SIZZLING SUMMER STRATEGIES

Summer is here! For many businesses, it’s a time of change. With school out and vacations in full swing, customer behavior shifts, creating challenges and opportunities. Some companies thrive in the warmer months, while others experience a slow season. However, with thoughtful planning and creativity, summer can be a period of growth for any business.

The Chamber Connection

The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is here to support your business through the summer months. Take advantage of our events, workshops, and networking opportunities to engage with potential customers and gain insights from other businesses.

Join our events, workshops, and networking opportunities to connect with potential customers and learn from other businesses.

Monthly Meetup: On July 12, learn how to maximize your chamber membership. This event is open to members and non-members. Register here.

Our resources and expertise can help you:

Stay Informed: Keep up with local events, tourism trends, and business opportunities.
Connect with Partners: Find businesses to collaborate with on summer promotions or events. Here are partner events:

PeopleFund Event: Speed networking for business owners, especially within their first five years. Gain insights and connections crucial for your entrepreneurial journey.

When: July 12, 11 AM-1 PM CT

Where: United Way, 50 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Learn more

Ready to Contract? The government spends billions every year on products and services. Learn how to enter the government marketplace with steps on getting started and certification programs.

When: July 9, 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: Southwest Management District, 6588 Corporate Drive #Ste. 168, Houston, TX 77036

Details

Grow Your Business: Looking to grow your business? The University of Houston, VISION Galveston, City of Houston OBO, Goldman Sachs, and BakerRipley host various breakout sessions to teach you about various no-cost business development programs throughout Houston that are available to small businesses.

Where: Online

When: July 30, 10 am – 12 pm

Access Marketing Resources: Expand your reach through the ACC’s website, social media channels, and newsletter.

Rising 10 Awards

Time is running out to nominate an Asian-owned business for the Asian Chamber Foundation Rising 10 Awards! This program highlights the top 10 fastest-growing Asian-owned companies in the greater Houston area with 3+ years in operation. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 8, 2024. Apply now at https://asianchamberfoundation.org/rising10

With some planning and creativity, you can make this summer your most successful yet!

With warm regards,

Sydney Dao

Board Chair

Happy 4th of July!

The Asian Chamber of Commerce wishes you a joyful and safe Independence Day! As we celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity, let's take a moment to appreciate the diversity and strength of our community. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends, and let's continue to support and uplift each other. Happy 4th of July!

Rising 10 Awards

Spotlight on Success

The Asian Chamber Foundation is excited to announce the Rising 10 Awards, celebrating the top 10 fastest-growing Asian-owned companies in the Houston area. These awards recognize businesses that have been in operation for three or more years and showcase their remarkable success and contributions to the community.

Nomination Criteria:

Annual Revenue: $250,000+ in any of the following years: 2021-2023
Business Operations: Minimum of 3 years
Location: Headquartered in the U.S. with an office in Houston
Ownership: At least 50% Asian-owned
Applicant: Must be C-level or Founder & Chairman
Employees: Minimum of 2 employees

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM

All financial data will be submitted to a third-party accounting firm to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. Submit your nominations today and join us in celebrating the success of our vibrant business community! We will honor the Rising 10 recipients during our annual Asian Chamber Business Expo 2024 on August 22.

Pitch Pitch Revolution

Empower the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs!

ACE NextGen and Macy's are thrilled to present Pitch Pitch Revolution: The Entrepreneurial Challenge, a fantastic opportunity for high school and college students to showcase their best 30-second business pitch ideas.

Know a budding entrepreneur? Encourage them to participate for a chance to win a $25 Macy's gift card and the opportunity to present their pitch live to a panel of judges.

The first 60 entrants will each receive $25, and the top pitch will win an impressive $2,000 grand prize! Winners will also have the chance to receive mentorship from ACE NextGen entrepreneurs.

Don't miss out on this chance to shape the future of entrepreneurship. Share this opportunity and help inspire the next generation of business leaders!

Deadline to submit: July 25. Learn more and enter: acenextgen.org/pitch

Member Spotlight:

De Well Shipping Container

The Chamber is delighted to spotlight De Well Shipping Container, a leading and rapidly growing technology-driven, integrated end-to-end cross-border supply chain solution provider. Founded in Shanghai, China, in 1992 by Time Young and Fran Cheng, De Well has become a key player in the logistics industry across China and the Asia Pacific.

De Well Shipping Container operates a vast global network in more than 50 countries, with owned offices, facilities, and agent partners spanning China, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe.

Core Businesses

Ocean Logistics: Ranked among the top 10 NVOCC in Trans-Pacific Eastbound Trade
Air Logistics
Large Container Depot & ICD Operator in Shanghai
Domestic Trucking and Container Drayage
Fulfillment Centers in China and the US
eCommerce Cross-Border and Marketplace Specialists

Visit De Well at:

De Well Container Shipping Inc.

650 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Unit 209

Houston, TX 77060

www.de-well.com

Unlock Bidding Success with the Asian Chamber of Commerce!

Discover the 2024 Asian Chamber Membership Benefits!

Join us for an informative session to learn how to maximize your chamber membership and grow your business. This step-by-step guide will highlight the exciting events and programs planned for the year!

Event Details:

Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST
Location: Asian Chamber Office, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108, Houston, TX 77042

Don't miss this opportunity to make the most of your membership! Register now.

As hurricane season begins, businesses must be proactive in preparing for potential emergencies to ensure a swift and effective recovery.

Prepare for Emergencies

Disasters come in many forms, and the financial burden of rebuilding can be staggering. Being prepared for emergencies can significantly enhance your ability to recover and maintain operations in the face of a disaster.

Be Prepared

Step 1: Assess Your Risk Every business has its own unique vulnerabilities. Identifying the disasters most likely to impact your business is crucial for a swift recovery. Conducting a self-assessment can help you understand your risks for common hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or cyberattacks.

Statistics show that 25% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster.

Step 2: Create a Plan Your response plan is essential for recovery and should be tailored to your business's specific needs. It should prioritize immediate actions and be easily accessible. Use checklists and online toolkits to help develop your plan. Consider these resources:

The IRS guide on preparing your business for a disaster
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit

Focus on realistic risks for your business and utilize these resources to reduce the financial impact and resume operations quickly.

Step 3: Execute Your Plan Regularly practice your plan with your staff to ensure readiness when a disaster strikes.

Get Financial Assistance After a Disaster

You might qualify for low-interest disaster recovery loans from the SBA for damages to real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Check your eligibility for:

Submit your SBA disaster loan application promptly and discuss with your SBA representative about potentially increasing your physical damage loan for mitigation purposes. There is no cost to apply, and you are not obligated to accept the loan if approved.

Make Your Business Resilient

A resilient business can quickly and effectively manage adversity, minimize disruption, resume operations sooner, recover faster, and adapt for the future. The SBA's Business Resilience Guide helps small businesses anticipate the impacts of disasters on their operations to minimize disruption. Download the Business Resilience Guide for more information on building resilience.

AAPI National Convention

The Inaugural AAPI National Convention is coming to Houston!

The City of Houston Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Board invites you to join us in celebrating and uplifting the AAPI community at the inaugural AAPI National Convention Houston.

This event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and access to the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) job fair and community market.

Join thought leaders, innovative change-makers, entrepreneurs, scholars, government officials, and more to celebrate the diversity and collective power of the AAPI community. Take advantage of the early bird registration rate of $99, which includes breakfast, lunch, and all program sessions. Register today!

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3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108

Houston, TX 77042

(713) 782-7222