CalAsian Foundation’s Small Business Strong program was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when AAPI communities were facing both economic uncertainty and rising hate.
Through conversations with small business owners, the foundation heard concerns about community safety, workforce well-being and disconnection from decision-makers who could address their needs.
In its early years, Small Business Strong focused on intervention and crisis response through trainings on de-escalation, bystander intervention and active shooter preparedness, along with conversations that connected business owners, elected officials and community leaders. As employers and employees increasingly raised concerns about workplace wellness, stress and mental health, the program evolved toward prevention and resilience.
Since its inception, Small Business Strong has hosted eight in-person roundtables and 31 virtual webinars, serving more than 2,000 clients and reaching more than 7,000 constituents statewide. Through partnerships with more than 40 organizations and support for more than 300 small businesses in the Greater Sacramento region, the program continues to listen, adapt and build solutions with the communities it serves.
CalAsianFoundation.org (opens in a new tab)