May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the multifaceted contributions of AAPI communities to Arlington’s economic, cultural and social tapestry. Celebrate AAPI heritage and culture this month and all year long by joining us for community events in May and supporting AAPI-owned Arlington businesses enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of our local economy and community. The Impact of AAPI Businesses on Arlington’s Economy Over the past decade, AAPI-owned businesses in Arlington have played a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. These businesses span various industries, from hospitality to technology, enriching the local business landscape and reflecting the diversity of the community.A few listings of AAPI-owned businesses in Arlington can be found below: Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Owned Businesses | Arlington Convention & Visitors Service (stayarlington.com) Support Columbia Pike’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Businesses | Columbia Pike Partnership (columbia-pike.org) Last year, during its Brunch and Business event, BizLaunch, a local entrepreneurship support organization, highlighted three thriving, Arlington-founded AAPI-owned businesses flourishingwithin the community. During this event, business owners shared their unique entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting the joys and challenges of starting and running a business. BizLaunch is committed to celebrating the diversity of Arlington’s business community by actively creating programs and initiatives tailored to support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. By providing resources and opportunities for growth, BizLaunch aims to empower AAPI-owned businesses and contribute to the overall economic vitality of Arlington. For May, BizLaunch has curated two community events that celebrate AAPI-owned businesses. Upcoming Events • Fil AM Entrepreneurship Panel – May 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Arlington Public Library, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington, DC and BizLaunch are partnering to host a panel discussion on Filipino-owned businesses. The event will conclude with a Q&A session and time for networking. Register today! • Connect and Converge: Celebrating Asian Businesses – May 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m. Build your business network by attending BizLaunch’s “Connect and Converge: Celebrating AAPI Businesses” mixer. Join us for an evening filled with opportunities to connect with more than 100 entrepreneurs, surrounded by delicious food and a beautiful atmosphere at Arlington’s Saigon Noodles & Grill. Register today! As we honor AAPI Heritage Month, let us recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of the AAPI community to Arlington’s dynamic landscape. By empowering AAPI-owned businesses to thrive, we collectively build a stronger, more inclusive future for our community. For more information about the upcoming events or ways BizLaunch can support your small business, please visit our website. This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
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