Program areas at CalAsian
In 2023, the Chamber continued its work on 3 federal grants - one with the u.s. department of transportation, one with the u.s. department of Commerce, and one with the norcal sbdc network - and began work on a new grant with the u.s. dept of Commerce. The mbda business center, which started in 2021, continues to provide technical assistance and business services to minority business enterprises, as well as assisting with financing and contract opportunities, under the small business transportation resource center (sbtrc). The Chamber assisted small businesses with procurement and bonding, providing technical assistance and 1-on-1 consulting to firms.the Chamber was also awarded a separate contract by the state of California's governor's office of business and economic development (go-biz) under the sb-tap program to help expand the scope of services offered by the Chamber's technical assistance programs. The san joaquin small business development center (sbdc) started in 2022, providing technical assistance and consulting services to small businesses in san joaquin county, assisting with access to capital, financing, procurement,and business development. The mbda capital readiness program (electrify California) started in 2023, providing technical assistance and access to capital and financing opportunities for minority small businesses looking to work in the electrification industry.
In 2023, the Chamber hosted its second annual California diversity awards, in partnership with the California hispanic and african-american chambers of Commerce. Through a nomination process, a top public official and a corporate business received awards for their dedication and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (dei), advancing opportunities in the workplace, creating more inclusive policies, and ensuring investments in California's diverse communities.
The Chamber hosted a highly successful virtual legislative summit that brought together statewide community leaders, small business owners and both sides of the legislators to work together to promote a more business-friendly environment in the state and promote jobs in California. In addition, the Chamber also held a virtual statewide policy summit which looked at key issues facing small businesses in California today.
The Chamber held a virtual mnority womens conference and several educatonal webinars.