Our History: Four Decades of APIDA Economic Leadership

The Asian Chamber of Commerce was founded as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization in February of 1984 in Denver, Colorado. Our mission, which has guided us for over four decades, is to promote awareness of and to assist in the economic development of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) business community throughout Colorado.

The Asian Chamber Of Commerce is dedicated to fostering business opportunities through culturally competent connections rooted in a deep understanding of the unique APIDA community and its diverse needs. As the APIDA population and its economic and cultural footprint continue to grow in Colorado, the Asian Chamber Of Commerce ensures this vital impact is understood and supported.

Building Power Through Collaboration

For over 40 years, the Asian Chamber Of Commerce has been a visible and effective collaborative partner at every level of commerce.

  • Government Relations: We work closely with Federal, State, and Municipal economic development offices to advocate for and advance the interests of APIDA businesses.
  • Minority Business Coalition: In 1990, the Asian Chamber Of Commerce became a proud partner in the Minority and Women's Chamber Coalition, collaborating with the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Hispanic Chamber, the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, this partnership was physically affirmed when the Asian Chamber Of Commerce moved offices to the Diverse Business Center at the American Red Cross Building in Denver, alongside our coalition partners.
  • National and International Ties: Our partnerships extend to national APIDA groups (such as the National Asian Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship and the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development), as well as the international offices of Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Corporate Partners

The Asian Chamber Of Commerce has established core initiatives to directly support both APIDA entrepreneurs and our valued Corporate Members.

The Small Business Initiative

In 2023, the Asian Chamber Of Commerce created the Small Business Initiative to ensure all APIDA businesses in Colorado have the resources to thrive, regardless of their membership status. This crucial program offers specialized business counseling tailored to address the unique challenges faced by APIDA entrepreneurs and business owners.

Corporate Engagement and Equity

We serve as a strong, strategic partner to our Corporate Members by:

  • Providing support to employee resource and affinity groups.
  • Presenting APIDA culturally relevant training to foster greater understanding and inclusion within organizations.
  • Actively collaborating with corporate supplier diversity and procurement departments to ensure equitable opportunity for APIDA contracts.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce acts as an important mutual source of connection—a vital link to the APIDA Business and Cultural Communities, committed to achieving a positive outcome for all of Colorado through shared success and collaboration.