Angat Graduates Poised for Success
In a culmination of 12 weeks of serious training, the Angat Business Development Class celebrated its graduates, marking a pivotal moment for Colorado's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business community. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Northern Colorado (PACCNoCo), is specifically designed to empower AAPI entrepreneurs by integrating eastern and western business practices.
A Culturally Competent Approach to Business
The ACC, as the only Statewide Minority Chamber in Colorado advocating exclusively for the AAPI business community, operates with a unique understanding of the cultural nuances that shape AAPI enterprise.
"We understand, at an inherent level, the AAPI way and purpose of doing business; appreciating that it is as much about family and cultural experience as it is about success," remarked a Fran Campbell, ACC President/CEO.
Recognizing the diversity within the AAPI community, encompassing a wide array of languages, traditions, and immigration experiences, the Angat program was created to bridge communication gaps and provide culturally competent connections. By focusing on essential tools of modern business development like strategic planning, market analysis, and financial acumen, the program directly aligns with the ACC’s mission to provide targeted training and assistance.
The success of the Angat class is heavily attributed to the commitment of its Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who provided candid, real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities of small business ownership. Graduates were armed with knowledge across a comprehensive curriculum.
A Call to "Angat" (Lift Up)
The closing remarks to the graduates emphasized a powerful vision for their futures, rooted in ambition and community:
1. Think Big. Be an Innovator: Graduates were encouraged to embrace the spirit of "Angat" (meaning to lift or elevate) by transforming hobbies and passions into viable, large-scale businesses.
- Harness the Power of your Cultural Community: Acknowledging the often-solitary nature of the small business journey, the call was made to utilize the shared spirit of the AAPI Business Community to build powerful, diverse teams and ethical partnerships.
- Define Your Own Success: The graduates were urged to resist narrow, externally- imposed definitions of success. Instead, they were empowered to define it on their own terms, letting it include "giving back, lifting up the next generation, and building businesses that reflect the values of integrity and respect."
The Angat program has successfully laid the groundwork for a new cohort of AAPI business leaders, ensuring that their journeys are clearer, less rocky, and supported by a strong, culturally- aware network. The future of AAPI business in Colorado looks bright, poised for growth and innovation.
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