstream marketplace by offering technical assistance, support, and programs to improve the management skills of Asian American business owners.AABDC assists Asian-owned businesses and entrepreneurs access potential markets through U.S. procurement and international trade opportunities through its programs and networking resources.
2. Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
This organization is a nonprofit professional and educational organization with thousands of members today. The organization’s mission is to foster cultural diversity in the media by encouraging young Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders men and women to consider journalism as a career, developing managers in the media industry, and promoting fair and accurate news coverage. The term "Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders" includes those “who self-identify with one or more of the three dozen nationalities and ethnic groups in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands.”3. Asian American Manufacturing Association (AAMA)
AAMA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 that consist of businesses and individuals to promote manufacturing and related enterprise throughout the Pacific Rim. AAMA boasts they are the, “Silicon Valley's leading business network promoting the success of technology enterprises in the Pacific Rim.”
AAMA currently has more than 10,000 members from over 2,000 companies. AAMA states, its members, “both Asian Americans and non-Asian Americans, are key players in the Internet, wireless, telecommunications, computers, semiconductor, software, hardware, electronics and bio-tech industries.”
4. Asian Enterprise
Asian Enterprise (AE) is monthly publication available through subscription and rack sales at bookstores including selected Barnes & Noble bookstores, and Tower Records. The publication is a valuable “information source for the growing number of independent Asian Pacific American entrepreneurs throughout the United States.”
According to AE’s website, the publication, which boasts more than 33,000 subscribers, features editorials on women and minorities in business, as well as “certification policies and procedures, access to small business programs for subcontractors, the fiscal and business impacts of public activity, as well as the educational and cultural issues of special concern to the Asian Pacific American business community.”
5. Asian Professional Exchange (APEX)
APEX regularly hosts events and seminars to assist Asian American professionals by creating a network of resources and mentors. APEX is a grass-roots company that “started out as a good idea scribbled passionately upon a restaurant napkin,” and has grown to become an invaluable and impressive resource for Asian American business owners and professionals.6. Asian Week Online
"Asian Week" is an online, national English-language publication for the Asian Pacific American community with a business section covering news about Asian-American business.
The bloggers and news reporters for “Asian Week,” are outspoken, colorful, well-informed, and intelligently discuss everything from politics and Asian issues, to sports and homosexuality. Of particular interest to Asian women business owners might be the section Small Business Advocate.
If you prefer print news for the Asian community, you can subscribe to “Queensland Asian Business Weekly, an unrelated magazine publication through Amazon.com.
7. Asian Women in Business
A membership based organization, Asian Women In Business (AWIB) was founded in 1995. AWIB is the only nonprofit, organization in the country with the primary mission of “assisting Asian women entrepreneurs.” AWIB has helped more than 20,000 women and minorities through innovative programs and targeted events.
AWIB, seeks to identify and address the needs and issues affecting the business and professional development of Asian Americans. They also are active advocates in promoting the inclusion of, and opportunities for, minority- and women-owned businesses and professionals.
8. Goldsea
The site, which is sort of a “Who’s Who” in Asian society, includes sections such as “Wonder Women” and “Rag to Riches” stories to help and insure Asian business owners. In addition to offering information about Asian business owners, the site also lists Asian celebrities, influential and Asia heroes and much more.9. U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC)
USPAACC is a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for Asian and non-Asian American businesses and professionals in, sciences, the arts, sports, education, entertainment, community, and public service.
USPAACC offers a wealth of networking opportunities to Asian women business owners, as wells hosts events, and offer cash awards for Asian business leaders. The site also provides statistics on the positive impact of Asian people in the U.S. as well as globally.
